Oil is still the cheapest fuel used to heat homes, according to new industry figures. The statistics complied from the Sutherland Tables indicates that although heating oil prices have slightly increased since the start of the year, the average yearly cost of using oil to heat homes has gone down
October may be the traditional time to turn on the central heating, but new research reveals that nearly 50% of Brits switch it on whenever they feel chilly, no matter what time of year it is. New research commissioned by Toolstation, the trade and DIY supplier, reveals that almost half
Oil is still the cheapest fuel used to heat homes, according to new industry figures. The statistics complied from the Sutherland Tables indicates that although heating oil prices have slightly increased since the start of the year, the average yearly cost of using oil to heat homes has gone down once more. These latest figures provide good news for both home owners and the oil heating industry. The most recent quarterly data from the Sutherland Tables, an independent source for comparing domestic heat prices in the UK, shows that oil is still the least expensive major home heating fuel by some distance. With an oil condensing boiler, it now costs just £690 to heat an average three bedroom UK home for a year. That is 31% cheaper than main gas, which works out as the second cheapest option at a price of £1,007 per year. Meanwhile, oil works out at 52% cheaper than an LPG condensing boiler (£1,448 per year) and 56% cheaper than electric storage heaters (£1,588 per year). The Tables also show that oil condensing boilers are considerably less expensive to run in comparison with renewable heating options. In every quarter for the past three years, the average yearly heating cost for oil users is decreasing with an increase in consumer confidence. This has been reflected by the rise of boiler sales, which for the first quarter of 2016, are at their highest sales rate for almost 10 years. Jeremy Hawksley, OFTEC Director General, says that the industry has enjoyed sustained growth periods in sales thanks to three years of falling oil heating costs. Mr Hawksley said that as a consequence, oil condensing boiler sales have reached their highest level in just under 10 years, while receiving more and more enquiries from Gas Safe technicians who want to go into the oil market.
October may be the traditional time to turn on the central heating, but new research reveals that nearly 50% of Brits switch it on whenever they feel chilly, no matter what time of year it is. New research commissioned by Toolstation, the trade and DIY supplier, reveals that almost half of Brits switch on the central heating whenever they feel chilly, no matter what time of year it is. The survey, conducted this month, also showed that a steadfast 9% won’t put the heating on until November, no matter how cold it gets, and a hardy 27% of Brits wait until putting on a jumper is not enough. It might be colder up north, but inside it’s pretty toasty! Despite stereotypes of ‘tough northerners’, the research revealed that it’s actually Londoners and those in the South West who are hardiest, with just 38% turning on the heating whenever they feel chilly, compared to 55% in the North East and North West and 60% in Scotland. With exceptionally low temperatures forecast for this winter, things could turn frosty in more ways than one, as 46% of Brits argue with their partners or housemates over the heating – with 29% experiencing actual ‘marital strife’. Meanwhile, 21% have had ‘constant disagreements’ about the thermostat with14% actually moving out. John Meaden, Director of marketing at Toolstation, says: “We conducted this survey to gain more understanding about homeowners’ behaviour and attitude towards central heating and we were certainly surprised by the results. It seems for most Brits, the heating is already on. “Although most of us have had disagreements about the central heating at some point, we were quite shocked that for some people, it leads to marital strife! With ever-evolving technology in heating controls, perhaps these arguments will soon become a thing of the past.” Toolstation’s Winter Catalogue includes a wide range of products for warming up homes for winter at low prices, including up to 50% off towel radiators and outstanding value on panel radiators. For more information, visit www.toolstation.com.