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Once again, there's no beating Oil Heating!
14th May 2009
Figures released this week by the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) and prepared by independent heating consultant Sutherland Tables, reveal that oil again is one of the cheapest ways for homeowners and householders throughout the British Isles, to heat their home.
The average annual running costs for a condensing oil boiler, heating a typical three bedroom home in the United Kingdom is now £884 per annum. This represents a saving of £48 over British Gas, £300 over Biomass (Wood Pellets), £385 over electricity... and represents a whopping £691 saving 'rip off' LPG!
Jeremy Hawksley, Director General of OFTEC, says "This is excellent news for the 1.4 million householders in the UK who use oil to heat their homes".
The figures also show that a typical heating oil user in the UK can save £192 a year just by converting their boiler to a condensing boiler. Condensing boilers are more efficient than conventional boilers and release much less CO2 than non-condensing models.
However, whilst the oil heating industry is understandably pleased with the latest fuel comparisons, concern has been expressed over the massive cost differential between heating oil and LPG costs across the UK. Families who may have unwittingly in the past fallen into the LPG Trap, are at significant risk during these economically challenging times of now falling into the Fuel Poverty Trap - making an already bad situation, even worse.
Meanwhile the same research has revealed the price of home heating oil in the Republic of Ireland has almost halved since July 2008.
Damien Keenan, OFTEC's representative in the Republic of Ireland commented, "This is excellent news for the c.500, 000 homeowners in the Republic who use oil for their heating and hot water requirements. The latest independent figures from Sutherland show that the annual cost to heat a 3 bedroom house in the Republic has fallen to €1,645; this is €21 cheaper than natural gas and €302 cheaper than electric."
"Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is currently grant aiding the installation of condensing boilers with controls and the latest figures show that a condensing boiler will reduce oil consumption and cost by a further 18%.
"SEI is recommending the use of OFTEC Registered Technicians through their website and consumers looking to have a new boiler installed or serviced should make sure their technician is registered to ensure competence", added Damien.
Consumers in the Republic of Ireland and in the UK, can find their local OFTEC Registered Technician by visiting the Association's website.
