Converting from oil to gas central heating

[Gingerish]

Hi I've posted this on the property board too but though I would stick it here as well as I'm based in Ireland and I know oil is very common.

So has anyone ever converted from oil to gas central heating and can give me any idea what this might entail?

Im looking at a house to buy which has an oil boiler in a little outdoor hose and an oil tank. I've checked to see if the house can be linked up to the main gas network and it can be, but I can't tell if this is going to be a simple enough job or a major hassle!

Any advice appreciated

Little outdoor house*

Something like this? www.flogas.co.uk/home/lpg-solutions

@Meandmini3 Ive never heard of that option. I'll have a look at it.

From what I can see though I could just get the house connected to the main gas network, just unsure how to go about the process. Apparently a licence to open the road is required from the council but I'm not sure if need to get that or the gas provider does.

Given that in a few more years we are all going to be moving away from gas to air source heat pumps or some other form of sustainable heating, I would just stick with the oil based heating for now.

We live rurally and have oil fired heating. It's really not that much of a bother and no more expensive than gas to run.

@ChequerBoard that's interesting - is it really no more expensive to run? I've been scaring myself by reading stories online of 500L costing almost 500 euro and then only lasting 3 months in winter

Changing to gas is going to costs you several thousand by the time you have replaced the boiler, decommissioned the oil tank and then paid to have the gas line linked you to your house.

The difference with oil is you are paying our more at one time to fill up the tank in advance rather than paying your gas bill monthly or quarterly in arrears.

It's about £600 to get 1000 litres of oil delivered about now. Prices do fluctuate a lot, it's worth keep an eye on the oil price and filling up when it's lower than usual.

@ChequerBoard Yes I knew I would have an initial outlay when connecting to gas but i thought the longer term savings would make up for it.

Out of interest how long would 1000L last you? I know it depends on the size of house and how energy efficient it is, but just as an idea.

Also how low would you let you tank get before refilling? Do you have to book it several weeks in advance?

Also what is involved in having the oil tank decommissioned?

At the moment heating oil is cheaper than gas in Northern Ireland.

We use about 2000l a year. Generally brimming the 2500l tank once a year mid summer when the prices tend to be lowest.

I manage properties and 99.9999% of the time if there is an issue with heating it will be with a gas boiler. I wouldn't convert.