Best LPG Combi Boiler & Costs UK

Last updated: November 15, 2023

What is the best LPG combi boiler model in the UK and how can you expect to pay? Here we review some of the best on offer.

The use of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) combination boilers is very common among those without access to the main gas grid.

LPG combi boilers depend on the supply of an external tank of liquid petroleum gas that can be easily removed and refilled once consumed completely.

LPG, like natural gas, is a very efficient energy source, and when coupled with a high-efficiency, condensing boiler, it can help you save money on heating bills.

The cost of operating LPG boilers can be slightly higher than that of oil boilers.

However, installing LPG boilers is less expensive, and they are simple to integrate with renewable energy sources.

You can get a lucrative return on your investment for every unit of energy because LPG is an extremely efficient fuel.

If you decide to switch to a new A-rated LPG boiler, this means that you will be saving anywhere from £300 to £600 annually.

How do LPG boilers work?

An LPG boiler operates in a manner similar to both natural gas and oil boilers.

They get their power from liquid petroleum gas contained in a storage tank, rather than from the gas mains, where most UK people get their gas.

The fuel is burned to produce the energy required to heat water from the main supply.

This hot water can then be used to heat your radiators and provide water all across your home.

The primary dissimilarity between natural gas boilers and both oil and LPG boilers would be that the fuel has to be shipped to your residence and preserved in a tank.

It is critical to remember that an LPG boiler requires a safe and well-maintained storage tank in order to function properly.

Along with this, you’ll need to have a supply of LPG on hand to provide the fuel your boiler requires.

The boiler will then boil the LPG, allowing it to provide heat and hot water across your home.

Some natural gas boilers also give you the freedom to convert them to LPG boilers.

How much will a new LPG boiler cost?

An LPG boiler is less costly than an oil or gas boiler; basic models start at £350 to £400.

See also  Buy Now Pay Later Boiler Finance UK

There are numerous models in the market, and a number of the country’s largest manufacturers offer them.

Here is a list of some top LPG boilers out in the market with varying price ranges.

  • Worcester Busch: £1,000 to £2,500.
  • Vaillant: £1,000 to £1,300.
  • Baxi: £900 to £1,200.
  • Ideal: £700 to £1,400.
  • Alpha: £700 to £1,800.
  • Ferroli: £500 to £800.
  • Vokera: £250 to £650.

Supply Cost: If you purchase the boiler yourself, the following is a list of average supply costs that you should keep in mind.

  • LPG combi model boiler: £900 to £2,600.
  • LPG heat-only boiler: £890 to £1,200.
  • LPG system boiler: £890 to £1,500.
  • LPG conversion kit: £20 to £60.
  • Flue kit: £50 to £280.
  • Flue elbow: £20 to £60.
  • Flue extension: £30 to £125.

Additional Costs: The additional costs that you might incur when installing LPG boilers are broken down here.

  • LPG butane storage cylinder refill: £25 to £45.
  • LPG propane storage cylinder refill: £20 to £45.
  • New pipework: £200 to £900.
  • New radiators: £180 to £200 each.
  • Power flushing: £300 to £500.
  • Anode replacement: £170 to £200.

The average labour cost for boiler installation will be around £150-£200 per day.

Wondering how much a new boiler costs? Check out our guide on options available if you need a new boiler but can’t afford it, as well as boilers on finance and government boiler grants here.

How much do they cost to run?

The running costs of LPG boilers are not significantly different from those of oil boilers.

A storage tank and a fuel feed are also required for LPG boilers. Its operating costs will vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Your house and family size.
  • If you rent or purchase your own LPG storage tank.
  • The number of radiators you own.
  • How frequently do you use your heating system.

A suitable boiler, a storage tank, and a supplier are required to run an LPG boiler. In most cases, the tank will need to be kept outside, which you can often rent from your supplier.

LPG is more expensive than oil, but it is also a more efficient fuel, so your bills may be lower in the long run.

See also  Quietest Combi Boilers - Which is the Quietest Boiler in the UK in 2024?

LPG will cost you not more than £800 a year and for 6.16p per kW.

You must pay the standing charge if you decide to rent your tank rather than buy one.

Depending on the supplier, you will need to pay somewhere between £60 to £70 on annual basis for renting a storage tank.

Who offer the best boilers deals in the UK? Check out our review of online boiler installation companies, boiler brands and the best UK boilers that topped our list concerning new boilers in the current year.

LPG boiler Comparison

  • LPG: £650 to £1,100 average cost per year.
  • Mains gas: £390 to £780 average cost per year.
  • Oil: £650 to £910 average cost per year.
  • Electricity: £1,500 to £1,950 average cost per year.

Although oil is a more cost-efficient fuel, LPG boilers are more affordable than oil boilers.

Oil price varies due to factors like high demand, bad weather, and unstable political environments.

Oil produces more carbon dioxide because it is essentially a type of fossil fuel, which is bad for the environment and hence not encouraged by the government as well.

Electric boilers are also a great solution for heating compact spaces but the price difference is drastic as compared to LPG boilers.

Its drawback is that it cannot heat the house during a power outage.

High demands for hot water and heating are too much for electric boilers to handle.

New boiler cost guides:

Who is an LPG boiler suitable for?

If your home is not connected to the main gas grid, there are numerous benefits to installing an LPG boiler over a unit fueled by oil.

If you want to save money on fuel while also saving energy, an LPG boiler is the way to go. LPG boilers are excellent odourless alternatives to oil boilers.

LGP boilers are also an excellent choice for replacing an old, inefficient boiler.

LPG boilers are typically 90% efficient, wasting only 10p out of every £1 spent.

They are small in size and thus ideal for smaller spaces such as park homes or tiny houses. They’re widely available, giving you a great return on your investment.

See also  Boiler Repair Near Me - 24/7 Boiler Repairs from £49

Advantages of LPG boilers

Once the boiler and storage tank are installed and you have a supplier, you can begin to enjoy LPG’s many benefits as an energy-efficient fuel solution.

  • Increased energy efficiency: Modern A-grade boilers have an incredible energy efficiency of 90%. In other words, only 10p is lost for every £1 spent.
  • Less expensive than oil: You’ve already saved at least £500 by installing an LPG boiler; while the LPG boiler market cost starts at £350, oil boilers typically cost £800 or more.
  • Lower carbon footprint: Feel good about helping the environment; while LPG is not “clean,” it emits up to 20% less carbon than oil, making it greener. It is also encouraged by the UK government to use environmentally friendly energy options.
  • Space saving and a quieter option: Instead of noisy, frequently clunky oil-fired boilers that can shake, rattle, and roll, enjoy the silence with a lower noise output and smaller footprint.
  • Lots of options: All the major producers not only provide LPG boiler models, but many also provide LPG conversion kits for natural gas boilers.

Disadvantages of LPG boilers

In addition to a long list of compelling reasons in favour of purchasing an LPG boiler, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of.

  • The cost of fuel is higher: Although LPG has a higher cost per kWh of energy than natural gas or oil, this is unlikely to change any time soon despite its excellent energy efficiency.
  • Delivery work can be tedious: Not only deliveries but also monitoring the amount of fuel in your tank; if this is done incorrectly, you might have to face the cold
  • It’s necessary to install tanks: You must weigh the additional cost against the installation’s potential for being an eyesore in the garden.

Once you are familiar with a complete picture of what it means to own an LPG boiler and if you think the pros weigh more than the cons, you can definitely go ahead and make your investment in an LPG boiler.

In comparison with other off-the-grid options, the LPG boiler is a more promising solution.