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More reasons than one to choose LPG over oil
 You will undoubtedly have seen recent news surrounding the drastic increases in the cost of oil. In fact, on a pence per litre basis oil has more than doubled in the last two years1.
As a result LPG is now cheaper to run on both a ppl and kWh basis. This should make it easier for you, the installer, toencourage your customers to opt for LPG. To summarise, the reasons to choose LPG over oil are:
Lower installation and maintenance costs
LPG systems are cheaper to install than oil. Our figures suggest that, for a domestic installation, there’s about a £2,000 difference2 in favour of LPG. Calor usually owns the storage tank and therefore we care of installation, maintenance and insurance. But with oil, the homeowner will be responsible for maintaining and insuring their tank – which is a very important consideration because of the environmental hazards associated with oil.
Better for the environment
'Oil and fuels are the most frequently recorded types of pollutant of inland waters investigated by the Environment Agency in England and Wales3. The owner of an oil tank is liable for leakage however it is caused, and homeowners can pay up to £5,000 in fines. For commercial businesses, fines are unlimited.
Of course, with LPG there’s no risk of ground or water pollution, and there are other environmental plus points too. Out of all the fossil fuels available in rural areas, LPG has the lowest carbon emissions. In fact it emits 19 per cent less CO2 per kWh than heating oil4. Additionally LPG-compatible renewable options are available to reduce running costs and carbon emissions even further.
Minimal risk of theft
Recently, tank security has become a driver in the choice between oil and LPG. In a number of rural areas across the UK, oil customers have had the contents of their tank siphoned by thieves. NFU Mutual has suggested that as fuel prices have increased, so too have incidents of domestic oil theft. For affected homeowners, the cost to replenish the oil is significant. LPG can be seen as a more secure fuel, as it can’t be removed in the same way.
High cost of oil
The decision about whether to opt for LPG or oil has frequently come down to cost. And, even though LPG has always had strong advantages over oil, historically, an LPG system would have been slightly more expensive to run. But now oil is more expensive on a pence per litre basis and kWh basis. Installers could find LPG enquiries picking up considerably.
Sources
1. www.boilerjuice.com
2. NJK Heating Consultants - based on installation in a 3 bed detached house
3. The Environment Agency - www.environmental-agency.gov.uk
4. www.carbontrust.co.uk
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