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Renewable liquid gases key to greener off-grid heating – an installer’s guide

s we head into the colder months, heating systems come top of mind for homeowners. With increasing media focus on renewable energy and electrified heating, many installers may be considering how this impacts their customers, especially those off-grid with limited options.

While renewable energy gets the spotlight, rising household bills mean homeowners are looking for ways to save on heating costs. The role installers play in guiding these decisions is crucial, explains seasoned installer, Paul Williams of Albert Williams Ltd.

“Everyone wants to save money,” says Mr Williams. “People are looking at the costs of running their heating systems. It’s our job to go through the system design and point out ways to fine-tune things for greater efficiency.”

The decision to push the off-grid boiler ban to 2035 has given rural homeowners more time to consider their options. However, many installers may still find their customers concerned about the future availability of gas, as Mr Williams observes. “Some customers think they need to change their boilers now because they fear gas won’t be available from 2025/ 26, but we know it’ll be around for at least the next 10–15 years,” he notes.

Recent polling of over 2,500 rural consumers, carried out on behalf of Liquid Gas UK, found that over 77% of people would be supportive of a policy that allows them to use their existing boiler, running on renewable fuels, beyond 2035. 

Balancing costs, environmental concern and fuel availability, installers are seeking alternatives that do not require costly system upgrades, yet still align with the push for decarbonisation. This is where Renewable Liquid Gases (RLGs) come in.

Though many installers may not yet be familiar with these next-generation liquid gases, they offer a smooth, affordable transition to cleaner energy and a futureproof option for liquified petroleum gas (LPG) users.

Installers play a crucial role in guiding customer heating decisions says seasoned installer, Paul Williams of Albert Williams Ltd

A drop-in solution

Derived from sustainable sources, such as biomass and even household rubbish, renewable liquid gases, such as bioLPG and rDME, are chemically identical to traditional LPG, offering the same clean-burning properties, portability and convenience but with a 90% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional LPG. Due to their chemical similarity, the transition from LPG to renewable liquid gas is simple, explains Liquid Gas UK’s CEO, George Webb. 

“One of the most important things installers need to know is that RLGs are a drop-in replacement. This means switching to RLG doesn’t require costly system changes as customers can continue using their existing boilers, pipework and appliances. RLGs can be blended with LPG, stored in the same cylinders and tanks, and transported as part of the usual delivery process.

“Given that affordability is a priority for homeowners, this provides a major advantage over more disruptive alternatives like heat pumps, which for off-grid, older properties, often require expensive retrofitting and insulation upgrades,” he adds.

Customers can continue using their existing boilers with RLGs says George Webb, Liquid Gas UK CEO

Mr Webb says RLGs can help installers address customer concerns about future environmental requirements. “Heating accounts for 18% of the UK’s emissions, so transforming how we heat our homes is essential, but costs need to be fair. Installers are vital in making greener fuels more accessible. By recommending RLGs, they can provide a solution that meets customer needs today, delivers significant carbon reductions, and aligns with the UK’s long-term climate goals.”

With 80% of installers in a recent survey indicating they would benefit from further training on RLGs, Liquid Gas UK is committed to providing the support needed to instil confidence in recommending RLGs, offering resources, technical guides and safe codes of practice.  

“Fundamentally, there is no need for new training with RLGs, which is great news for installers and means they can reassure customers their existing LPG boilers will be relevant for years to come,” says Mr Webb.

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