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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 best 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 initial costs of boilers, while others are unhappy with their running costs.
On the other hand, many households are also concerned about 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.
What is an 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.
What is a 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.
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. |
Advantages
Electric Boiler | Gas Boiler |
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. |
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.
Ultimate Comparison: Electric vs Gas Boilers
Efficiency
Electric boilers surpass gas boilers regarding efficiency since almost a 100% of electricity gets converted to heat. On the other hand, gas boilers lose some amount of energy through exhaust gases.
Cost
Running electric boiling systems is more expensive than using gas heating systems. In UK, people buy gas at lower rates compared with electricity bills charged for these appliances in their homes. However, installation and maintenance expenses for electric boiling systems are less than those associated with gas combustors.
Environmental Impact
Electric boiling machines become less harmful to the environment if they get their power from renewable sources such as solar panels etc. On the contrary, heat generated from combustion of gas or fossil fuel causes global warming as it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Installation
Gas boilers are more difficult to install because they need gas lines and flues. Electric boilers, on the other hand, are easier to fit, especially in homes without having gas connections.
Maintenance
An annual maintenance service is compulsory for gas boilers. On the contrary, electric boilers are easier to keep up due to the fact that they have a lesser number of moving parts.
Suitability for Different Homes
Due to its heating power, this boiler is appropriate for big houses while the latter would work better in smaller apartments or flats with limited space.
Choosing the Right Boiler for Your Home
- Consider Your Home Size: If you have a small home or flat, an electric boiler might be ideal. Larger homes may need the heating power of a gas boiler.
- Think About Energy Bills: Electricity costs more than gas. If you want to save on energy bills, a gas boiler could be a better option.
- Check for Gas Connections: Homes with no gas connections should choose electric boilers. Installing gas lines can be expensive.
- Environmental Concerns: The greener electric boilers if you run them on renewable energy. For reducing carbon emissions an electric boiler could be a great option if concerned about it.
- Maintenance Needs: Go for an electric boiler if you want a low maintenance heating system. Also, they are less likely to be serviced hence incurring low operating costs compared to gas boilers.
- Long-Term Plans: If you plan to install renewable energy like solar panels, an electric boiler could be a better fit. It can run on electricity generated from renewable sources.
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Analysing Electric Boiler vs Gas Boiler Running Costs
It is important to know how much it will cost you to keep both types of boilers running and what would be more favourable for your home. Let’s look at electric compared to gas boilers running costs next.
Estimated Electric Boiler Running Costs
Electric boilers are generally more expensive to run. This is because electricity costs more per unit than gas. On average, electricity costs around 34p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the UK. Electric boilers convert nearly 100% of the electricity they use into heat. However, the high price of electricity means that using an electric boiler can increase energy bills.
For example:
- A typical home uses about 12,000 kWh of energy annually for heating.
- At 34p per kWh, this could result in annual running costs of £4,080.
Electric boilers are more suited to smaller homes or flats. They may be cheaper to run in homes with lower heating demands. However, in larger homes, the costs can become significant.
Estimated Gas Boiler Running Costs
Gas boilers are cheaper to run because gas is less expensive than electricity. In the UK, gas typically costs around 10p per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Even though gas boilers are less efficient than electric boilers, the lower cost of gas makes them more economical to run.
For example:
- A typical home uses about 12,000 kWh of energy annually for heating.
- At 10p per kWh, this could result in annual running costs of £1,200.
Gas boilers can be more affordable for larger homes with higher heating demands. Despite needing regular maintenance, the overall running costs remain lower than electric boilers.
Factors Influencing Running Costs
Several factors affect the running costs of both electric and gas boilers:
- Energy Prices: Changes in electricity or gas prices can impact running costs. Electricity tends to fluctuate more than gas in the UK.
- Home Insulation: Well-insulated homes lose less heat, which can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home. Better insulation lowers running costs for both types of boilers.
- Boiler Efficiency: While electric boilers are almost 100% efficient, gas boilers have lower efficiency rates (usually around 90% to 95%). Choosing a more efficient gas boiler can help keep costs down.
