Around 5% of homes in the UK are heated by oil, according to data from the most recent census. It’s mostly used where mains gas is less available so if you’re viewing homes in an area like this, it pays to know what to check if you’re buying a house with oil central heating.
Oil has to be delivered and stored in a tank, so a home heated this way has one of these along with an oil boiler and you’ll want to find out about both when buying a house along with considering costs and maintenance.
To help you ask the right questions if you haven’t heated your home this way before, we’ve put together an expert guide to oil central heating and all the details are below.
Which areas have more oil central heating?
Alternatives to gas central heating (which also includes electric central heating) are mostly used where gas isn’t as available with the latest census finding that 5% of households across the UK used oil central heating. For England and Wales only, the figure is 3%.
The proportion of households using it varies according to location. The percentage is higher in parts of the East of England, and parts of Wales are also reliant on oil for heating. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, half of households said they used oil.
Why should oil central heating be factored into buying a home?
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It’s important to factor in a home’s heating type when you’re buying as it affects both costs and convenience.
However, what you’ll spend compared to gas is not clear cut. Both oil and gas fluctuate in cost, and both have been a major factor in the recent cost of living increases. Bear in mind, too, that the costs you might expect if you buy a home with oil-fired central heating are also influenced by the boiler’s efficiency, the home’s insulation and, of course, how much heat and hot water you use.
Oil has downsides compared to mains gas such as the need for fuel to be delivered and stored, but when a home has oil central heating it’s likely that swapping to gas is not an option. Fitting a heat pump may be a viable alternative but beware of additional costs.
“Oil heating systems have a very strong safety record but it’s still important to inspect your tank, as with any other heating appliance,” says Malcolm Farrow, spokesperson for OFTEC. “Whilst households can make a few simple visual checks themselves, a qualified heating technician will inspect your entire system more thoroughly. Ensuring this happens as part of an annual service is the best way to avoid expensive repairs further down the line and to give you the best performance.”
If you think you might be forced to take out your boiler if you buy a home heated by oil, be aware that the oil boiler ban has been scrapped by the government.
Malcolm Farrow provides expert guidance on heating safety, maintenance and efficiency, helping homeowners understand how to keep oil-heated homes safe and cost-effective.
What to check when viewing a house with oil central heating
If you’re considering buying a home that has oil central heating there are a number of things you can check to assure yourself about the system and what it might cost to run. These are the details.
1. Focus on the oil tank
It’s important to take a look at the oil tank when you’re viewing a home with this type of central heating.
What is the tank made from?
“Inspect the tank regularly for any damage,” says Malcolm Farrow. “Look for cracks, splits, bulging, or discolouration on plastic tanks, and rust or corrosion on metal tanks. Inspect the ground underneath – it should be free from stains and pooling liquid.”
Where is it located?
Look at the area around the tank as well. “This should be clear of vegetation and combustible materials,” Malcolm explains. “The location of the tank is important for fire safety reasons. It should be at least 1.8m away from the house and garden sheds, and 760mm from boundary fences unless there’s a firewall or similar protection installed.”
Is the tank bunded?
Find out if the tank is bunded. “As the homeowner, it will be your responsibility to make sure oil doesn’t enter watercourses or leach into the ground. Bunded tanks are essentially a tank within a tank, offering better protection from leaks and theft,” says Malcolm.
Are there security measures?
Ask if the tank is alarmed or has security lighting. If not, you might need to add these protections yourself.
What is the tank size?
“Generally speaking, you need a capacity of 500 litres per bedroom, plus another 500 for the other living spaces,” says Farrow. “So a three-bedroom house should have a tank capacity of at least 2,000 litres. Otherwise, you’ll need more frequent deliveries and closer monitoring of your tank’s oil level.”
Is it compliant with building regulations?
Building regulations apply to oil tanks, so ask the sellers if they have a compliance certificate for its installation. OFTEC-registered installers can self-certify their work.
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2. Find out about boiler location, installation and maintenance
Investigate the boiler as well as the tank for an oil-fired heating system.
Where is the boiler?
An oil-fired boiler can be located inside or outside the house. “If the boiler is outside, check that the weatherproof housing is in good condition and the pipeline to the house is cladded to minimise heat loss,” advises Malcolm Farrow.
Is it a condensing boiler?
Ask, too, whether it’s a condensing boiler. Since 2007 new oil boilers have been required to be condensing boilers. “If the property doesn’t have a condensing boiler and instead has a non-condensing oil boiler, then it’ll be less energy efficient and will have a negative impact on your carbon footprint,” says heating and energy expert Nicholas Auckland of Trade Radiators. “A non-condensing boiler may also not meet current oil boiler regulations, so this is something to be wary of.”
Is it a regular or a combi boiler?
“Many oil central heating systems use a regular boiler, which includes a cold water tank and hot water cylinder,” explains Malcolm. “This type of system is often compatible with solar panels and can provide hot water to multiple bathrooms.”
What about fitting and maintenance?
Building regulations apply to oil boilers, so ask about its compliance with these. An OFTEC-registered heating engineer can self-certify an installation.
Maintenance is essential. “An annual service by an OFTEC-registered engineer ensures the boiler is safe, clean, and efficient, and the oil tank should be checked for sludge,” says Malcolm. “Ask the seller for a service history, and any warranty documentation if the system is less than 10 years old.”
Nicholas Auckland is a heating and energy expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry, as well as the managing director of Trade Radiators. Nicholas is dedicated to finding the best heating solutions for every need, as well as optimising energy usage, reducing costs and helping others live with lower costing energy bills.
3. Ask the seller about oil suppliers and heating costs
To have an idea about the costs you might face if you purchase the home you’re viewing, it’s a good idea to ask the sellers about their expenditure and experience with oil central heating. Nicholas Auckland suggests the following questions:
- How much do you typically spend on oil annually?
- How often do you need to order oil?
- How much oil do you require with each order?
- Are there any seasonal price fluctuations or suppliers to recommend?
- Have you ever had a gas boiler and if so how does running an oil boiler compare in terms of pricing?
- What is the current efficiency rating of the boiler?
- Have any measures been taken to improve heating efficiency, such as thermostat upgrades, better insulation, or heating controls?
- What size is the oil tank, and how long does a full tank last on average?
- Are there any shared arrangements for oil delivery (such as neighbourhood bulk buys) to save costs?
Buying a home with oil central heating doesn’t have to be daunting - as long as you know what to check.
With the right checks in place and guidance from qualified professionals, oil-heated homes can be safe, efficient, and comfortable – even in areas where mains gas isn’t available.
Make sure your survey covers all the key points, ask for service histories, and you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your new home without unwelcome surprises.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.
