Approximately 1.5 million UK homes rely on oil heating. For rural Northamptonshire and Leicestershire properties without mains gas, it's the most common alternative to gas.
How oil boilers work
Oil boilers burn Class C2 kerosene (domestic heating oil). The burner draws oil from an outdoor tank, atomises it, and ignites it to produce heat. The heat is transferred to the central heating water via a heat exchanger. Modern condensing oil boilers are highly efficient — up to 97.5% net efficiency.
The tank
Oil must be stored on-site in a tank — typically 1,000–2,500 litres for a typical home. Plastic single-skin tanks, bunded (double-skin) tanks, and steel tanks are all available. Building Regulations require bunded tanks near water courses or in flood zones.
OFTEC requirements
All oil boiler installations and services must be carried out by an OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) registered engineer. We are OFTEC registered and issue OFTEC commissioning certificates on all oil installations.
Annual service
Oil boilers require more intensive annual servicing than gas — typically including burner nozzle replacement, filter cleaning, and pump check. Annual service cost is slightly higher than gas: approximately £100–£130.
Running costs
Oil prices fluctuate significantly. As a guide, a 3-bed home typically uses 1,500–2,500 litres per year. Buy in summer when prices are typically lower.