- Heating Demand: Homes with higher heating demands will face higher running costs. Larger homes or those with poor insulation will need more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature
According to the recent data pricing as announced on July 2024, the pricing of electricity and gas are detailed below:
Fuel Type | England, Scotland, Wales (pence/kWh) |
Electricity | 36.3 |
Electricity | 19.83 (+£44.42/year standing charge) |
Electricity | 39.49 |
Gas | 12.07p/kWh (+£115/year standing charge) |
Cost to Replace Gas Boiler with Electric Boiler
Switching from a gas boiler to electric boiler could be an important decision. Understanding what is involved can help you plan for replacement. Here are the main costs you might encounter when replacing a gas boiler with one that is powered by electricity.
1. Cost of Electric Boiler
New electric boiler may cost different according to its size, type and brand. A standard electric boiler good for small to medium houses costs anywhere between £1,000 and £3,000 at a time. Larger homes may require more powerful electric boilers, hence incurring additional expenses.
2. Installation Costs
In most cases, installing an electric boiler is less involved than installing a gas boiler, however different factors determine their price like current plumbing or electricity system available. Generally electric boiler should cost between £500 and £1,500 at most times.
- Electrical Upgrades: Should there be an issue with the capacity of one’s existing power supply, then they may require some additional electrical work done on their house. This could include things like installing a separate circuit or upgrading your main fuse box which will cost anywhere between £500 to £1,500 and even more.
- Removing the Old Gas Boiler: Removing an old gas boiler as well as decommissioning the gas lines usually costs about £300 to about £500.
3. Additional Costs
- Hot Water Storage: Some electric boilers do not provide instant hot water. You may need a separate hot water cylinder, which could add £300 to £1,000 to the overall cost, depending on the size and type of cylinder required.
- Radiator or Heating System Adjustments: If your existing radiators are not compatible with the new electric system, they might need upgrades or replacements, potentially adding another £300 to £1,500.
- Flue Sealing: Electric boilers do not require flues. Sealing or removing the flue from the gas boiler might cost an additional £100 to £200.
4. Total Estimated Costs
Here’s a rough breakdown of the total cost involved in replacing a gas boiler with an electric one:
- Electric Boiler: £1,000 to £3,000
- Installation: £500 to £1,500
- Electrical Upgrades: £500 to £1,500
- Removal of Gas Boiler: £300 to £500
- Hot Water Cylinder (if needed): £300 to £1,000
- Radiator Adjustments (if needed): £300 to £1,500
- Flue Sealing (if needed): £100 to £200
- Total Estimated Cost Range: £2,500 to £9,200
The final cost depends on the specific needs of your home and whether additional upgrades or adjustments are required.
5. Potential Savings
While replacing a gas boiler with an electric boiler can be expensive initially, there are potential savings over time:
- Reduced Maintenance: Electric boilers require less maintenance than gas boilers, saving money on servicing.
- Lower Installation Complexity: Electric boilers are often easier to install, reducing labor costs.
- Energy Efficiency: Electric boilers are nearly 100% efficient, which can slightly reduce energy consumption, especially in smaller homes.
Get Free Boiler Replacement Grant!
Contact Us Today and get your Back boiler replaced with new energy efficient one.
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Is It Worth Replacing Your Gas Boiler with an Electric Boiler?
The price range for swapping out an existing gas boiler with an electric boiler can be between £2,500 – £9,200 because it is the upfront cost . Electric boilers are more efficient as compared to their gaseous alternatives yet they are expensive especially when controlling the heating system in larger homes.
On the other hand, small households or flats can benefit from electric boilers since they require less maintenance and ease of use. Your finances, size of your house as well as heating requirements should help you make this decision wisely. A gas boiler takes much less running cost but are expensive to install.
Under the ECO4 scheme, free boiler grants can be obtained by both homeowners and private tenants. To know if you are eligible for these grants, just ask any of our experts for free!
Final Thoughts
In some ways both electric and gas boilers have their advantages as well as disadvantages. Ultimately this choice will depend on what your home needs, how much you have at your disposal and the environment among other factors.
On one hand, an electric boiler is much more effective than a gas boiler that makes the former less noisy besides being environmentally friendly. On the other hand, running an electric boiler tends to be expensive. Whereas gas heating is powerful with lower operating costs but more installation expenses plus routine servicing should be mandatory if you want it to serve properly.
Before making any decision about whether to go for electric or gas consider things like house size, power bills as well as availability of piped fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
