Skip to content 
Boilers are essential for keeping our homes warm and ensuring a consistent hot water supply when needed. However, which boiler is better to choose? Based on available energy sources, we have two popular boiler types: electric and gas boilers. Each type has its own pros and cons. But both of these aspects will help us choose the top rated boiler for our home heating.
Here, we’ll explore both electric and gas options in detail for using a boiler through cost and benefit analysis. Some of you are more concerned about the initial costs of boilers, while others are unhappy with their running costs.
On the other hand, many households are also concerned about the environmental impact. So, you don’t need to search and scroll more websites, because this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to choose the right boiler for replacement.
This chart visualizes how dominant gas boilers still are in the UK and why electric options are slowly emerging, especially under new environmental incentives.
What is an Electric Boiler and a Gas Boiler?
Electric Boiler:
An electric boiler is basically a water heating system that uses electricity to generate heat for your home’s space and ground-water heating systems.
These kinds of boilers are very efficient because they transform nearly all energy they consume into heat. They also tend to be eco friendly as there are no emissions produced from them when in place.
Gas Boiler:
A gas boiler is a heating system which uses natural gas to warm up water. In simpler terms, it fires natural gas in order to heat the water. The created heat is generated by gas that conducts itself through colder water and heats it up.
The heated water is then sent through the home’s heating system via pipeline. In places with gas supplies like most parts of the United Kingdom, gas boilers are used extensively. Gas boilers are preferred due to their low price compared to electric ones.
Electric Boilers vs Gas Boilers: Pros & Cons
Here are the key differences or pros and cons of both gas and electric boilers for your reference.
Advantages
| Electric Boilers | Gas Boilers |
|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency: Electric boilers are highly efficient. They convert almost all the electricity into heat. There is little wasted energy. | Lower Running Costs: Gas is usually cheaper than electricity. Gas boilers can help you save on energy bills. |
| Compact Size: Electric boilers are small and easy to install. They take up less space than gas boilers. | Fast Heating: Gas boilers heat water quickly. Your home warms up faster compared to electric boilers. |
| Quiet Operation: Electric boilers run quietly. There is no burning gas, which reduces noise. | High Heating Capacity: Gas boilers are powerful. They can easily heat large homes with many rooms. |
| Simple Maintenance: Electric boilers need less maintenance than gas boilers. There are fewer parts to worry about. | Commonly Available: Gas boilers are widely used in the UK. Many homes already have gas connections. |
| No Risk of Gas Leaks: Electric boilers do not use gas. This eliminates the risk of dangerous gas leaks. | Reliable Technology: Gas boilers have been around for many years. The technology is reliable and well-understood. |
| Eco-Friendly: Electric boilers produce no direct emissions. They are better for the environment, especially if powered by renewable energy. | Works During Power Cuts: Gas boilers can continue to work during power cuts. You won’t lose heating if there’s no electricity. |
Disadvantages
| Electric Boilers | Gas Boilers |
|---|---|
| High Running Costs: Electricity can be expensive. Running an electric boiler can increase your energy bills. | Gas Leaks: Gas boilers come with the risk of gas leaks. Leaks can be dangerous and need quick action. |
| Slow Heating: They heat water more slowly than gas boilers. It may take longer to warm your home. | Higher Maintenance: Gas boilers need regular servicing. This helps ensure they run safely and efficiently. |
| Limited Heating Capacity: Electric boilers struggle to heat large homes. They are best for smaller properties. | Carbon Emissions: Gas boilers burn fossil fuels. This releases carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. |
| Dependence on Electricity Supply: If there is a power cut, the electric boiler will stop working. You will have no heating. | Limited Off-Grid Use: Homes without access to gas lines cannot use gas boilers. They rely on other heating systems. |
| Installation Costs: Electric boilers can be more expensive to install. Specialist installers may be required. | Noisy Operation: Gas boilers can be noisy. The burning gas and fan can create sound while running. |
Check Eligibilty For ECO4 Scheme
Get Free Heating System Installed Today at your Property Under ECO4!
