If you are replacing a boiler in Bude or the wider North Cornwall area, the first question is often the biggest one: oil or gas? Plenty of homes around here are off the mains gas grid, so this is not just a preference, it is a practical decision based on what is available at your property. This guide walks through the real differences so you can make a confident choice.
Why It Matters in North Cornwall
Large parts of rural North Cornwall are not connected to the mains gas network. If your property has no gas supply, an oil boiler paired with an external oil tank is usually the practical heating choice, and it is one of the most common jobs we carry out. Where mains gas is available, a modern gas boiler is often the simpler option with less on-site storage to think about.
The honest starting point is always the same: check what your property actually has access to. We look at that during a free survey before recommending anything.
Running Costs
- Oil: You buy heating oil in bulk and store it in a tank on site. Costs move with the oil market, and buying when prices are lower can help. A modern condensing oil boiler is efficient and can keep a rural home comfortably warm.
- Gas: Mains gas is billed through a supplier with no on-site storage and no need to order deliveries. Where it is available, running costs are predictable and there is nothing to refill.
Neither is universally cheaper for every home. The bigger factors are how efficient the new boiler is, how well the property holds heat, and how the system is set up.
Not Sure Which Is Right for Your Home?
Call AH Plumbing and Heating on 07712 409139. We will look at your property and give you honest, free advice across Bude and North Cornwall.
Call for Free AdviceInstallation and Ongoing Care
An oil system needs an oil tank as well as the boiler. If your tank is old, replacing the boiler is a good moment to look at the tank too. We carry out oil tank work in-house, including the groundworks and the base, and fit a temporary tank so you are never left without heat while the work is done.
A gas boiler installation is typically a quicker job with no external storage involved. Whichever route is right for you, we remove and dispose of the old boiler, commission the new system fully, and hand it over properly.
Reliability and Lifespan
Both oil and gas boilers are reliable when they are installed correctly and looked after. The biggest difference in real life is the quality of the installation. A well-fitted boiler from a trusted manufacturer, commissioned properly, will give you many years of dependable heat. A rushed installation will cause problems no matter which fuel it runs on.
Which Should You Choose?
If your home has no mains gas, oil is almost always the practical answer, and a modern oil boiler with a sound tank is a strong, long-lasting setup. If you do have mains gas, a new gas boiler is usually the simpler choice with nothing to store or refill. The right call depends on your property, which is exactly what a free survey is for. We give you a clear recommendation and a fixed quote with no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only if mains gas is available at your property. Many rural North Cornwall homes are off the gas grid, so oil remains the practical option. We will confirm what your property can connect to during a free survey.
A straightforward boiler replacement is usually completed in a day. We work out of hours where needed so you are not left without heating or hot water.
Yes. We carry out oil tank installations in-house, including the groundworks and base, and fit a temporary tank so your home keeps its heat while we work.
Yes. Every quote is free and provided with no obligation, with the price explained clearly and no hidden costs.
