LPG

Installation Costs

4/5

Very competitive, even for underground installations.

Running Costs

3/5

Not as high as some like to believe. Getting cheaper.

Environmental Safety

5/5

Not one pollution episode since the 1930s.

Usability

4/5

Great for cooking and heating, with appliances on the increase all the time.

Overall

16/20

Higher running costs than some, but worth every penny. A very safe fuel that finds uses all over the home.

Electricity

Installation Costs

3/5

Not bad, no need for flue which helps keep cost low.

Running Costs

2/5

Creates the highest bills of the featured fuels - but practically maintenance free.

Environmental Safety

4/5

No naked flame or possible spillage - only carbon dioxide emissions a concern.

Usability

4/5

Edged out by LPG on quality of cooking, otherwise useful throughout the house.

Overall

13/20

A good rural power source, the major drawback being running costs. And keep fingers crossed for no powercuts!

Heating Oil

Installation Costs

3/5

Suffers slightly in comparison to LPG, specifically for underground tanks.

Running Costs

4/5

Historically heating oil's biggest benefit - but current volatile prices may put paid to that.

Environmental Safety

2/5

New regulations should help, but levels of pollution still a massive concern.

Usability

3/5

Good for heating, but electricity and LPG favourable for cooking.

Overall

12/20

Has been very popular due to low running costs,but is let down by its environmental record and cooking ability.

Solid Fuel

Installation Costs

3/5

New chimney flues can make installation expensive.

Running Costs

3/5

Depends on which solid fuel you burn, but generally speaking fairly cheap.

Environmental Safety

3/5

Environmental issues over emissions.

Usability

2/5

Excellent for open fires, but numerous drawbacks on other appliances - and a lot of hassle!

Overall

11/20

Very few cooking appliances available, yet too expensive and time consuming for heating alone