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Aside from doing the usual things, like recycling your goods for the weekly bin collection, using reusable bottles or coffee cups, and taking public transport more often, there are plenty of things you can do to make an even bigger impact. This includes reviewing the fuel used to heat your off-grid home.
If you’re currently using oil to heat and power your home, but are thinking about switching to an alternative like LPG or BioLPG, our useful blog about how to do this and the many benefits of doing so, is just what you need.
What is oil and what is LPG?
Both LPG and oil are fuels that are stored in an external tank and are burned to provide heating and hot water for your home. But despite the similarities in storage solutions, there are many aspects where the two fuels differ from each other.
Oil
Heating oil is a form of kerosene produced through the heating of crude oil and can be much more damaging to the environment than the likes of LPG.
LPG
LPG is a hydrocarbon gas that exists in a liquefied form. LPG is a colourless, low carbon and highly efficient fuel which is usually collected as a by-product of the crude oil refinery process.
Why should you switch to LPG?
A more sustainable option
One of the key differences between LPG and oil is the impact on the environment. An LPG boiler can reduce your carbon emissions by up to 16% compared to oil**, which can make a big difference to the environment.
Due to the fact that LPG boilers produce less ash and soot in comparison to oil boilers, maintenance and servicing costs can also be reduced. What’s more, a new LPG boiler can save an average of £800 versus a new or replacement oil boiler*, meaning you can save money whilst reducing your carbon emissions.
Storage
Calor offers different storage options depending on whether you would like a tank and whether you would like your tank to be visible or not. If you’d prefer your bulk LPG tank to be hidden, there’s an underground option. The only thing you’ll spot is a discreet green cover, so whenever your gas is running a little low Calor can easily access and refill your tank. Alternatively, an above-ground tank can be installed onto a fixed base *subject to site survey*.
Bulk LPG tanks are fitted with Auto-ordering technology too. It works by fitting a content gauge to the top of your tank which continuously monitors usage and can see when you’re running low. This gauge then sends a message to Calor outlining your current levels so they can schedule your next delivery right when you need it - one less thing for you to worry about!
If you have limited outdoor space, gas cylinders can be an alternative option, these use a change-over valve to automatically switch from one gas bottle to another to ensure a continuous gas supply.
Convenience and versatility
In addition to our auto ordering technology, there are other elements that make LPG a more convenient fuel to use. For example, you can use LPG with cooking appliances in your home as well as for your central heating and hot water, saving the need for another fuel. That means that whether you’re running a bath or getting creative in the kitchen, LPG has you covered.
BioLPG – A more sustainable solution
With all the same functionality as LPG, BioLPG is a great option for those looking for an even lower carbon alternative to oil.
BioLPG can reduce your carbon emissions by up to 38% compared to oil and 15% compared to standard LPG***. Made from a blend of waste, residues and sustainably sourced materials, BioLPG works in the same way as LPG, so switching costs aren’t a problem and you can keep the same tank and even the same boiler.
Calor offers a Green Energy Plan, which lets you buy into a mix of 40% BioLPG and 60% LPG for your energy supply, which is an ideal way to support more sustainable energy options whilst not having to compromise on performance.****
How to switch to LPG
With over 85 years of experience and knowledge in powering homes, Calor has always been looking at ways to provide innovative fuel solutions that are more environmentally friendly, as well as looking at ways to make our customer’s lives simpler.
So, if you’re already using another fuel such as oil, but would like to make the transition over to LPG or BioLPG, Calor’s hassle-free switching process makes it simple in just a few simple steps.
To discuss switching to LPG, you can get in touch with us on 0808 271 3929 (9 am-5 pm Monday to Friday) or request a call back by leaving your details in the form here: www.calor.co.uk/home-energy/using-lpg/lpg-switch-enquiry
After receiving your free, personalised quote, a Calor energy expert will visit your home to conduct a site survey to find the perfect storage solution for you. The next step is installing an LPG boiler. For this, you'll need a trusty LPG qualified Installer to fit your new boiler and hook everything up inside your home. You can find one through our quote tool, or by using this handy LPG Boiler Installer tool to find local, Gas Safe registered engineers.
Once you have installed a boiler, we’ll install your chosen storage option. With a range of storage options available from tanks to compact cylinder storage, it’s easy to find an option that fits seamlessly into your home.
If you are looking to switch fuel or move off-grid, then head to our website for more information about your energy options: https://www.calor.co.uk/home-energy/using-lpg/switching-lpg-suppliers
Sources
*Average boiler savings based on a comparison, conducted by Calor, between LPG boilers and their oil equivalent. Comparative Pricing, 2019.
**https://www.calor.co.uk/home-energy/new-to-lpg/switch-from-oil
*** https://www.calor.co.uk/biolpg
**** https://www.calor.co.uk/biolpg