Heating your home is a year-round concern for many households in Ireland, especially during the colder seasons. With energy prices on the rise, knowing how to calculate your heating costs and choose the most efficient fuel source has never been more important.
This guide explains how to estimate heating costs based on your home’s size, compare different fuel types—like oil, LPG, and BioLPG—and shows why Calor Ireland is a reliable solution for many Irish homeowners.
Estimating Your Heating Costs Based on Home Size
To get an accurate picture of your heating expenses, you’ll first need to understand how much energy your home uses. Several factors influence this, including:
Size of the home (in square metres)
Building Energy Rating (BER)
Level of insulation
Type of heating fuel used
Step 1: Identify Your Home’s BER Rating
The BER measures how energy-efficient your property is. Homes are rated from A1 (most efficient) to G (least efficient), and each rating suggests how much energy your home typically consumes:
A-rated: 25–75 kWh/m² annually
B-rated: 75–150 kWh/m²
C-rated: 150–200 kWh/m²
D-rated: 200–300 kWh/m²
E-rated: 300–400 kWh/m²
F/G-rated: 400–450+ kWh/m²
(Source: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland – seai.ie)
Step 2: Calculate Annual Energy Use
Use this simple formula:
Home Size (m²) × BER Energy Rate (kWh/m²) = Total Energy Use (kWh/year)
Example:
A 150 m² home with a BER of C1 (roughly 175 kWh/m²) would require:
150 × 175 = 26,250 kWh per year
Step 3: Estimate Fuel Costs
Each fuel type has a different cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and level of efficiency. Here’s a general comparison:
Fuel Type
Cost per kWh (€)
Efficiency (%)
Heating Oil
€0.10 – €0.12
85%
LPG
€0.12 – €0.15
90%
BioLPG
€0.13 – €0.17
90%
(Source: SEAI & Switcher.ie)
Estimated Annual Cost for a 150 m² Home:
Heating Oil: 26,250 kWh × €0.11 = €2,887
LPG: 26,250 kWh × €0.13 = €3,412
BioLPG: 26,250 kWh × €0.15 = €3,937
These figures offer a general guide and can vary with energy market shifts and boiler efficiency.
You can check your household consumption percentage difference using a simple percentage calculator online.
Is Oil Heating Right for Your Home?
Advantages of Oil Heating
Oil-fired central heating remains popular, especially in rural Ireland, due to:
Wide availability across the country
Lower installation costs compared to gas systems
Strong performance in larger or older homes
Considerations and Drawbacks
Oil prices are subject to market volatility
Higher carbon emissions compared to LPG and BioLPG
Storage tanks are required, taking up outdoor space
Average Annual Cost:
A typical three-bedroom home using around 1,500 litres of oil could spend between €1,500 and €1,800 per year (based on €1.00 – €1.20 per litre).
(Source: oilprices.ie)
Looking to switch from oil heating? More details are available online for Irish homeowners.
Exploring LPG and BioLPG: Cleaner Alternatives
Benefits of LPG Heating
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is cleaner and more efficient than oil, producing 11% less CO₂ and nearly eliminating black carbon emissions.
(Source: lgi.ie)
Why more Irish households are choosing LPG:
Over 90% boiler efficiency
Reduced emissions
Ideal for rural homes without mains gas access
Typical Annual Cost for a 3-Bed Home:
For an energy use of 20,000 kWh/year, LPG can cost between €2,400 and €3,000
(Source: Switcher.ie)
Thinking of switching to LPG? Visit trusted Irish energy comparison websites for advice.
BioLPG: A Renewable Heating Option
BioLPG is an eco-friendly fuel made from sustainable sources like vegetable oils and waste. It can cut carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil fuels.
(Source: calorgas.ie)
Key Benefits:
Significant reduction in carbon footprint
Exempt from Ireland’s carbon tax (Source: Gov.ie)
No need to change existing LPG systems
BioLPG is gaining popularity in Ireland as more households seek renewable alternatives. More information is available from energy providers and environmental organisations.
Why Calor Ireland Is a Smart Choice
Calor Ireland has built a reputation for reliability, sustainability, and innovation in home heating. Here’s why they’re a go-to option:
Leaders in Renewable Energy
Calor introduced BioLPG to the Irish market, offering a 100% renewable heating option.
Efficiency & Savings
With high-efficiency boilers and dependable delivery services, Calor helps lower overall energy bills.
Official Recognition
Calor’s BioLPG is certified by both the EU and Irish government as a renewable fuel, aligning with national climate goals.
(Source: seai.ie)
Flexible Solutions
Whether you need a bulk storage tank or portable cylinders, Calor offers options to suit every home.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Heating for Your Irish Home
Selecting the best heating solution depends on several factors: cost, efficiency, environmental impact, and location. Here’s a quick summary:
Oil heating is reliable but has a higher carbon footprint.
LPG offers cleaner burning and better efficiency.
BioLPG is the most environmentally friendly choice without sacrificing performance.
For homeowners looking to switch, Calor Ireland stands out as a trusted provider of both LPG and BioLPG, helping you reduce heating bills while supporting a greener Ireland.
