Can an oil boiler go outside?

Over 4 million UK homes that are not connected to the gas network rely on oil-fired heating. While oil boilers have traditionally been fitted inside rural homes, improved technology means that this is no longer the only option. In this article, our experts answer one of the most frequently asked questions we’ve been hearing recently - can an oil boiler go outside?

What is an external oil boiler?

Before we look more closely into whether an oil boiler can go outside, let’s first take a brief look at the difference between an internal and an external oil boiler. They both work exactly the same way; the most significant difference is that an external boiler features a weatherproof housing which means it can be located outside your home. If you are replacing an existing internal oil boiler and have suitable space outside, then this could be a convenient and attractive option for you.

Benefits of an external oil boiler

There are several reasons why an external oil boiler is a great choice:

Free up space indoors

Relocating your boiler is a great way to free up valuable space in your kitchen or utility room. Oil boilers can take up a significant amount of space that you can free up or other purposes, be it aesthetic or practical.

Improved appearance

Oil boiler technology has come a long way in recent years. Old boilers are often large and unsightly and can be difficult to work around when you want to improve the appearance of your home. With an external oil boiler, you can finally say goodbye to having a large and unattractive device inside your home, and instead enjoy using the space for something more creative.

Reduced noise

Although there have been drastic improvements with new technology, even a modern oil boiler will make a certain level of noise when operating. With a boiler located outdoors, this can be significantly reduced.

Lower carbon monoxide risk

Carbon monoxide leaks, although rare, are nonetheless a real risk with both gas and oil boilers. Putting the boiler outside substantially reduces the risk of carbon monoxide leaking into your home.

Prevent damage to home

When using an oil boiler, there is always the possibility of oil leakage, which can cause damage and odours which can be hard to remove. With an outside boiler, this risk is eliminated. Not to mention, the additional safety that comes with moving the system outside of the building.

Easier access for servicing

Locating your oil boiler outside can make it more accessible to engineers, minimising any disruption during your annual boiler service or maintenance.

Other factors to consider before choosing an external oil boiler

Although the advantages of an external boiler are numerous, it is worth considering a couple of factors before making a final decision.

Outdoor space

It is important to make sure that you have a suitable outdoor location for the boiler within a reasonable distance to the rest of the system, including the oil storage tank. This is rarely a problem for properties that already rely on oil, but if you are uncertain then our experts are happy to advise further.

Heat loss

All boilers lose a certain amount of heat to the air around them, whether indoors or outdoors. With an internal boiler, this heat will escape into your home and therefore not have a negative impact. With an external boiler, a small amount of heat will be completely lost, which will slightly impact energy efficiency. Heat can also be lost from the pipes as it transports hot water from the boiler to the property. However, there are ways to protect against this, such as cladding.

Although it is worth keeping these considerations in mind, our many satisfied customers would agree that the pros far outweigh the cons. If you have any questions, get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.

Why choose a Worcester Bosch external oil boiler?

The Worcester Bosch Greenstar Heatslave II is one of the leading external oil boilers and features cutting edge technology housed within a robust cabinet that protects it from the elements. It is suitable for small, medium and large sized homes with up to two bathrooms.

Features include:

• Precise heating and hot water control
• Green powder coated cabinet blends in with your garden and protects the boiler from the elements
• A range of models are available to meet the needs of different sized households, from small homes up to larger two bathroom properties
• Compatible with a range of optional controls for greater efficiency and comfort
• Works with water heated by green sources such as solar energy and wood fired boilers for increased efficiency
• Eco hot water mode saves energy
• Controls are concealed in a drawer
• Inbuilt frost protection

Spread the cost with Worcester Bosch boiler finance

We appreciate that installing a new oil boiler can be a big investment - but there’s no need to worry when you can spread the cost. Our attractive Worcester Bosch boiler finance packages offer zero deposit, affordable monthly repayments and the option to choose the right repayment term for you. Our trained experts are happy to help you choose the right package and as a responsible installer, we pride ourselves on our honest and transparent approach to finance.

Boiler Finance at a glance

Visit our boiler finance page to find out more

Your trusted local heating engineers

D.R. Plumbing & Heating are a trusted local company with a reputation for the highest quality workmanship and services throughout the North Wales Region. We are proud to boast a team of reliable, courteous and experienced engineers who have all worked with us in the area for several years. As well as being Gas Safe and OFTEC registered engineers, we are an award-winning Worcester Bosch accredited installer, meaning you can benefit from our up to date and extensive training in their products and services, as well as up to 7 years guarantee on parts and labour for total peace of mind.

Video Quotations Available

We are delighted to be able to offer all of our customers the added benefit of video quotations, should they be interested. Thanks to video calling technology, we can assess your current oil boiler installation and provide an accurate quote for your new boiler without needing to step into your home. We are able to do this via apps including Facetime, Messenger and WhatsApp - just let us know which you are most comfortable with and we’ll be happy to arrange a call.

Looking for a new oil boiler? Call D.R. Plumbing and Heating today on Wrexham 01978 291 923 or Mold 01352 620 125 for a free, no-obligation quotation.