Homes relying on oil for heating have experienced the most affordable heating expenses in the past four years, as per recent studies

In recent years, liquid fuel boilers have emerged as a cost-effective choice for home heating, according to a report by The Sutherland Tables, an independent research organization. The organization found that oil condensing boilers have been the cheapest form of home heating since 2020.

The lower operating costs of liquid fuel boilers can be attributed to a decrease in fuel prices and potential improvements in efficiency or regulatory changes. Malcolm Farrow, head of public affairs at OFTEC, highlighted this development, stating that it is welcome news for the 1.7 million UK homes that rely on liquid fuel for heating.

Comparatively, electric storage heaters are more than twice as expensive as oil condensing boilers, with an average yearly running cost of £2,866. Liquid fuel boilers using kerosene have relatively low fuel consumption compared to other forms of energy supply, offering potential savings for homeowners.

Furthermore, fuel supplies for liquid fuel boilers can be kept in large tanks on the property, allowing for buying in bulk and additional savings. This aspect, combined with the competitive prices of liquid fuel heating, makes it an attractive option for many households over the coming months.

However, it's important to note that while the data provides a good basis for fuel price comparison, heating costs can be impacted by various factors, such as the heating demands of a well-insulated home versus an old home without much insulation.

Liquid fuel boilers do emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide. Oil boilers sold after autumn 2018 are required to be 'low NOx' to mitigate these emissions. Malcolm Farrow emphasized the need for transitioning properties relying on liquid fuel heating onto a lower carbon alternative to support the UK's net zero commitments.

One such alternative could be Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable liquid fuel. HVO has been tested in nearly 150 properties over the past two years, achieving an 88% reduction in emissions with minor boiler modifications. If the government corrects the current fuel duty disparity and implements a fuel obligation, options like HVO could provide a long-term, affordable solution for decarbonizing buildings in the off-grid sector.

While heat pumps may not be a practical or realistic choice for all properties, renewable liquid fuels like HVO could offer a more pragmatic solution for decarbonizing buildings in the off-grid sector. As the UK moves towards its net zero commitments, it is crucial to consider both cost-effectiveness and environmental impact when choosing a home heating solution.

Homes relying on oil for heating have experienced the most affordable heating expenses in the past four years, as per recent studies