If you live off-grid or in a rural UK home, oil heating might feel like your only option. But rising fuel costs, ageing tanks, and the government’s push to phase out fossil fuel systems mean it’s time to rethink how we heat our homes.
At Trust Electric Heating, we’ve developed a smarter, cleaner, and more cost-effective alternative to oil heating: the NEOS electric radiator. Whether you’re planning to upgrade one room or ditch oil heating altogether, this guide will walk you through your options, and show you why the NEOS is the future of home heating in the UK.
Around 1.7 million homes in the UK still rely on oil heating, especially in rural or remote areas where gas mains simply aren’t available.
For years, oil boilers were seen as the only viable way to heat off-grid properties. They offered high heat output, relatively affordable installation, and independence from gas suppliers.
But while oil heating systems may have worked well in the past, they’re now facing mounting challenges; financial, practical, and environmental.
While oil heating might still be common, it comes with a long list of drawbacks—especially in today’s energy landscape.
Unpredictable prices: Heating oil is subject to global market fluctuations. You could pay double one winter compared to the last.
Delivery and storage stress: You need regular oil deliveries and a large, often unsightly storage tank, both of which can leak, run dry, or need costly maintenance.
High carbon emissions: Oil is a fossil fuel. Burning it releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants, making it one of the least sustainable heating options.
Ongoing maintenance: Oil boilers need annual servicing, filter changes, and repairs. Skipping maintenance can lead to breakdowns or even safety risks.
Limited future-proofing: With government targets to phase out oil and gas boilers in the coming years, investing in oil heating today could mean an expensive replacement sooner than you think.
Burning heating oil produces approximately 2.5kg of CO2 per litre. For a typical 3-bedroom home using 2,000 litres per year, that’s 5,000kg (5 tonnes) of CO2 annually, roughly equivalent to driving 20,000 miles in a petrol car.
Oil heating also produces:
Sulphur dioxide (contributes to acid rain)
Nitrogen oxides (air pollutants)
Particulate matter (respiratory health concerns)
Risk of soil and water contamination from leaks or spills
The UK’s electricity grid is rapidly decarbonizing. In 2025, over 50% of UK electricity comes from renewable sources (wind, solar, hydro, nuclear), and that percentage increases every year.
When you heat with electricity:
Your carbon footprint automatically decreases as the grid gets greener
You can choose 100% renewable energy tariffs for near-zero emissions
Pairing with solar panels makes your heating virtually carbon-neutral
You’re aligned with the UK’s net zero 2050 targets
By 2030, electric heating is projected to produce 70% less CO2 than oil heating and that gap will only widen.
If you’re thinking about replacing your oil boiler, you’re not short on options. Here are the most common alternatives to oil heating in the UK:
Heat pumps: These use electricity to extract heat from the air or ground. While energy efficient, they can be expensive to install, require good insulation, and don’t suit every property.
Biomass boilers: These boilers burn wood pellets or logs to generate heat. They’re renewable but need regular fuel deliveries, storage space, and more maintenance than many people realise.
Infrared panels: These emit radiant heat, similar to the sun. They’re sleek and easy to install, but can leave cold spots and aren’t always powerful enough for larger or poorly insulated spaces.
Electric radiators: Modern electric systems, like the NEOS from Trust Electric Heating, offer one of the most flexible, efficient, and future-proof alternatives to oil. They require no fuel deliveries, no pipes, no annual servicing, and they work seamlessly with renewable energy and smart tariffs.
If you want a low-maintenance, scalable solution that’s clean, stylish, and genuinely cost-effective, electric heating is fast becoming the go-to alternative to oil heating.
The NEOS electric radiator has been expertly designed to solve the exact problems that come with oil heating. Whether you live off-grid or are just tired of fuel deliveries and boiler servicing, the NEOS offers a cleaner, smarter way to heat your home.
100% efficient. Every unit of electricity is converted directly into heat. No wasted energy, no emissions.
Smart, zoned control. Heat only the rooms you’re using, when you need them. Perfect for reducing running costs without compromising comfort.
Built-in thermal storage. Each NEOS unit has a soapstone core that stores heat and releases it gradually, even after it’s switched off.
