If you live in a rural part of Suffolk, you may not have access to the mains gas network — and even if you do, you might be wondering whether oil heating is worth considering. Both systems have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your property, your budget, and your long-term plans.

At PROTEC Plumbing, we are both Gas Safe registered and OFTEC registered, which means we install, service, and repair both gas and oil heating systems. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.

The most fundamental difference is availability. Mains gas is piped directly to your property and is available in most towns and cities — including Ipswich and most of the larger Suffolk towns. If you are connected to the gas network, gas heating is almost always the simpler and cheaper option.

Oil heating is the standard choice for rural and off-grid properties that are not connected to mains gas. Around 1.7 million homes in the UK use oil heating, and a significant proportion of those are in rural counties like Suffolk.

If you are not sure whether your property is connected to the gas network, you can check using the Find My Supplier tool or call us and we can advise.

Running costs for both fuels fluctuate with the energy market, but as a general guide:

Gas tends to be cheaper per unit of energy than oil, and because gas is delivered continuously through the mains, you never have to think about ordering fuel or running out.

Oil prices are more volatile — they track global oil markets and can spike significantly in winter. However, because you buy oil in bulk (typically 500 to 1,000 litres at a time), you can take advantage of lower summer prices by filling your tank when demand is low.

The efficiency of the boiler itself matters as much as the fuel price. A modern condensing oil boiler can achieve efficiencies of around 92–95%, comparable to the best gas boilers. If you are replacing an old non-condensing oil boiler, the efficiency gains alone can substantially reduce your fuel bills.

Gas boiler installation is generally less expensive than oil, partly because there is no tank to install. A straightforward combi boiler replacement typically costs between £1,500 and £3,000 depending on the boiler model and the complexity of the job.

Oil heating installation involves more components: the boiler itself, an oil storage tank (usually 1,000 to 2,500 litres, either above or below ground), and the pipework connecting them. A full oil heating installation typically costs more than a gas equivalent, but for off-grid properties it is often the most practical option.

If you are switching from oil to gas (or vice versa), you will also need to factor in the cost of decommissioning the old system.

Both systems require an annual service to maintain efficiency, safety, and warranty validity.

Gas boilers must be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Annual service costs typically range from £80 to £120.

Oil boilers must be serviced by an OFTEC registered technician. Oil boiler servicing is slightly more involved — the burner nozzle and filter need to be replaced annually — and typically costs £100 to £150.

Both types of boiler are reliable when properly maintained. Oil boilers do have one additional maintenance consideration: the oil tank itself needs to be inspected periodically for leaks or corrosion, and the oil supply line should be checked for blockages.

Neither oil nor gas is a zero-carbon fuel, but there are differences in their environmental impact.

Natural gas produces around 20% less CO₂ per unit of energy than heating oil. However, the government's long-term plan is to phase out fossil fuel heating in new homes, with heat pumps and hydrogen being the likely replacements.

If you are thinking about future-proofing your heating system, it is worth considering whether your property is suitable for a heat pump — particularly if you have good insulation and underfloor heating or large radiators. We can advise on this as part of a heating survey.

Here is a simple summary:

Choose gas if you are connected to the mains network and want the simplest, lowest-cost option.

Choose oil if you are off-grid and gas is not available — a modern condensing oil boiler is an efficient, reliable choice that will serve you well for 15 years or more with proper maintenance.

Whether you are installing a new heating system, switching fuels, or just want an honest assessment of your current setup, we are here to help. We are Gas Safe registered (for gas work) and OFTEC registered (for oil work), and we cover Ipswich and the wider Suffolk area.

Call us on 01473 561159 or get in touch online for a free, no-obligation consultation.