The Ultimate Guide to LPG Boilers

Are you looking for a cleaner solution to a gas boiler? Or maybe your boiler has broken down and you’re searching for a cheaper alternative.

A LPG boiler is an option that could be the perfect solution for your home or business.

It is an alternative source of heating for the millions of homes not connected to the grid, it is cleaner, and it is cheaper to install than gas or oil.

If you are wondering if an LPG boiler is right for you, read on to find out what it is, how it works, how much it costs to run, and how to service it.

What is a LPG boiler?

A liquid petroleum gas (LPG) boiler uses natural hydrocarbon fuel which is a mix of propane and butane gas.

The boiler takes liquid from a cylinder to create the gas, providing domestic and commercial premises with heating and hot water.

As it is stored as a liquid, a larger quantity of fuel can be stored in a smaller space.

A LPG boiler has cleaner burning characteristics as it uses a low polluting fossil fuel, but it is not considered clean because it still produces carbon dioxide when burned.

It is favoured for commercial use because it can run operating tools, ovens, and trucks, and can be delivered to rural areas.

How does a LPG boiler work?

A LPG boiler has an external tank or cylinder which contains the gas. The gas is connected by a fuel feed to the boiler which then liquefies at a moderate pressure to provide hot water and central heating.

The pros of a LPG boiler

Both domestic and commercial properties can see benefits from an LPG boiler.

It’s more energy efficient

A-grade boilers offer 90% energy efficiency and can save you up to £340 per year in fuel costs.

They can be used in conjunction with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels.

It’s quieter

A LPG boiler is usually quieter than other boilers, unless you’re a fan of the white noise from your current old boiler, then this is an added bonus.

They are cheaper

Basic models can be purchased from £350 and range up to £2,000 which is cheaper than other oil or gas boilers.

Many combi boilers can be converted with an LPG conversion kit, which can also lower the cost.

You can also rent the storage tank from suppliers which gives you more flexibility to suit your budget.

They are suitable for lots of premises

LPG boilers are perfect for the homes that don’t have access to the grid but still want gas for their heating system.

It is also suitable for static caravans, heaters, campervans, and boats.

The cons of a LPG boiler

It needs fuel to be delivered

You need to remember to track your fuel and order more when you need it. You should also leave plenty of time for it to be delivered otherwise you could run out and be left without heating.

Some tanks have an auto-ordering technology which will monitor your gas for you.

Installation

When a LPG boiler is being installed, you also need to install a tank which can be placed in your garden or underground.

Rising fuel cost

There has been an increase in European natural gas prices since July 2021. There are several reasons for this, but the result is a higher fuel cost for those with LPG boilers.

Are LPG boilers expensive to run?

In the UK, LPG boilers cost on average £796 per year when consuming around 12,000 kWh of power.

Gas boilers cost 4.65p per kilowatt-hour and a LPG boiler is higher at around 7.7p per kilowatt-hour.

Oil heating is around 4.82p per kilowatt-hour but is dearer to install.

What size of LPG boiler do I need?

The capacity varies between 1,000 and 2,000 litres but the average home is usually recommended a 1,410 litre LPG boiler.

The tank that is also needed can be up to 2,500 metres, plus it needs room around it for airflow. The LPG tank can be installed outside or underground, so it does not look unsightly in your garden.

The underground tank has a lid which suppliers can refill but will not be suitable for all premises, depending on the area.

An above-ground tank is generally more costly because it needs a base.

Does a LPG boiler need to be serviced every year?

Yes. There are lots of benefits for getting your LPG boiler or any boiler serviced once per year.

It reduces wear and tear.

Servicing your boiler ensures it is kept in the best possible condition and you can fix any issues before they become more serious and costly.

Prevents breakdowns.

When you service your boiler, it is less likely that your boiler will breakdown, leaving you with no heating and a costly repair bill.

Your warranty.

To qualify for your warranty, you must service your boiler every year.

Economical.

Keeping your boiler maintained helps to extend its life, so you get more for your money.

How much does a LPG boiler service cost?

The cost of a boiler service with Add Heat starts from £85 plus vat and takes around 40 minutes.

A boiler service by one of our qualified engineers will include checking safety devices, checking pressure, visual checks, cleaning, and a service report.

Who can carry out an LPG boiler service?

A gas safe engineer should carry out a service or any work on your LPG boiler. It is best to have an accredited engineer install your boiler to get an extended manufacturer’s warranty.

At Add Heat, our engineers are Gas Safe and OFTEC Registered with many years of experience.

We service the Cheshire, Stockport, and Manchester areas, fitting over 500 boilers a year.

LPG boilers can be a great solution for the many houses not connected to the gas grid. It is cleaner and cheaper to install, however, you should speak with an engineer to decide if it is the right choice for your premises.