Cost of Running an Electical Boiler in the UK
When it comes to choosing a boiler for your home, electric combi boilers are an efficient and cost effective way to keep warm and have hot water running during the cold UK winters.
An electric boiler can be a good choice if you need to replace an old gas or oil fuel boiler. They are cleaner, and you don’t need to worry about putting a tank for oil storage somewhere in the yard or underground. Electric boilers come in different sizes that are small enough to fit in a kitchen or laundry cupboard.
Electric central heating will save you kilograms of carbon each year, and if you have a water storage tank with your boiler, you can take advantage of lower electricity prices at off-peak rates. At just 9pence per kW compared to top standard rates of over 15 pence per kW. (EST)
Do you require a new boiler for your electric central heating?
- Homeowners can obtain one at the cost of £1,000 if they swap their old boiler with a new one.
- If they require moving and it requires extra plumbing and fresh wiring, it will cost more money to you.
- For those who want a top-range boiler, it will cost them another £2,000.
- The average cost of an electric combi boiler is approximately £1,500 for a 9kW model.
- Larger model prices can reach £2,500.
Generally, only individuals having no access to gas or oil will go for electric central heating. Nowadays, several individuals are recognizing the cost and environmental benefits of installing an electric central heating boiler.
What kind of electric boilers are there?
Several UK manufacturers of electric central heating boilers design models that range from four kW to 14.4 kW. Boilers with smaller kW are cheaper to purchase and run, but they may not be comparatively efficient.
Heatrae Sadia manufactures ElectricMax: Electric Combi boilers that are compact, small, and easily fit into laundry cupboards of standard size. These boilers are available in 2.5 kW and 9kW sizes.
Thermal flow Electric Combi Boilers: These Electric combi boilers range from large and heavy stainless steel to small and compact and easily hidden in a kitchen cabinet.
Trianco Electric Boilers: Their electric boiler range is available in five outputs, which range from 2kW to 12kW, and the option to link the boilers in combination to create even larger outputs.
Electric heating company: They provide a wide variety of electric boilers that can be used for central heating and range from 6kW to 14.4 kW. They don’t require having fuel installed. They can also be adapted for producing hot water.
Electric combi boiler running costs
If you pay close attention to the following table, you will tell that gas boilers have less annual consumption costs. However, you will need to consider that gas combi boilers cost more as you also have to pay the yearly gas certificate. Gas boilers require more frequent maintenance, are less efficient, and pay in advance for the fuel each month. Furthermore, electric boilers are eco-friendly, and there are many inventive from the government.
| Electric Combi Boiler vs. Gas Combi Boiler
(3 bed-house, 4 people) |
||
| Heating | Gas central | Electric plugin |
| Boiler Type | Combi | Combi |
| Water Heating | Gas | Electricity |
| Annual Gas Consumption | 12,237 kWh | n/a. |
| Annual Electricity Consumption | 4,448 kWh | 12,366 kWh |
| Annual Consumption Costs | £1,145 | £1,679 |
- The annual costs were calculated with a presumption that 1 kWh of gas costs 4.38 pence and 1 kWh of electricity is 13.58 pence.
image credit: chaudiere.ooreka.fr
*Sources: Energy Saving Trust, Heatrae Sadia, Electric Heating Company, Thermaflow, Trianco.
What types of electric boilers are available?
Several manufacturers of electric central heating boilers in the UK make models ranging from 4kW to 14.4kW. The smaller kW boilers are cheaper to buy and run but may not be as efficient as the larger models.
- Heatrae Sadia makes the ElectriMax Electric Combi Boiler that is small and compact and easily fits into a standard-sized laundry cupboard. Comes in different sizes.
- Electric Heating Company offers a range of electric boilers for central heating from 6kW to 14.4kW that do not need a flue installed. These can also be adapted to produce hot water.
- Thermal flow Electric Boilers range from small and compact kitchen cupboard-sized electric combi boilers to larger and heavier stainless steel electric combi boilers.
