For the 1.1 million homes in the UK not currently connected to the gas network, Kerosene has been the primary heating source for as long as we can remember. But as the world seeks to decarbonise, a fuel source producing around 7 million tonnes of CO2 year on year is just not acceptable.

But what are the alternatives? Until now, these off grid homes have been able to replace their oil burning system with an air source heat pump system to improve efficiency and reduce emissions but a cost in the region of £12-15k to upgrade is prohibitive for many.

So the fuel oil industry has been working hard on lower cost, lower carbon solutions. The result of this research and collaboration is an oil substitute called HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) Fuel made from vegetable oil, waste fats and waste oils.   A straight substitute for kerosene, this liquid fuel is renewable, and infinitely more environmentally friendly than its predecessor.  In fact, HVO offers a close to 90% reduction in emissions.

It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? It must cost a fortune to upgrade your off-grid home heating system to be able to run on HVO…

Not so.  In fact, it is incredibly simple and cost effective to adapt your existing home system to be able to run on HVO. The switch involves a simple nozzle change, pump pressure adjustment and air mixture adjustment, similar to your annual service. Significantly lower in cost than a 12-15 thousand pound system overhaul.

For those rural homes looking to reduce their carbon footprint, adapting their current oil burning system to take HVO Fuel is a simple, low-cost option which your plumber can help you with. Contact your plumber today to find out more.