How Exactly Does an LPG Boiler Work?
As autumn leaves begin to fall and their bright colours begin to fade, the chill that sets in at night reminds you of the impending cold of winter. You’ll break out your sweater and crank up the thermostat.
What do you do, though, when your furnace refuses to blow warm air or won’t kick in at all? You need a new heating system.
LPG boilers heat many homes and flats throughout the greater UK area. This economic heating system is becoming increasingly common. But exactly how does an LPG boiler work?
By the time you finish reading this article, you will understand how an LPG boiler works and why this home boiler is among the types of boiler that many homeowners and flat owners are choosing.
What is Liquid Petroleum Gas?
LPG is liquid petroleum gas, a single gas that consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons extracted from oil refining, natural gas, and oil extraction. LPG has many uses beyond just heating homes. Individuals use it for any one of the following applications:
- Heating homes
- Cooking
- Fueling vehicles
- Creating hot water
You can also find it in refrigerant gas and in aerosols. Manufacturers will store LPS in tanks or canisters. You will often see lorries transporting it in these tanks.
How Does an LPG Boiler Work?
LPG boilers function just like other boilers except that they burn LPG fuel instead of oil or regular petroleum gas. LPG boilers will create the energy needed to heat your water and warm your radiators.
The biggest difference between LPG boilers and other boilers lies in the fuel supply. Because there is no LPG network like the national gas network, you must have LPG delivered by an LPG supplier. If you do not time your deliveries correctly, your boiler will run out of fuel, and you will have no heat.
If you do not already have an LPG-equipped home, then you will have to pay extra for installing a boiler with LPG requirements. This means paying the cost of buying a boiler which supports LPG heating systems, buying a storage tank, and locating a supplier.
Why Purchase an LPG Boiler?
With such extra work required, one has to wonder, why do people use an LPG boiler? There are significant advantages that come with using an LPG boiler.
The solid fuel of wood, peat, and coal are becoming increasingly unpopular for boilers. Such fuel requires storage solutions. Plus, they burn dirty byproducts that harm the environment.
Many individuals are choosing LPG boilers because they can store greater amounts of fuel more efficiently. they feel better about a clean burning fuel. They also don’t have to worry about the bulky transportation required with solid fuels.
Furthermore, LPG is more efficient. As LPG boilers grow in popularity, owners are having an easier time finding fuel suppliers near them.
Some manufacturers even offer an LPG conversion kit. Such a kit allows one to convert a standard NG boiler into an LPG boiler. This prevents an owner from having to own two different types of boilers.
How Much Does an LPG Boiler Cost?
LPG boilers cost a minimum of £500. This cost is significantly less than a natural gas or oil boiler model. Plan on spending between £500 for the least expensive one on up to £2500 for the higher-end boiler.
You will also need an LPG tank and the space for an LPG bank. You can purchase either an above-ground or below-ground tank.
Many LPG suppliers also offer tank rental. So if you don’t have the funds upfront to purchase a tank, you can pay a monthly fee.
Plan on paying more upfront per unit of LPG compared to oil. However, you will find yourself filling your tank less often than you did when you had an oil-burning boiler because LPG boilers burn their fuel more efficiently.
Thus, your heating bills will go down, especially if you replace an old, less efficient boiler with a new condensing model.
Choosing Your LPG tank
An average-sized home in the UK needs a 1,410-litre tank. Before you purchase this size of the tank, though, have an LPG professional from a local supply company visit your home. They will evaluate your needs based on the size of your home and the number of people in your residence.
You also will have to choose whether you want an above-ground or below-ground tank.
An above-ground tank requires a concrete base as well as a trench that stems from your tank to your boiler. You also need to ensure that your tank has adequate road access. The tanker delivering your LPG will need to be within 25m of your tank’s inlet valve.
You also need to have adequate space around your tank for airflow. Should your tank develop a leak, the LPG vapour needs room so it won’t build up. LPG is heavier than air, and it will accumulate if it does not have adequate space.
Have your tank installed, and then clear the rubbish around it. Remove weeds and long grass. Give the tank of 2500 litres a clearance of 3 metres, and give even bigger tanks 7.5 metres.
If you plan on hiding your tank with an enclosure, the enclosure should be at least 1 metre away from the tank. You should have the enclosure on just one side of the tank. Plan on using non-flammable materials like brick or stone.
Some people prefer to put the tank completely out of site and install it underground. In this case, just the lid shows, giving the tank access for refuelling.
If your area is prone to flooding, do not have an underground tank installed. Also, if you have water-rich soil or soil high in clay content, you should keep your tank above ground.
Choose Wisely and Stay Warm
An LPG boiler will keep you warm all winter. You need only to have adequate room for an LPG tank. You will ultimately save money on your heat bill, and you’ll feel better about burning clean fuel.
Your family will thank you as they sit in your toasty warm home while the cold of winter rages around you.
Are you looking for a qualified repairman to either repair your current boiler or install a new boiler? If so, contact us. Our experts are prepared to help you stay warm this winter.
