Switching from kerosene to HVO: the seven-question check.
HVO drops in to your existing tank with a £400–£900 conversion kit. We walk through whether your boiler model qualifies.
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is the most realistic drop-in replacement for domestic kerosene. It cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 88%, uses the same tank, and works with most modern oil boilers after a small conversion. But it isn’t a fit for every household yet.
Run through these seven questions before you decide.
1. Is your boiler under 15 years old?
Most boilers manufactured after 2010 are HVO-compatible after a burner head and seals upgrade (£400–£900). Older units may need full replacement. Check the model plate against your manufacturer’s HVO list (Worcester Bosch, Grant, Firebird and Mistral all publish theirs).
2. Is HVO available in your postcode?
HVO supply is regional. Currently strong in the South West, Wales and parts of East Anglia; thinner in the Highlands. Distributor coverage is expanding monthly.
3. Are you ready for a 15–25% price premium?
HVO currently runs about 20% above kerosene per litre. If kerosene is 105p, HVO is around 125p. Some of that gap will narrow as production scales.
4. Can you commit to 1,000L+ orders?
Most HVO suppliers don’t do 500L drops yet — minimum is typically 900L due to tanker scheduling.
5. Have you cleaned your tank in the last 5 years?
HVO will dissolve old kerosene sludge in the tank, which can clog your line. Tank inspection (and sludge removal if needed) before the first HVO delivery is essential.
6. Is your insurer briefed?
Some home insurance policies still treat “non-mineral” fuels as a notifiable change. A 30-second call to your insurer avoids surprises.
7. Do you qualify for a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant?
If you replace your oil boiler with a heat pump instead, the government grant is up to £7,500 — worth weighing against HVO conversion. HVO makes sense when a heat pump retrofit is impractical (poor insulation, hard-water area, listed building).
Our take
For most off-grid households in 2026, HVO is the right answer if you tick five of the seven boxes above. If you tick fewer, stay on kerosene for now and revisit in 2027.