Modern oil-fired boilers can be very energy-efficient and manufacturers claim net seasonal operating efficiencies of up to 97%. As with gas boilers, the highest rated boilers will offer the greatest efficiency, and there are many 'A' rated models on the market.

 

Oil-fired combination boilers are also available, providing hot water on demand without the need for a hot water tank. However, it is fair to say that they are a bit slower to provide hot water than some gas combi boilers, and that they are not always recommended except for smaller households.

 

Oil boilers are available with both balanced flues (where the air for combustion is drawn in through a pipe concentric with the extract flue) and with open flues (where the air for combustion is drawn from the room in which the boiler is sited). Although Building Regulations permit both types of boiler to be located in domestic garages, we recommend that only balanced flue boilers are used in those areas. Most modern boilers use a pressure jet burner; although some vaporising burner machines are still available on the market, they may only be fitted into a limited number of locations.