Types of Electric Boilers
Dry Core Storage Boiler
A dry-core storage boiler heats your home’s bricks overnight and transfers that heat to the water tank. This provides heat and hot water. It doesn’t circulate heat like other boilers.
Electric Storage Boiler
Electric storage boilers heat water and store it in an insulated tank. Though they take up more space, they use less electricity and can help lower energy bills. They are dependable for heating and hot water.
Electric CPSU (Combined Primary Storage Unit)
Electric CPSUs are good for large buildings that need a lot of heat and hot water. They have high-pressure capacity and can handle large demands, making them ideal for commercial use.
Electric Combi Boiler
Electric combi boilers are compact and provide heating and hot water for homes. They don’t need extra storage tanks, saving space. They are also eco-friendly and reduce carbon emissions.
Types of Gas Boilers
System Gas Boilers
System gas boilers come with a separate hot water tank, making them great for homes with multiple bathrooms. They are reliable, easy to control, and last a long time.
Combi Gas Boilers
Combi gas boilers are efficient and heat water on demand. They don’t take up much space and help lower energy bills since they waste less energy.
Regular Gas Boilers
Regular gas boilers, or heat-only boilers, are a traditional way to heat homes. They are efficient and have safety features, but they need two storage tanks, which requires extra space.
Efficiency of Electric and Gas Boilers
Electric boilers convert 99–100% of their electricity into heat. That sounds impressive, right? Modern gas boilers achieve 90–95% efficiency with condensing technology.
So, are electric boilers more efficient? Not so fast. There’s a bigger picture here.
Electric heating faces losses from the national grid. Power generation and transmission reduce the electricity system’s efficiency to just 30–45%. This means gas boilers can be more efficient overall – unless your electric boiler runs on renewable energy.
What about environmental impact? Electric boilers don’t emit carbon on-site. Gas boilers pose a risk through CO₂ emissions from burning natural gas. Your home’s access to renewable electricity may tip the balance toward electric boilers.
Technical Considerations & Lifespan: Gas vs Electric
Thinking about installation? The technical requirements are quite different for each type of boiler.
Electric Boiler Requirements:
- Output: Usually 6–15kW
- Perfect for smaller homes or flats
- Power draw: A 10kW unit needs 45 amps
- May require electrical upgrades or three-phase supply
- Installing an electric boiler is often simpler – no gas supply or flue needed
Gas Boiler Considerations:
- Can heat large properties effectively
- Require a gas supply and a flue system
- Must be installed by Gas Safe registered engineers
- More components mean more servicing needs
- Gas boilers are more prone to gas leaks
Does your home have the right setup? Check your electrical capacity and property size. This helps determine which boiler type fits your heating system needs.
Electric Boiler vs Gas Boiler: Running Costs in June 2025
Are you wondering whether to choose a gas boiler or an electric boiler for your home? You’re not alone. This decision affects thousands of homeowners every year. The running cost remains a key factor when choosing between gas and electric boilers in the UK.
So what’s changed in 2025? The latest price caps show some interesting shifts. Let’s break down what you need to know.
As of June 2025, here’s what you’ll pay:
- Electric boiler cost: 27.03p per kWh (April–June), dropping to 25.73p (July–Sept)
- Gas boiler cost: 6.99p per kWh, dropping to 6.33p from July
Electric Boiler vs Gas Boiler Running Costs: The Real Numbers
Want to see how this plays out in real life? Let’s look at a typical home using 12,000 kWh annually for heating and hot water.
Annual Cost Comparison:
- Gas boiler: £838/year @ 6.99p/kWh
- Electric boiler: £3,244/year @ 27.03p/kWh
That’s quite a difference, isn’t it? Gas boilers are clearly cheaper to run than electric boilers for most homes. But here’s the thing – it’s not that simple.
Electric boilers achieve an efficiency rating of nearly 100%. Yet the higher electricity rates make them cost more to operate. This is especially true for larger homes with high heating demands.
