What is LPG, and is an LPG boiler right for you?

What is LPG, and is an LPG boiler right for you?

If you live off-grid the chances are you are familiar with the use of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), as an LPG boiler is the most common choice for homes and businesses which are more remotely located and do not have access to the gas mains.

If you are unfamiliar with LPG but have heard about it and are wondering if an LPG boiler would be right for your property, then this blog should help give you the answers you need.

What is LPG?

An LPG gas boiler works in a similar way to a mains gas boiler and, when there is no access to the gas mains, LPG fuel is a highly efficient alternative to oil, electricity or solid fuel. An LPG boiler can be used not only in remotely located properties, but also in other properties with no mains access, such as caravans and residential park homes.

LPG boilers are powered by LPG gas that is delivered to you and fed into the boiler from bottles that are similar to the ones many of us use for our barbecues but usually much bigger. Depending on requirements, sometimes LPG boilers can even be fed from large LPG storage tanks.

The LPG gas has to be bought in advance and will then burn in your LPG boiler, providing an effective central heating system solution for your property.

Is an LPG boiler right for you?

Most homeowners in the UK use mains gas as fuel for their central heating. However, if this is not an option for you, then it’s worth looking at the pros and cons of choosing LPG gas over the alternatives, before you make the decision to go ahead.

Pros of LPG gas boilers

  • LPG is more cost effective than other options, according to most sources, and costs much less than electric heating solutions.
  • To the untrained eye, LPG boilers are identical to natural gas boilers and prices are similar.
  • They are also a popular choice because of their low carbon footprint and are a cleaner source of fuel than oil, for example.
  • Where mains gas is not accessible, a popular alternative is LPG fuel and you can use this type of fuel with the same kind of conventional gas heating system.

Cons of LPG gas boilers

  • Having the storage capacity for the bottles or tanks is vital.
  • If you run out of LPG gas, you will be left without heating and hot water until you can have more gas delivered.
  • It’s necessary to keep an eye on how much gas you have remaining on a regular basis, to ensure you don’t run out. This can be time-consuming.
  • You may also need to pay out extra for a storage tank.

The average cost of LPG central heating can vary. Mains gas is usually cheaper than other fuel types, including LPG central heating running costs, so it wouldn’t be advisable to consider an LPG boiler if you have access to the grid. However, this is not always an option for everyone.

We are LPG experts in Kent

If your home is off the grid and you like the thought of having an LPG boiler installed, then it is vital to ensure you use qualified technicians for this specialist type of work and it’s also important to be certain it is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it’s also important for your safety and peace of mind.

At Medway Heating and Plumbing, we come with many years of experience in the installation of all types of boilers and heating systems and we are fully qualified for LPG boiler installation, repairs and LPG boiler servicing.

Check our pricing and availability

For more information about having an LPG boiler installed in your property, speak to one of our highly experienced engineers today and check our availability. The team is ready and waiting to help with all your LPG needs and we look forward to taking your call.