The Oil Firing Technical Association represents the oil heating and cooking industries in the UK and the organization certifies technicians and engineers ensuring that they have the proper skills and qualifications to install and work on oil fired boilers. OFTEC has established standards of competence for people working within the industry, and by ensuring that workers maintain a high level of standards, OFTEC helps keep oil boiler companies reputable and consumers safe. This applies to workers who are performing safety inspections, repairing leaks and other problems as well as installing new oil boilers. Things to Consider When Selecting a New Oil Boiler: When looking to replace an old boiler, cheapest is not always best. The most important considerations are safety, efficiency and the ability of the boiler to handle the size of the home or building.

There are different types of oil fired boilers including regular boilers, system boilers and combination boilers each with unique characteristics. Regular oil boilers store hot water in large tanks, system oil boilers take up less space because all components can be housed in the boiler case and combination oil boilers are able to heat both radiators and water instantly. On April 1, 2007, the UK passed a law mandating that all oil fired boilers installed from that point forward must be condensing boilers in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. There are few exceptions to the 2007 mandate.

: Oil fired boilers of the condensing variety are more efficient than the traditional types of oil boilers that have been on the market for many years. Carbon dioxide gases that would normally be emitted into the atmosphere through the flue are condensed, recycled and used to heat the water. This significantly reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted annually into the atmosphere by boilers, and as old oil boilers are replaced with the new condensing versions each year, the UK’s carbon footprint is further reduced. The condensing version of oil boilers has the added bonus of being more energy efficient and costing less to operate.

Just as there are different types of oil boilers, the costs to purchase, install, maintain and repair them may vary as well. Energy costs vary too as the cost of oil fluctuates. Macfarlane Heating Services offers a free no obligation survey and quote for your boiler installation. The size of the boiler needed for a particular house is determined by many factors including how well it is insulated. Other considerations include the number of showers, baths and sinks; how many rooms need to be heated; the size of the radiators and whether or not the house has a terrace.