If you’ve ever been in the market for a new boiler, you may have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. One of the biggest decisions is whether to choose an oil or gas boiler. While these two types of boilers operate differently and have different pros and cons, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this article, we’ll cover what makes each boiler different and explore their advantages and drawbacks. 

How Oil Boilers Work 

Oil boilers are powered by combusting heating oil in an internal combustion chamber. The heat produced is then transferred through radiators that connect to your water supply. As opposed to gas boilers, which require a direct connection to the mains gas supply, oil boilers can be installed almost anywhere as long as there’s a source of fuel nearby. This makes them ideal for rural homes that don’t have access to natural gas pipes. 

Advantages of Oil Boilers 

The greatest advantage of oil boilers is that they are more efficient than their gas counterparts. In fact, most modern models can achieve efficiencies greater than 90%, making them significantly more energy-efficient than their older counterparts. Additionally, oil prices tend to be more stable than those for natural gas, so your heating bills won't fluctuate as much on an annual basis. Finally, because they don't need a direct connection to the mains gas supply, they require fewer materials during installation—which means lower installation costs overall! 

How Gas Boilers Work 

Gas boilers also operate using an internal combustion chamber but instead of burning heating oil, they burn natural gas (or sometimes propane or liquid petroleum gas). Like oil boilers, they use radiators connected to your water supply in order to transfer heat throughout your home. However, since they require a direct connection to the mains gas supply—which not all homes have—they aren't suitable for everyone. 

Advantages of Gas Boilers 

The primary advantage of using a gas boiler is cost savings; because natural gas is so abundant in many parts of the world (and cheaper than other fuels), operating costs are typically lower than with other types of boilers. Additionally, most new-model units come with advanced features like self-cleaning and remote monitoring capabilities that make them easier to maintain over time—saving you even more money in the long run! Finally, many people prefer the cleaner smells associated with burning natural gas compared with those associated with burning fuel oil or diesel fuel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, each type of boiler has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to both initial cost and operating costs over time. That said, if you live in an area without access to natural gas pipes or if you're looking for higher efficiency ratings from your boiler system then an oil boiler might be the best choice for you—but if cost savings are at the top of your list then a gas boiler might be just what you need! Ultimately it's up to you (and perhaps your budget!) when it comes down deciding between an oil vs a gas boiler system; whichever one you choose will help keep your home warm during those cold winter months!