Currently a consumer can choose between a mind-boggling array of different deals from energy suppliers. However, most of the online comparison tools are focused upon gas and electricity or dual fuel, using both of these sources of energy. The availability of tools which compare all of the available fuel sources is limited.
There are a number of online heating oil price indicators such as this one from Boilerjuice. But to get an accurate quote for heating oil I would need to enter the details of how much kerosene I want. What I would like to find is a comparison between the various forms of fuel based upon the size of the property and the usage pattern. The sort of information that would be useful when a heating system is being selected for installation. The best I have come across so far is: Energy Saving Trust Heating Summary.
There are many other factors to consider in addition to the all important price of the fuel. The cost of the heating system, the ongoing maintenance requirements, the energy efficiency of the various systems that are available, the ecological aspects of the systems and the fuels that they use. Another important factor is how easy is it to refuel?
Gas and electricity have the advantage that they are both supplied directly to many homes whereas coal and heating oil need to be delivered and stored. This fact alone makes these forms of fuel very inconvenient for many people. However, there are many buildings which don’t receive mains gas and are therefore forced to consider alternative forms of fuel such as LPG, heating oil and solid fuels.
When considering and comparing various forms of fuel it is very easy to focus upon the price alone. But there are many other aspects of a heating system that must be borne in mind when making comparisons and considering the most appropriate heating system for a particular property. If anyone can recommend sources for this comparison data it would be greatly appreciated…
Posted under You Could Save Misc
This post was written by Online Shopper on October 16, 2007
I would really like to know what the most cost effective form of central heating is for an average 3 bedroomed house or bungalow, taking into consideration installation, maintenance and running costs. It would also be informative to compare an insulated property with non insulated. Pros and cons would also be good as it must be so hot in the summer to have solid fuel heating for hot water. A whole system cost perhaps would include solar panels plus sold fuel for central heating and is a water storage tank required. A chart would be good where individual components could be selected and joined to make up an entire system. I would also like to compare the running cost of underfloor heating both water and electric! I believe whilst we would all love to be environmentally concerned, the main concern for householders is the cost, particularly the installation of solar panels.
There is some information I have found that might help with some of your questions http://www.which.co.uk/advice/home-heating-systems/electric-central-heating/index.jsp