Highest efficiency boilers
94.2% Greenstar Camray 25/3293.2% Greenstar Camray 18/2593.1% Greenstar Camray 12/1893.1% Greenstar Camray Utility 12/1890.6% Greenstar Heatslave 18/2590.3% Greenstar Heatslave 25/3290.3% Greenstar Heatslave External 25/3290.2% Greenstar Heatslave 12/1890.2% Greenstar Heatslave External 12/1890.1% Greenstar Heatslave External 18/25Oil Boiler Guide
Oil boilers can provide an acceptable alternative - economically and environmentally - to natural gas or electricity. Natural gas may not be available in all areas and despite recent rises in the cost of oil the price per kWh ("kilowatt hour") of energy produced still compares very favourably with that of electricity. These days oil boilers are extremely energy efficient - up to 97%, subject to regular servicing, according to some manufacturers - and many models rated "A" for energy efficiency according to European standards are available.
Oil boilers are typically fuelled by regular or premium kerosene - also known as "paraffin" or "28 second burning oil" - which is produced after the distillation of crude oil. This is in contrast to the less combustible gas oil - also known as "red diesel" or "35 second burning oil" - used in agriculture and industry. Premium kerosene is the cleaner form, but it is also more costly to produce and to supply than regular kerosene.
Oil boilers almost inevitably require an oil storage tank of some kind to be installed outside your home and a number of oil and fuel storage regulations exist for the protection of your home and the environment. If you wish to store large quantities of oil - over 2,500 litres - you will need an internally "bunded" or double skinned oil storage tank or to build a concrete or masonry bund in order to comply with legislation. OFTEC ("Oil Firing Technical Association") represents the industry in discussions with regulatory bodies and is an accurate source of further information.