Introduction
For most of the past decade oil has been significantly cheaper to run than any fuel other than mains gas, and remains cheaper than bulk LPG or bottled gas and, in most circumstances, than electricity or anthracite. The number of homes with oil central heating systems is growing, as more houses are being built in villages away from the gas main.

New Regulations for Boiler Installation (April 2007 onwards)
From April 2007, all oil-fired boilers installed in existing dwellings must be condensing boilers. This includes:

• Replacement of an existing oil-fired boiler
• Completely new heating systems in an existing dwelling
• Replacement of an alternative fuel type to an oil-fired boiler

If you have completed an exception form, it is not compulsory to use condensing oil-fired boilers until April 2007.

Oil Boilers
A boiler is an essential part of a home, providing you with hot water and heating, a good oil-fired central heating system will contain the same controls as a modern gas-fired system. There are a few different types of oil boilers, however, due to the new regulations only condensing boilers can be installed after April 2007.