Published: September 19, 2026 Oil vs gas central heating is one of the most common questions we hear from Devon homeowners, and the honest answer depends heavily on where you live. Large parts of rural Devon sit off the mains-gas grid, which is why oil-fired central heating remains so common across the county's villages, farms and older cottages. In Exeter and other towns served by the gas network, natural gas is usually the default choice. This guide gives a balanced look at the pros and cons of each, so you can decide what genuinely suits your home. Gas central heating — pros & cons Mains natural gas is the most widely used heating fuel in the UK, and for good reason. If your property is connected to the gas grid, a modern condensing gas boiler is usually the simplest and most cost-effective way to heat your home and hot water. Advantages Fuel is delivered continuously through the mains — no storage tank and no deliveries to arrange Gas is generally cheaper per unit of heat than heating oil Compact boilers that fit neatly in a kitchen cupboard or utility room Huge choice of boilers, parts and engineers, so servicing and repairs are straightforward Drawbacks Only an option if your property is connected to the mains-gas network Much of rural Devon simply has no gas supply available Still a fossil fuel, so it carries a carbon footprint Gas prices, like all energy, can rise and fall A central heating installation near Exeter. Where mains gas is available, a modern condensing gas boiler is usually the most practical choice. All of our gas work is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, which is a legal requirement for anyone working on gas appliances in the UK. Oil central heating — pros & cons For the many Devon homes that are off the mains-gas grid, oil-fired central heating is the traditional alternative. Oil is stored in a tank on your property and delivered by tanker, feeding a boiler that works much like a gas one. Modern condensing oil boilers, such as the Grant Vortex range, are efficient and reliable. Advantages Available anywhere — ideal for rural, off-grid Devon properties Oil delivers a high heat output, well suited to larger and older homes You can shop around and buy oil when prices are lower Modern condensing oil boilers are efficient and long-lasting Drawbacks You need space for a storage tank and must arrange deliveries Oil is usually more expensive per unit of heat than mains gas Running out of oil means no heating until the next delivery A fossil fuel with a higher carbon footprint than gas A Grant Vortex oil boiler being serviced. We are OFTEC-trained with over ten years' experience on oil systems and were trained by Grant UK. On the oil side, our experience runs deep: we are OFTEC-trained, have more than ten years of hands-on experience with oil-fired systems, and received our training directly from Grant UK. We service and repair oil boilers throughout Devon. Which is right for you? For most homeowners the decision comes down to one simple question: is mains gas available at your property? If mains gas is available — it is usually the sensible choice. Installation tends to be simpler, running costs are typically lower, and there is no tank or deliveries to manage. If you are rural or off-grid — oil is the established option, and in some cases LPG (bottled or bulk gas) can be an alternative where oil storage is impractical. Beyond fuel availability, it is worth weighing up running costs (gas is generally cheaper per unit than oil, though both move with the market), installation (gas is often more straightforward, while oil needs a tank and delivery access) and servicing (both should be serviced annually to stay safe and efficient). It is also fair to mention the future. Air source heat pumps are increasingly being fitted in Devon as a lower-carbon alternative, and they can suit well-insulated homes, but they are not the right fit for every property and involve a much larger upfront investment. For most homes today the practical decision remains oil versus gas, and we are happy to give honest advice on what makes sense for yours. Servicing & support in Devon Whichever system you have, keeping it serviced protects your safety, your warranty and your fuel bills. Absolute Plumbing & Heating has been looking after Devon homes since 2015, and we service and repair both oil and gas central heating. Gas systems — all gas work carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer Oil systems — OFTEC-trained with 10+ years' experience and trained by Grant UK Honest advice — a straightforward recommendation on what suits your home and budget Need advice on oil or gas heating in Devon? Whether you are choosing a new system or need your existing boiler serviced or repaired, we are here to help across Exeter and the surrounding area. Call 07766 501664 for a friendly, no-obligation chat. Heating Engineer in Exeter Oil Boiler Services Call 07766 501664