What Is the Best Boiler System for a Hotel?
When winter rolls around, icy rooms can sink your hotel’s ratings and revenue. But reliable heating is just the beginning – installation costs, fuel prices, and environmental impact all affect your bottom line and brand image. That’s why, when replacing your old boiler, choosing the right type is key.
There are many boiler options available, but oil, gas, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) are the most common. They all have the same goal – keeping showers steaming, radiators humming, and guests comfortable – but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
The team at Asbury Heating have been installing and maintaining boilers in hotels for decades, so we know a thing or two about which boiler is best for your specific needs. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each type to help you find the perfect fit for your hotel.

1. Upfront Costs
Oil: Oil boilers tend to be the priciest boiler type to install. They need a dedicated oil storage tank on-site, which adds a fair amount to the initial setup.
Gas: Natural gas boilers, on the other hand, are far more affordable to install. Many hotels already have natural gas lines, so you skip the hefty installation fees by connecting directly to them.
LPG: LPG boilers fall somewhere in the middle. Like oil, they require a tank, but unlike oil, they can sometimes connect to existing natural gas lines with some adjustments. This saves you time and money on installing a whole new gas line. LPG tanks are also smaller and lighter, giving engineers more flexibility for positioning them. This can simplify the plumbing process and reduce labour costs.
2. Fuel Cost Stability
Oil: The price of heating oil is notoriously volatile. It can go up and down on a day-to-day basis depending on market demands and global events, which can make it difficult to manage your hotel’s heating budget and maintain consistent pricing strategies.
Gas: In contrast, natural gas prices tend to be more stable. This predictability makes budgeting for fuel expenditures much easier.
LPG: LPG tends to offer more stable pricing than oil in many regions, though not quite as steady as natural gas.
3. Fuel Availability
Oil: Heating oil is a readily available fuel source in most regions, which makes it more reliable than other heating options that might require resources not easily available.
Gas: The availability of natural gas depends on the presence of a gas line connection in your area. Since not all locations have access to natural gas pipelines, your options may be restricted.
LPG: LPG is readily available throughout most regions and can be conveniently delivered and stored on-site. However, it tends to cost more than both oil and gas.
4. Storage Requirements
Oil: An oil tank is needed for storage, requiring dedicated space on your property. The size of the tank depends on your fuel consumption. This can be a significant space commitment, especially for urban hotels with limited property footprints.
Gas: No on-site storage is required with natural gas, as it’s delivered directly through a pipeline. This eliminates the need for dedicated storage tanks, freeing up valuable space on your property.
LPG: Similar to oil, LPG necessitates an LPG tank for on-site storage, taking up space on your property. However, LPG tanks are generally smaller than oil tanks for comparable heating capacity.
5. Environmental Impact
Oil: Oil is the least environmentally friendly option, producing higher carbon emissions during combustion. If your hotel makes sustainability a priority, this is a big drawback.
Gas: Natural gas burns cleaner than oil but still produces greenhouse gases. While natural gas is a cleaner option than oil, it’s not the most environmentally friendly choice.
LPG: LPG is a relatively clean-burning fuel option compared to oil, with lower emissions. LPG produces fewer emissions than oil, making it a more sustainable option.

Which Boiler System Should You Choose For Your Hotel?
Finding the perfect boiler for your hotel boils down to your top needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
- Natural gas is best for affordability and convenience. Just keep in mind it might not be available everywhere.
- Oil is the most reliable option, but watch out for potential cost fluctuations.
- LPG is best if you’re eco-conscious or off-the-grid, but be prepared for fuel costs that might be a bit higher.
Find the Perfect Boiler System With Asbury Heating
Struggling to choose the right boiler system for your hotel? Let Asbury Heating be your one-stop shop! Using our 60+ years of experience, we’ll assess your specific needs and recommend the most efficient and cost-effective solution to keep your guests warm and comfortable.
We design and install reliable boilers for hotels of all sizes and layouts, ensuring optimal performance across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and beyond. We also provide planned maintenance contracts to keep your system running smoothly, along with a 24/7 emergency repair service so you’re never left in the cold.
Ready to find the perfect fit for your hotel? Get a free quote online or call us on 01202 745189 today!