Replacing Oil With Low-Carbon Confidence.
At Yarrow Energy, we understand that heating a large rural property presents a very specific set of challenges - especially when it comes to balancing efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. That’s why we were delighted to work with the owners of a large country house in Scotland to help them transition away from traditional oil heating and toward a smarter, cleaner alternative.
The property in question is a classic example of Scottish rural architecture - expansive, characterful, and entirely off the gas grid. With rising fuel costs and a desire to reduce their environmental footprint, the homeowners were ready to make a change. Our recommendation: a high-performance 60kW ETA log gasification boiler - a solution that would not only reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, but also provide robust and controllable heat output across the entire home.
Why a Log Boiler?
When it comes to heating off-grid properties, many people think their only options are oil or LPG. But in this case, a log gasification boiler was a perfect fit. The 60kW ETA boiler is purpose-built for larger homes and estates with space for log storage and a preference for hands-on fuel management.
Unlike traditional log-burning stoves, a gasification boiler works by superheating the wood to produce a gas, which is then burned at a much higher temperature in a second chamber. This two-stage process is incredibly efficient, extracting more energy from each log and producing far fewer emissions.
For the homeowner, this meant the freedom to use a sustainable and locally sourced fuel supply - with significantly reduced energy bills and a far lower carbon footprint than oil.
Designing For Comfort And Control
Our team worked closely with the client to design a system that would integrate smoothly into their existing heating infrastructure. The ETA boiler was installed in a dedicated plant room adjacent to the main house, with sufficient space allocated for log storage, safe ventilation, and easy fuel loading access.
The system was linked to the property's central heating and domestic hot water circuits, ensuring consistent warmth throughout the house. We also incorporated buffer storage, allowing the boiler to operate at optimal efficiency and deliver stored heat on demand, even outside of firing cycles.
A key part of the brief was ensuring ease of use for the homeowner. The ETA system comes equipped with intelligent controls and remote monitoring options, allowing for simple daily operation and performance tracking. We provided full handover support and training to make sure the client felt confident managing the system from day one.
Environmental And Financial Payoff
The environmental benefits of the new system were immediate. By replacing an aging oil boiler with a renewable biomass solution, the property saw a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions. The homeowners now benefit from a clean, renewable heating source that aligns with broader net zero goals - without sacrificing comfort.
Financially, the switch is also paying off. With oil prices continuing to fluctuate, logs remain one of the most affordable and stable heating fuels available, particularly for clients with access to local suppliers or their own timber resources. Over time, the cost savings and long-term stability of the ETA system make it a highly attractive option for rural estates and country homes.
Heating With Integrity, Built To Last
This project is a great example of what’s possible when traditional homes embrace modern renewable heating systems. At Yarrow Energy, we specialise in matching the right solution to the right home - taking into account property size, energy needs, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals.
The 60kW ETA log boiler we installed at this country house isn’t just a functional upgrade - it’s a statement of sustainable intent. A move away from fossil fuels. A smarter way to heat. And a perfect demonstration of how renewable technology can blend seamlessly into a rural lifestyle.
We're proud to have played a part in this transition, and even prouder to know that this home is now warmer, greener, and ready for the future.