Cost to Replace Gas Boiler with Electric Boiler (Updated for 2025)
Thinking about switching from a gas boiler to an electric boiler? You’ll want to know what it really costs. Here’s a clear breakdown using current 2025 data to help you budget properly:
1. Cost of the Electric Boiler Unit
The boiler itself is your biggest single expense. But prices vary quite a bit:
- Standard electric boiler (perfect for small to mid-size homes): £600 – £3,000
- Electric combi boilers (these include a hot-water cylinder): £1,500 – £5,000 installed
Why such a range? It depends on your home’s size and the boiler’s power output. Bigger homes need more powerful units.
2. Installation & Labour
Getting your new electric boiler fitted isn’t a DIY job. Here’s what you’ll pay:
- Electric boiler installation: £1,000 – £3,000
- Gas boiler removal & flue sealing: £300 – £500 (if you’re replacing an existing gas unit)
The final cost depends on your boiler type and how tricky your home’s setup is. Some installations are straightforward. Others need more work.
3. Electrical System Upgrades
Here’s something many people forget. Your home’s electrics might need upgrading too.
A typical 10 kW electric boiler draws serious power. You might need to upgrade your fuse box, add a dedicated circuit, or even get a three-phase supply. This work can cost between £500 – £3,000, depending on how complex it gets.
4. Hot Water Storage & Radiator Upgrades
Don’t overlook these extras:
- Hot-water cylinder (if you’re not using a combi): £300 – £1,000
- Radiator or heating system adjustments: £300 – £1,500
Why do radiator changes? Sometimes you’ll want heat pump-optimised radiators for better efficiency down the line.
5. Total Estimated Costs
Ready for the big picture? Here’s your full replacement breakdown:
- Electric boiler: £600 – £3,000
- Installation: £1,000 – £3,000
- Electrical upgrades: £500 – £3,000
- Gas boiler removal & flue sealing: £300 – £500
- Hot water cylinder (if needed): £300 – £1,000
- Radiator adjustments: £300 – £1,500
→ Total range: £3,000 – £12,000+
The final cost depends on your upgrades, boiler size, and how complex your home setup is. Every situation is different.
6. Potential Savings
But wait – there’s good news too. You’ll save money in other ways:
- Lower maintenance: Electric boilers have fewer parts and no combustion system. This means reduced servicing costs over time.
- Simpler installation: No gas line or flue requirements make the job quicker and cheaper for installers.
- Energy efficiency: Electric boilers operate at nearly 100% efficiency. However, electricity costs more than gas. Your actual savings depend on how you use energy and which tariffs you choose.
The upfront cost might seem high. But think long-term. Lower maintenance and simpler servicing can add up to real savings over the years.
Is It Worth Replacing Your Gas Boiler with an Electric Boiler?
Thinking about swapping your gas boiler for an electric one? It’s a big decision that many homeowners are considering right now. Let’s look at what it really costs and whether it makes sense for your home.
The cost to replace a gas boiler with an electric boiler in 2025 sits between £3,000 and £12,000. What affects this price? Your home size, existing setup, and any electrical upgrades you might need. These are real market averages that include both installation and system changes.
Here’s the catch, though. Electric boilers work more efficiently in your home. But they cost more to run because electricity prices are nearly 4 times higher than gas. We’re talking 25.7p versus 6.3p per kWh as of July 2025. This makes electric systems pricier for large homes that need lots of heating.
When Electric Boilers Make Sense
So, when should you consider making the switch? Electric boilers work brilliantly in these situations:
- Small homes, flats, or off-grid properties
- Households with low heating demand
- Homes with renewable energy systems like solar panels
- Those wanting low-maintenance, quiet operation
- No access to a gas supply
Got a compact home or flat? Electric boilers could be perfect for you. They’re quiet, need little maintenance, and work great when you don’t use much heating. Solar panels make them even better by cutting those running costs.
When Gas Boilers Are Still Preferred
But gas boilers still win in many cases. Here’s when you should probably stick with gas:
- Large homes need high heat output
- Homes with an existing gas connection
- Budget-conscious households focused on cheaper fuel costs
- Areas where 3-phase electricity isn’t available
Do you have a big house that needs lots of heating? Gas boilers handle high demand better and cost less to run. Already connected to the gas supply? That makes gas even more attractive.
