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When it comes to heating homes and providing hot water, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) boilers are a top choice for many UK households, especially those without access to the main gas grid.
With approximately 4 million homes in the UK off the gas grid and 1.3 million relying on alternative fuels, LPG boilers offer an efficient and practical solution. This guide explores LPG boiler options, how they work, installation costs, and how they compare to alternatives like oil and gas boilers.
LPG boilers are an excellent alternative for off-grid properties, competing with gas and oil boilers in both performance and efficiency. Unlike traditional gas boilers that rely on a mains supply, LPG boilers use fuel stored in tanks on your property, making them ideal for rural or remote areas.
Leading manufacturers like Worcester Bosch, Viessmann, and Ideal Heating offer LPG-compatible combi boilers, system boilers and regular boiler models, ensuring a wide range of options to suit different budgets and heating needs.
LPG boilers operate similarly to oil boilers, burning liquefied petroleum gas to heat water for radiators, taps, or showers. The fuel is stored in an on-site tank, which you can refill as needed or connect to a dedicated LPG supply. Unlike mains gas, LPG prices fluctuate based on market conditions, so it’s worth monitoring costs when planning your central heating installation.
Most LPG boilers are compatible with standard combi, system, or regular boiler setups, though you’ll need to ensure the model supports LPG fuel—some require conversion kits for compatibility..
Many gas combi boilers have LPG-compatible versions or can be adapted with conversion kits. Manufacturers like Worcester Bosch, Viessmann, and Ideal Heating design LPG models with similar functionality to their gas counterparts, ensuring seamless performance.
Conversion kits adjust the boiler’s fuel intake system, and installation should always be handled by a certified professional to maintain warranties (often extended for LPG systems).
The cost of installing an LPG boiler varies depending on the model, labour, and additional requirements like tank setup. Here’s a breakdown:
For precise pricing, request free quotes from local installers using an online boiler quote calculator.
Installation typically takes 1-2 days and involves:
Annual servicing (around £100-£150) is recommended to maintain performance and safety.
You can get free quotes for 3 top boilers in your area by filling out our enquiry form to find out exactly how much your new LPG boiler will cost you. See our boiler quote calculator for more information.
Find out which is the best combi boiler and compare it to other top boiler brands and their LPG alternatives. Most top manufacturers such as Worester Bosch, Ideal heating and Viessmann all have boilers with LPG capabilities so you won’t have to look far.
This example shows the approximate price range, including installation costs. Remember that you need a liquefied gas tank, which can be stored either in the garden or on the ground, depending on your preference.
We have compared how much it would cost to buy an LPG-gas boiler from all the major online retailers.
The unit cost of LPG is more expensive than oil, but the installation costs are much lower than those of a heating oil boiler systems, and the supply of the tank can be purchased at a much lower cost than a conventional gas tank or gas stove.
Compared to using fuel oil, these boilers are smaller, cheaper, and do not require as much maintenance. In terms of operating costs, while LNG is more than twice as expensive as oil, it is also a more efficient fuel, so you may find that you are actually reducing your heating costs, especially if you replace an older, less efficient boiler with a varietal or condensation model.
LPG boilers can be paired with solar thermal systems to create a hybrid heating solution, combining renewable energy with traditional fuel. Solar thermal panels capture sunlight to heat water, which can then be stored in a cylinder and used alongside your LPG boiler. This setup reduces reliance on LPG, lowers fuel costs, and cuts carbon emissions.
If you’re considering solar panels and installation, consult an installer to ensure your LPG boiler model supports integration.
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are another popular off-grid heating option, using electricity to extract heat from the air. Here’s how they compare to LPG boilers:
Feature | LPG Boilers | Air Source Heat Pumps |
---|---|---|
Upfront Cost | £600 – £2,000 + £650 – £1,450 installation | £7,000 – £14,000 (including installation) |
Running Cost | £720/year (avg. semi-detached home) | £500-£800/year (depends on electricity rates) |
Fuel/Energy Source | LPG (£0.08-£0.12/kWh) | Electricity (£0.20-£0.34/kWh) |
Efficiency | 90%+ (condensing models) | 250-350% (COP 2.5-3.5) |
Carbon Emissions | Moderate (lower than oil) | Very low (if powered by renewables) |
Installation Time | 1-2 days | 3-5 days |
Space Requirements | LPG tank needed | Outdoor unit + indoor space |
Best For | Quick setup, smaller budgets | Long-term savings, eco-focus |
Feature | LPG Boilers | Oil Boilers |
---|---|---|
Purchase Cost | £600 – £2,000 | £1,000 – £3,000 |
Installation Cost | Lower (£650 – £1,450) | Higher (£1,000 – £2,500) |
Fuel Cost | Higher (£0.08-£0.12/kWh) | Lower (£0.05-£0.07/kWh) |
Efficiency | Higher (up to 90%+) | Moderate (85%-90%) |
Emissions | Lower carbon footprint | Higher carbon emissions |
Versatility | Multi-use (heating, cooking) | Limited to heating |
The average cost of an LPG boiler is usually between £600 and £2,000, and the tank must be rented from a supplier and the boiler serviced annually. The cost of gas is expensive compared to the main gas, but switching to a liquefied natural gas provider is easy so you can compare prices and stick with the cheapest provider.
LPG boilers are a cost-effective, efficient choice for off-grid homes. While LPG fuel is pricier per unit than mains gas or oil, its superior efficiency (often exceeding 90% in condensing models) reduces waste and lowers long-term heating bills. Plus, LPG’s lower carbon emissions make it a greener alternative to oil.
Savings Example:
Replacing an old oil boiler with a modern LPG condensing boiler could cut annual heating costs by 10-20%, depending on usage and insulation.
Verdict: LPG boilers are cheaper upfront, more efficient, and eco-friendlier, while oil boilers may have lower fuel costs but higher maintenance and installation expenses.
LPG boilers offer an efficient, versatile, and eco-friendly heating solution for the UK’s 4 million off-grid households. With competitive installation costs, high-efficiency models, and top brands like Worcester Bosch and Viessmann, they’re a smart investment for reliable heating and hot water.
Whether you’re replacing an outdated oil boiler or seeking an alternative to electricity, LPG could save you money while reducing your environmental impact.
For more details, check out our boiler quote calculator or contact us to find the perfect LPG boiler for your home in 2025!
Thanks again for reading and we hope our information helped you on your journey to a new boiler quote.
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