Oil vs LPG: two off-grid fuels compared
Oil and LPG are the two common alternatives where no gas main exists. They use different tanks, different appliances and different delivery arrangements, so switching between them is a bigger job than it first appears.
Things worth knowing about oil and LPG heating
- LPG boilers are gas-format appliances with an LPG conversion
- Oil boilers are a separate appliance category, not interchangeable with LPG
- Bulk LPG tanks are often owned by the supplier under contract
- Oil tanks are typically owned outright by the homeowner
- Both fuels are delivered by road tanker to rural properties
Who should undertake the work
- Gas appliance work must be completed by a suitably qualified Gas Safe engineer
- Oil appliance work should be completed by a suitably qualified OFTEC technician
- Jamie Crawford Heating states both Gas Safe and OFTEC registration
The engineering behind oil and LPG heating
LPG can run boilers built for the mains-gas format with a conversion kit, and can also fuel cookers and fires from the same bulk tank or bottles. Oil needs its own storage tank and a dedicated oil-fired boiler; the two fuels are not interchangeable in the same appliance. Bulk LPG tanks are typically supplied and owned by the gas company, while oil tanks are usually owned by the householder.
Where we deal with this
Straight answers on oil and LPG heating
Our advice: Neither fuel is universally better — the right choice depends on existing infrastructure, appliance age and available outdoor space.
Jamie Crawford Heating is based at 24 Bristol Road, Radstock, BA3 3EE.
Questions we get asked
- Can I switch an oil boiler to LPG?
- No — it requires a different, LPG-rated appliance rather than a conversion of the oil boiler.
- Which needs more space?
- Both need outdoor tank space; LPG bulk tanks are often larger than a typical domestic oil tank.
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