- Trianco Electric Boilers are available in five output sizes ranging from a small 2kW to a larger 12kW. These boilers can also be linked to create a larger output if it is required.
Benefits of Having an Electric Boiler
The first and biggest advantage of having an electric boiler is rather obvious, but first, we have to talk about traditional gas boilers to realize it fully. For those appliances to work, they have to burn gas. Electric heating systems do not need to do that. This means two things: first, likely lowered bills, often the biggest reason for purchase. Second, by using electric devices instead of those that burn fossil fuels, you make your home more environmentally friendly. This is an important factor for many. The electric method allows the device to deliver the healing energy more efficiently, making it more environmentally friendly. A central heating boiler is simply an amazing alternative to gas-powered variants, and any boiler installer or heating professional will confirm this for you. If you are looking to replace your old boiler, go electric.
Reduced installation costs
Relying on electric boilers for hot water is one of the best ideas you can have if you currently have a gas-powered appliance. We have already talked about the efficiency gap and the eco-friendly nature of those devices; now, let’s discuss another factor that could very well come into play if you are building a new home or redoing one. Installation! The installation of an electric device can also be a lot cheaper. Think about it, with a gas boiler, you need a gas pipe and often a chimney; needless to say, you don’t need any of those with a small electric boiler that will be an alternative to gas central heating.
Noise reduction
Another aspect we cannot overlook is the reduced noise. Electric heating systems are generally much quieter than their gas-powered cousins, which is especially true to the dome of the newer models. If you live in a relatively small house or a big one with certain acoustic qualities, noise can actually be a rather big problem. Some of us cannot tolerate loud noises while trying to sleep, and a noisy boiler can be a big distraction. With an electric version, this will no longer be a problem for you.
Less maintenance
Any decent electric boiler company will vouch for the fact that these appliances require much less maintenance. Traditional gas or oil boilers are very needy when it comes to maintenance. Since they are inherently more dangerous, you have to constantly check them for possible flaws that could lead to a malfunction and a possibly even bigger problem.
Electric wet central heating systems will demand a lot less from you, ultimately something you want with a home appliance. You want a boiler that can put out an optimal performance without you having to worry about it, much less constantly maintaining it. Not to mention your – likely – much-reduced boiler running costs. A small electric boiler can do wonders for you and your bills.
Types of hot water systems
Thermal flow boiler
A Thermaflow boiler offers various advantages compared to regular electric boilers, never mind traditional gas or oil variants. These appliances will store the energy for you, for starters, using it to heat the water later. This saves you money. Of course, the other major advantage is the technology itself, which incorporates thermal solar, making the whole system even more efficient. What does this all mean? The device will heat your water by using heat energy in the most efficient way possible. This is a combination that’s very tough to beat. These appliances could save you 40% energy compared to the flow boiler. That’s a major difference that will save you money.
Potterton Gold Heat Only
The Potterton Gold Heat Only appliance is a small electric boiler that packs quite a punch. Its efficiency stems from a couple of key features, including but not limited to fully modulating, the lack of overrunning pump, great sitting flexibility, and full adaptability. This appliance was designed not to take up a lot of space yet still be extremely versatile. One of the best electric boilers you can purchase on the market, usually available with great warranty deals.
References
Electric heating systems – http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency/heating-and-hot-water/electric-heating-systems
Electric resistance heating – http://energy.gov/energysaver/electric-resistance-heating
Electric Central Heating – http://www.which.co.uk/energy/creating-an-energy-saving-home/guides/home-heating-systems/electric-central-heating/
Gas or electric heating – http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/experts/article-2022039/Gas-electric-central-heating-What-cheaper.html
Electric heating systems – http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/2939/Electric-heating-systems
Boiler packs – http://www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk/boiler-packs/
Electric boilers – http://www.thermaflowheating.co.uk/electric-boilers/
Potterton heat only – http://www.potterton.co.uk/potterton-gold/heat.htm