In the 2021 census Ceredigion had the highest share of homes heated by oil alone of any local authority in England and Wales, at 35.3% (ONS Census 2021).
How homes in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire are heated
| Central heating | Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire | Wales |
|---|---|---|
| Mains gas only | 45.8% | 71.6% |
| Oil only | 26.9% | 7.8% |
| Tank or bottled gas (LPG) only | 3.8% | 2% |
| Electric only | 6.3% | 5.3% |
| Wood only | 1% | 0.3% |
| Solid fuel only | 1.3% | 0.6% |
| Renewable energy only | 1.3% | 0.5% |
| Two or more types (not renewable) | 10.7% | 9.2% |
| Two or more types (including renewable) | 1% | 0.6% |
| No central heating | 1.5% | 1.2% |
Source: ONS Census 2021, table TS046, combining Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire (weighted by households).
- Only 45.8% of households used mains gas alone, against 71.6% across Wales. Many of the rest rely on oil, LPG, electricity or solid fuel, which is where heat pumps and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme come in.
- Oil: 26.9% of homes used oil alone, 3.4 times the Wales figure. Tank checks and boiler servicing matter here.
- Wood and solid fuel: 2.3% relied on wood or solid fuel alone for central heating, so chimney sweeping is a regular job for many homes.
- Electric heating: 6.3% used electric heating alone, more than the 5.3% average.
- Renewables: 1.3% already used renewable heating alone, above the 0.5% average.
- Within the area, Ceredigion had the highest share of oil-only heating, at 35.3%.
54.2% of households in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire used something other than mains gas alone (ONS Census 2021).
Local rules and things to know in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire
The Teifi and Tywi are both SAC rivers. Natural Resources Wales lists nine SAC rivers in Wales: the Cleddau, Eden, Gwyrfai, Teifi, Tywi, Glaslyn, Dee, Usk and Wye. Its advice says a private sewage system discharging to ground is unlikely to have a significant effect if it is built to BS 6297, discharges less than 2 m³ a day, and its drainage field is more than 40 m from any river, stream, ditch or drain, more than 50 m from the SAC boundary and at least 50 m from any other known discharge to ground. Where those tests aren't met, the planning authority needs to carry out an appropriate assessment (NRW). If you're replacing a septic tank or treatment plant near a river or stream, ask your installer to check these distances early.
Your local planning authority in Wales is usually the council, but if you live in a national park it is the national park authority (Welsh Government).
Common services in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire
Heating oil boilers and tanks
Boiler servicing and replacement, oil tank installation and bunding.
Heat pumps
Air and ground source heat pumps, with grant-eligible MCS installers.
Biomass boilers and wood burners
Stove fitting, flue lining, biomass boilers and HETAS-registered installers.
Septic tanks and treatment plants
Emptying, repairs, replacement and new treatment plants for off-mains drainage.
Private water supplies and boreholes
Boreholes, springs and wells: drilling, pumps, storage, testing and repairs.
Chimney sweeping
Sweeping, CCTV flue inspections, bird guards and cowls.
Rules and grants that apply in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire
- Septic tanks and treatment plants: most need a free registration with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). See our septic tank page.
- Oil tanks: GOV.UK notes that Wales has different oil storage regulations from England, so check the Welsh rules with your installer (GOV.UK).
- Heat pump and biomass grants: the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is open in England and Wales (GOV.UK).
- Private water supplies: local authorities, Public Health Wales and the Drinking Water Inspectorate share responsibilities for private supplies in England and Wales (DWI).
Councils and towns covered
Local authorities: Ceredigion County Council, Carmarthenshire County Council.
We'll look for suppliers who cover Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, including:
- Aberystwyth
- Cardigan
- Lampeter
- Aberaeron
- Tregaron
- Newcastle Emlyn
- Carmarthen
- Llandeilo
- Llandovery
- St Clears
- Whitland
- Llanybydder
The list isn't complete. Enter your postcode in the form and we'll look for suppliers who cover your property.
Other areas in Wales
Powys · Gwynedd and Anglesey · Pembrokeshire · All of Wales
Frequently asked questions
How are most homes in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire heated?
In the 2021 census, 45.8% of households in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire used mains gas alone, 26.9% used oil alone and 6.3% used electricity alone.
Can I get a heat pump grant in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire?
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump in England and Wales, and until March 2027 homes heated by oil or LPG with no mains gas connection may get an additional £1,500.
Do you cover all of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire?
Yes. Enter your postcode and we'll look for up to 3 local suppliers who cover your property, including outlying villages and farms.