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If you’re planning to have a new oil boiler installed, consider the following factors when working out the cost:

• 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

The main difference between oil and gas boilers is that oil boilers run off fuel that’s stored on your property in a tank.

You’ll need to set up a contract for regular oil deliveries to top up your tank depending on how much oil you use.

Our oil tank installation cost guide has lots more information on what's involved.

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

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
• Not suitable for new build homes
  • You can't install new oil boilers in new build properties. However, you're still able to install and use a new oil boiler in older homes

When it comes to deciding what type of oil boiler is best for your home, you have the option of buying one of the following:

• 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.

As a rough guide, for any home that has three bedrooms or less you’ll need a 24 - 30kw boiler.

However, the exact size of oil boiler you need for your home will depend on:

• How large your home is
• How many people live there
• How much hot water you use

The best way of ensuring you get the right size boiler is to discuss your needs with a professional oil boiler installer.

Generally speaking, an oil boiler will last at least 15 years. However, the lifespan of your boiler will vary depending on:

• How much you use it
• Type and size of boiler you choose
• How often it's serviced