Fuel Type

The type of fuel used itself and price should also be considered. Look at the descriptions below.

Electricity

This is generally the most expensive fuel, but also the most flexible. It can be controlled easily but is often wasted. The major area of wastage is through poor maintenance and in compressed air and refrigeration applications.

Natural Gas

This is widely used in industry for space, water and process heating. Boiler maintenance costs may be lower in comparison to many fossil fuels using this gas as it is comparatively clean when burnt. Gas is often wasted through poor maintenance of boilers and steam systems.

Fuel Oil

These are the heaviest and most viscous grades. They must be heated in order to remove them from their tanks and to ensure proper combustion. This heating requirement reduces the overall efficiency of fuel oil fired boilers - especially during the winter months. Heavy fuel oil is often cheaper than gas although capital costs are higher due to storage, heating, circulation and filtration requirements. Maintenance costs are generally higher than for lighter fuels and more pollution is produced. This fuel is typically used in large boilers.

Gas Oil

This is generally the lightest and least viscous. It is cheaper than gas although higher capital costs incurred through its storage are experienced. It is less polluting than heavier grades of oil and typically used for space and process heating and plastics production.

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

LPG's include Butane and Propane. These are more expensive than natural gas and fuel oils, although are often cheaper than electricity (off peak). Capital costs through storage and maintenance are higher than for natural gas.

Coal

This is used mainly for boilers and industrial furnaces. This is the cheapest source of fuel but has high capital costs through bulk storage. Burning produces smoke, soot and dust and boilers and furnaces need a high level of cleaning and maintenance. Anthracite is cleaner with the same characteristics.