Is It A Good Idea To Install An Electric Boiler?

Many of us are looking for an alternative to a gas boiler. One of the options you might be considering is an electric boiler. But as they’re quite new to the market, you might not be that familiar with them. So, you may be wondering whether it’s a good idea to install one. To help you decide, let’s take a look at their pros and cons and explore the instances where they can be the best option for your heating and hot water.

The Benefits Of An Electric Boiler

The major benefit of an electric boiler is its efficiency. The energy efficiency of an electric boiler is superior to that of a gas boiler. It typically has a 99% efficiency whereas a modern, condensing gas boiler typically has a 94% to 95% efficiency.

It’s also a sustainable option. If you combine your electric boiler with a green energy tariff, you can heat your home and hot water without using fossil fuels. So, you’ll see a reduction in your home’s carbon footprint. 

An electric boiler is typically a cheaper option than installing a heat pump or solar panels. So, it can be the most budget-friendly way to improve your environmental credentials. But an electric boiler is suitable for combining with solar panels to make your home incredibly eco-friendly and it will lower your energy bills. 

You may also find that an electric boiler offers you a lot more flexibility than other options such as gas and oil systems. As it doesn’t require a flue, there’s no need to place an electric boiler on or near an exterior wall. Plus, electric boilers tend to be quite compact, making them easier to fit into small spaces. Furthermore, electric boilers tend to work quietly. So, if you’re installing one in a small flat or open-plan living space, you won’t find it disruptive. 

Lastly, electric boilers are considered easier to maintain than gas boilers as they don’t rely on as many mechanical components. And unlike gas boilers, there’s no risk of carbon monoxide leaks. So, in this sense, it’s also safer. 

How Much Does An Electric Boiler Cost?

As with gas boilers, you can choose between a combi, system and heat-only electric boiler. Heat-only boilers do tend to be cheaper but typically, a combi electric boiler costs between £1,000 and £3,000. Gas combi boilers aren’t significantly different in price, although some models can be bought for as little as £700. 

What about running costs? Like gas boilers, this does depend on the size of the boiler and how much you use your heating. This means your running costs might be somewhere between £40 and £200. How does this compare to gas, you ask? Well, despite gas tariffs being cheaper than electric tariffs, it’s still likely to cost between £50 and £100 per month to run a gas boiler. 

So, as you can see, there are some cost differences between gas and electric boilers. But they’re not quite as dramatic as you might expect. That’s not to say that electric boilers don’t have any limitations. 

The Limitations Of An Electric Boiler

For starters, electric combi boilers don’t tend to be as powerful as gas combi boilers. Most models tend to be around 15kW, which may not be sufficient to meet all your home’s heating and hot water needs. 

While it is now possible to get more powerful electric boilers, there are fewer options than with comparable gas boilers and the purchase prices do tend to be a bit higher. So, an electric boiler isn’t always the best choice for large homes. If you have a large, well-insulated home and plenty of outdoor space, a heat pump could be a better investment than an electric boiler. 

The other thing to bear in mind is that unless you install solar panels, you’re more vulnerable to electricity price rises. 

When It’s A Good Idea To Install An Electric Boiler

Of course, there are plenty of situations where an electric boiler is a good option. If you live in a small home, such as a one or two-bedroom terrace or flat, might find that an electric boiler is the most economical and sustainable option. Especially if your home is well-insulated and your heating and hot water needs are minimal. 

If you live in an area that’s not connected to a gas main, an electric boiler is more sustainable than using an oil-fired system and should be more cost-effective than using storage heaters. 

An electric boiler can also be a better option for homes that aren’t yet connected to gas. Getting connected to mains gas can cost between £300 and £1300 and it can be disruptive. You also need to find a suitable place to fit a gas boiler, so it can vent outside. Therefore, you may find it cheaper and easier to go with an electric boiler. 

Finally, an electric boiler can be a worthwhile option if you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint and are looking to implement other renewable technologies such as solar panels and battery storage.