www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Just got a Calor Gas brocure in with an offer for them to install a tank FREE OF CHARGE and £150 of gas to 'get you going'.

Has anyone any experience of using Calor gas IN THE BIG BULK TANKS that they can contribute in terms of costs?

We currently only use Calor for heating water and cooking and use 2 off 47kg tanks per year. We are contemplating the future and our possible need to convert from wood stove for general heating to radiators and the necessay increase in gas consumption a full-on combi heater will cause.

So, what kind of prices do you pay for BULK Calor gas? According to one website, bulk Calor gas costs around 6.5p/kW (compared to 5.5p/kW for town gas) which is still lots cheaper than electricity - we're an all-electric premises otherwise.

Our CURRENT need is minimal - the smallest bulk tank Calor do would last us 5+years if we had it filled so I doubt whether Calor would even consider us for one of their tanks

As far as my knowledge extends, you never OWN the tank but rent it and the rental cost is actually included as part of the price you pay for the gas in it therefore I suspect that the 6.5p/kW price would be waaaay higher considering our low usage????

Anyone?

I think the point to watch out for is that having the free tank you are tied to Calor for supply and they tend to float the charge to match oil prices. I think the tank connectors are unique to their supply vehicles so you cannot shop around. I am not sure if buying your own tank avoids this problem either but you should have a look at this aspect. I looked into this a while back when we considered an oil heated home and realised that it would cost a fortune.

DWD

I too looked into this, when I discovered that they will rip everything out, if and when you try to change suppliers.........I realized it is a rip off. Once you are tied in, they can raise their prices, to the point where it hurts.