Oil boiler replacement in Perthshire
Perthshire spans the city of Perth out to rural Highland Perthshire. Many rural homes run on oil, and a number of oil tanks are reaching end of life, making the timing right for a heat pump conversion.
Key facts
- Perthshire spans urban Perth to remote Highland Perthshire with varied housing stock.
- Many rural Perthshire oil tanks are reaching end of life — good timing for conversion.
- Stone-built rural properties need insulation assessment before a heat pump.
- Highland Perthshire is colder than lowland Perth — the heat loss calculation must reflect this.
- Riverside properties in Perthshire may need flood risk consideration for outdoor unit siting.
Last updated: 28 October 2026
What types of housing are in Perthshire?
Perth has a mix of Victorian sandstone tenements, post-war estates and modern developments. Rural Perthshire has stone-built farmhouses, cottages and estate properties, many dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. Highland Perthshire — Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Dunkeld — has a mix of Victorian villas, council-era housing and newer build detached homes.
How many properties are off-gas in Perthshire?
Perth itself is on the gas grid, but much of rural Perthshire is not. Highland Perthshire towns like Pitlochry and Aberfeldy have limited or no gas coverage, and the surrounding rural areas are entirely off-grid. Oil is the primary heating fuel for these properties, with some LPG where access permits tank delivery.
What insulation does a Perthshire property need for a heat pump?
Stone-built rural properties in Perthshire typically have solid walls. Many have had loft insulation added, but wall insulation is often missing. Victorian properties in Perth city may have cavity walls or solid walls depending on the era. The surveyor will identify the construction type and advise on insulation requirements before a heat pump is specified.
Will my radiators need replacing in Perthshire?
Stone-built properties with solid walls tend to have higher heat loss, making radiator upgrades more likely. Victorian villas in Highland Perthshire often have original cast-iron radiators that may not be adequate for a heat pump lower flow temperature. The room-by-room heat loss calculation determines which radiators need replacing.
How does the Perthshire winter affect a heat pump?
Highland Perthshire is significantly colder than lowland Perth. The glens around Aberfeldy and Pitlochry regularly see snow and sub-zero temperatures for extended periods. Lowland Perth is milder but still experiences freezing conditions. The heat loss calculation must account for the specific location within Perthshire.
Which nearby areas do we also cover?
Perthshire borders Aberdeenshire to the north-east, Angus to the east, the Highlands to the north-west and the Scottish Borders to the south. Properties near the boundaries are covered by the nearest surveyor.
Get a quotation for your Perthshire property
Fill in the form with your postcode and property details. A surveyor calls you within one working day to arrange a visit.
Related guides
Costs & prices
What an oil to heat pump conversion costs and the six factors that drive the price.
Read moreHow it works
The five stages of replacing an oil boiler with a heat pump, from enquiry to handover.
Read moreAll areas covered
See all the Scottish regions we cover for oil to heat pump conversions.
Read moreLast updated: 28 October 2026. Reviewed by the Scottish Energy Efficiency team.