Policy Update: ECO4 Grant Scheme (2025)
Here’s some good news. The ECO4 scheme is still running in 2025 and could help with your costs. This government program supports eligible households that want to replace old, inefficient boilers.
What does it cover? You could get help replacing back boilers and non-condensing gas boilers with low-carbon heating systems like:
- Electric boilers
- Heat pumps
- Modern condensing gas boilers (in some cases)
Who can apply? Both homeowners and private tenants. The grants are means-tested, so your income affects what you get. Some people get help with part of the costs. Others might get everything covered.
Gas vs Electric Boiler: Regulation and Future-Proofing
Here’s something crucial to consider. The rules are changing fast.
New gas boilers won’t be allowed in new homes from 2025. A broader phase-out for existing homes is expected by 2035. The government is pushing low-emission systems like electric boilers, heat pumps, and hydrogen-ready boilers.
Install a gas boiler today and you might need to replace it within a decade. That’s a big consideration for your wallet.
A new boiler installation using electricity aligns better with future policy. Especially when paired with renewables. This makes the electric boiler a more sustainable long-term choice to heat your home efficiently.
Electric Boilers vs Hybrid Alternatives: Exploring Your Options
Why limit yourself to just gas vs electric? Hybrid systems are gaining popularity. They combine different energy sources smartly.
Hybrid Systems Benefits:
- Gas boiler with an electric heat source (like an immersion heater)
- Switch to cheaper off-peak electricity when possible
- Reduce carbon emissions by changing modes seasonally
Electric Boilers + Solar PV: Pair your electric boiler with solar panels. This offsets high running costs while using renewable energy for central heating and hot water.
Heat Pump Alternative: Modern heat pumps offer excellent efficiency (COP 2.5–3.5). They work with existing central heating systems. Higher installation costs, but lower long-term energy usage.
Struggling to choose between a gas boiler and electric boiler? Consider these hybrid or heat pump options. They might offer the best boiler solution for your property.
Choosing the Right Boiler for Your Home
Choosing between a gas boiler and an electric boiler depends on your home and priorities. Here’s what to consider.
- Home Size Matters: Small homes and flats work well with electric boilers. Larger properties need higher output of gas boilers to heat effectively.
- Running Costs: Gas is cheaper than electricity. If monthly bills are your main concern, gas boilers will cost less to run over time.
- Existing Connections: Already have gas? That makes gas boilers the obvious choice. No gas supply? Electric boilers are perfect and avoid expensive new connections.
- Environmental Impact: Electric boilers are greener when powered by renewable energy. If you have or plan to install solar panels, electric makes sense for reducing your carbon footprint.
- Maintenance: Electric boilers need less servicing and have fewer parts that can break. Gas boilers require regular safety checks and more upkeep.
- Future Plans: Planning renewable energy systems? Electric boilers pair perfectly with solar panels, giving you clean heating powered by your own electricity.
The right choice balances your current needs with future goals. Consider running costs, home size, and environmental priorities to find what works best for you.
FAQs
The cheapest form of heating a home in the UK is by using a gas boiler. Generally, the price of gas is lower compared to any other source of fuel; therefore, this could reduce the long-run energy bills when you are using a proper boiler.
Normally, it would be much cheaper to heat the water with gas instead of electricity in the UK. Gas is normally cheaper than electricity, which means that in general, it keeps the energy bills down.
The cost of running an electric boiler can vary in terms of the size, nature, and brand of the boiler. A typical electric boiler suitable for small to medium-sized properties can cost around £500 to £1,500+ per annum. For larger properties, the costs of electric boilers are not only higher to buy but also to run.
Although electric boilers may be the winner for some, more often than not, they are rather costly to run compared to gas boilers. Gas boilers are generally cheaper by a large margin in terms of installation cost and operational benefits, hence making them even more economical for many families.
