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What are the advantages of oil boilers?

If you are unsure whether an oil boiler is right for your home, it may help to hear some of the excellent advantages to these boilers. Benefits of oil boilers include:

• Efficiency - Oil boilers are as efficient as gas boilers.

• Convenience - If your home isn't on the mains grid, arranging regular oil deliveries is a convenient way of fueling your central heating system.

• Noise - If you choose an external oil boiler, you won’t need to worry about noise in your home.

• Safety - Oil can be flammable but it won’t cause a big explosion like gas could. Choosing an oil boiler also eliminates your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Cost - Oil boilers are often cheaper than gas boilers.

What are the disadvantages of oil boilers?

Despite their many benefits, oil boilers do have a few drawbacks. These include:

• Limited supply - Unlike being connected to the gas mains, having an oil boiler means you can run out of fuel. However, once you’ve set up regular oil deliveries, this shouldn't be an issue.

• Running costs - It can be more expensive to run an oil boiler than a gas boiler.

• Maintenance - Oil boilers need regular maintenance to ensure they keep running efficiently.

This really depends on your requirements. You have the option of buying one of the following types of oil boiler:

• System boilers - Use a hot water cylinder to store heated water as well as supplying your central heating system. They’re also fed using a mains water supply, ensuring you have good water pressure.

• Conventional boilers - These boilers require a hot and cold water tank. They’re easy to maintain and can provide hot water even if your mains pressure reduces.

• Combi boilers - Combi boilers work using both direct fired hot water and stored hot water. This ensures you have a constant, unlimited supply of hot water.

  You can learn more about the different types of boiler, including pros, cons and prices in our new boiler cost guide.

There are a range of oil boiler sizes so it’s important to pick the right option for your home. The size of oil boiler you need will depend on how large your home is, how many people live there and how much hot water you use. For example, if you live in a 1 bedroom flat, you’ll need a smaller boiler than if you live in a 4 bedroom house.

As a rough guide, for any home that has three bedrooms or less you’ll need a 24 - 30kw boiler. The best way of ensuring you get the right size boiler is to discuss your needs with a professional oil boiler installer.

How long does an oil boiler last?

The lifespan of your boiler will vary depending on how much you use it and the type/size of boiler you choose. Generally, an oil boiler will last at least 15 years.

It can be tricky to calculate how much your oil boiler will cost without considering the variables that impact the price. If you’re planning to have a new oil boiler installed, consider the following factors:

• Size of boiler - Larger boilers can produce more hot water but will be more expensive.

• Brand and model of boiler - Different brands and models of boiler will be priced differently.

• Type of boiler - System, combi and conventional boilers have different costs.

• Current set up - If your current set up is very different than your new boiler requires, this will cost more to change. For example, if you currently have a gas boiler, more labour is required to make the switch.

• Extra work needed - If your system has issues or damage, it’ll cost more to repair.

• Age of tank - If you currently have an oil boiler tank that’s quite old, you may need to pay extra for a new tank.

• Location - Labour prices vary depending on where you live in the UK.

Oil boiler installation cost

Bearing the above variables in mind, you can now estimate your new oil boiler installation cost. The average price for a combi oil boiler is £3,675, while the average price for a system oil boiler is £3,163. When it comes to installation, you can expect to pay an average of £2,000 to have your oil boiler fitted.

For more prices and information about new oil boilers, please visit our new boiler cost guide.

Want to speak to oil boiler installers in West Lothian?

If you’re considering oil boiler installation in West Lothian it’s important to find the right professional for your job. You can depend on our members as they each pass 12 checks to ensure they’re perfect for your project. What’s more, they’re recommended by your neighbours.

Why spend hours looking for oil boiler fitters in West Lothian when we can help speed up your search. Try our free search feature to instantly see a range of oil boiler specialists in your area using just your postcode.

Or, if you’re particularly busy, our request a quote feature is a great option. Just fill in our handy online form with the details of the work you need doing. We’ll pass this information to three oil boiler installers in West Lothian who’ll contact you with three personalised quotes.