Rapid, even warmth. With its double-fluted aluminium design, the NEOS delivers fast convection and even room temperatures.
Zero maintenance. No boiler, no filter changes, no fuel deliveries. Just plug in, set your preferences, and enjoy.
Low-carbon and future-ready. Fully compatible with solar panels, battery storage, and time-of-use tariffs.
British made, guaranteed. Engineered in the UK, with a 25-year warranty and no-nonsense local support.
If you’re ready to move on from oil, the NEOS is more than just a replacement; it’s a genuine upgrade.
Switching from oil to electric heating might sound like a big job, but with Trust, it’s simpler than you think. Here’s how we make the transition smooth, stress-free, and tailored to your home:
Step 1: Personalised Heating Plan
One of our heating advisors will come to your property for a consultation. They’ll measure the space, while also considering layout and insulation. This allows them to create a specific quote for you, based on the required kW power to heat your space.
Step 2: Hassle-Free Installation
After we’ve built your radiators, we’ll return to fit them in your home. We’ll remove any old old heaters and install your new NEOS radiators with minimal disruption, and no pipework or plumbing.
Step 3: Set Up and Support
Before leaving your property, we’ll take the time to explain how the radiators work and how to use the thermostat programming, as well as ensuring that each of the new radiators work correctly. And if you ever need support, our team are always on hand to help.
Remember, you don’t have to replace your entire system overnight. Many customers start with a single room, like a home office, bathroom, or bedroom, and expand over a period of time. We call this the hybrid solution here at Trust, and to learn more, click here.
To take the first step and book your free consultation, click here.
Oil heating remains prevalent in specific regions of the UK, particularly where mains gas isn’t available:
Norfolk and Suffolk Over 100,000 homes rely on oil heating in East Anglia. The flat landscape and rural nature mean many properties are off the gas grid. NEOS electric radiators are increasingly popular here as homeowners seek alternatives.
Cornwall and Devon Remote coastal and moorland properties have traditionally depended on oil. Rising delivery costs and environmental concerns are driving switches to electric heating.
Scottish Highlands and Islands Approximately 150,000 Scottish homes use oil heating. Long delivery distances and harsh winters make reliable, maintenance-free heating essential—exactly what NEOS provides.
Rural Wales Valley communities and coastal areas often lack gas infrastructure. Electric radiators offer a practical, affordable alternative to oil.
Northern Ireland Over 70,000 homes use oil heating. With limited gas network coverage, electric radiators are becoming the go-to replacement option.
North Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Northumberland Farming communities and remote villages across the North of England have relied on oil for decades. Modern electric heating is changing that.
If you live in any of these areas, you’re not alone and you have options.
The UK government has committed to phasing out fossil fuel heating systems in new homes, as of 2025, as a part of the Net Zero strategy. So yes, oil heating is being phased out as a pasrt of this strategy.
This used to be the case but not anymore. Some modern electric heaters use advanced technology to incorporate smart controls, zoned heating, and thermal storage. This eliminates wasted energy and heat, whil reducing running costs.
Absolutely! Many people choose to start with one room and expand over time. Some do one room at a time, and others do an entire floor of the house at a time. !
While there are generous grants for heat pumps (£7,500 BUS scheme), electric radiators don’t currently qualify for government grants. However:
Why electric radiators still make financial sense:
Lower upfront cost than heat pumps (even with grants)
No ongoing maintenance costs
Simpler installation (no major building work)
Works in all property types
25-year guarantee means no replacement costs
Other financial support:
Some energy suppliers offer interest-free loans for home improvements
Local council grants may be available for energy efficiency upgrades
VAT is reduced to 5% on energy-saving materials (check eligibility)
Whether you’re fed up with rising oil prices, tired of boiler servicing, or simply want a cleaner, smarter way to heat your home, Trust Electric Heating is here to help.
The NEOS electric radiator is already transforming thousands of homes across the UK, offering reliable warmth with none of the hassle of oil.
Zero emissions at point of use
No pipes, tanks or maintenance
Backed by a 25-year warranty
Get in touch today to request a personalised heating plan, or start small by upgrading a single room and seeing the difference for yourself.
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