When it comes to choosing a boiler for your home, electric boilers are an efficient and cost effective way to keep warm and have hot water running during the cold winters. On average, the cost of running an electric boiler in the UK can range from £500 to £1,500 per year.
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Average Monthly Cost of An Electic Boiler
The cost of running an electric boiler can vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the boiler, the insulation of the property, and the local electricity rates. Generally, electric boilers are more expensive to run than gas boilers because electricity is more expensive than natural gas.
Assuming an average electric boiler power output of 12kW and an average electricity rate of 16p per kWh, the cost of running an electric boiler for a typical household in the UK would be around £66 per month, based on 8 hours of heating per day for 30 days.
However, It’s also worth considering that electric boilers have a higher upfront cost compared to gas boilers, so it’s important to weigh up the long-term running costs against the initial cost of installation before deciding which type of boiler to install.
Here is a rough estimate of the monthly running cost of electric boilers of different sizes based on an average electricity rate of 16p per kWh and assuming 8 hours of heating per day for 30 days:
- Small electric boiler (up to 12kW) – around £40-£70 per month
- Medium electric boiler (12kW to 24kW) – around £70-£120 per month
- Large electric boiler (over 24kW) – around £120-£200 per month
Again, these are just rough estimates, and the actual cost of running an electric boiler will depend on a number of factors specific to your property and usage patterns. It’s always best to consult with a qualified heating engineer who can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.
Electric boiler installation cost
The cost of installing an electric boiler in the UK varies depending on the size and type of the boiler. In addition, the boiler brand and the complexity of the installation, and the location of your property might add to the cost. On average, the cost of installing an electric boiler comes to around £1,500 – £3,000.
If homeowners meet the requirements for the Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs and choose to install a storage boiler, dry core storage or solar panels, they can effectively manage their energy consumption and ultimately reduce their energy bills. It’s important to note that omitting any of these details could potentially hinder their ability to save money on energy costs.
Here’s a table of the prices of different models of electric combi boilers:
| Model | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Elnur Mattira MAC15 | £1,200 – £1,600 |
| Heatrae Sadia Electromax | £1,700 – £2,300 |
| EHC Comet Combi | £1,500 – £2,000 |
| Thermaflow Electric Combi | £1,800 – £2,500 |
| Amptec Electric Flow Boiler | £1,300 – £1,800 |
| Trianco Aztec Electric | £1,300 – £1,700 |
The final price of an electric combi boiler depends on many different factors, such as the size of the unit, the brand, and how energy efficient it is. Furthermore, installation costs can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the location of the boiler.
Electric boilers as a replacement for oil gas and fuel boiler
An electric boiler can be a good choice if you need to replace an old gas or oil fuel boiler. Electric boilers 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 savings
Electric central heating can 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 9 pence 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
The following table compares the running cost of an electric and a gas combi boiler. As you can see, gas boilers have lower annual consumption costs. Furthermore, you need to consider that gas combi boilers cost more as you also have to pay the yearly gas certificate.
In addition, gas boilers require more frequent maintenance, are less efficient, and you have to pay in advance for the fuel each month. Electric boilers are eco-friendly, there are many incentives from the government, and they are more efficient compared to gas boilers.
| Factors | Electric Combi Boiler | Gas Combi Boiler |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Electricity | Natural Gas or LPG |
| Efficiency | 99-100% | 92-94% |
| Installation Cost | High | Medium |
| Running Cost | High | Low |
| Maintenance Cost | Low | Low |
| Carbon Footprint | Zero emissions at point of use | Emissions during combustion |
| Space Requirement | Less space required | More space required |
| Noise | No combustion noise | Combustion noise possible |
| Availability | Suitable for areas without gas supply | Suitable for areas with gas supply |
| Safety | No risk of gas leakage | Risk of gas leakage |
| Energy Security | Dependent on electricity supply | Dependent on gas supply |
The cost and efficiency of both electric and gas boilers can vary depending on factors such as the size of the property and the insulation mostly.
Additionally, some factors like noise and space requirements can also be influenced by the specific model and brand of boiler. It’s always a good idea to consult with a heating engineer to determine which type of boiler is best suited for your specific needs and circumstances.
image credit: chaudiere.ooreka.fr
*Sources: Energy Saving Trust, Heatrae Sadia, Electric Heating Company, Thermaflow, Trianco.
What types of electric boilers are available?
Electric Combi Boilers: As the name suggests, these boilers combine the functions of a water heater and a central heating boiler in a single unit. Electric combi boilers are highly efficient, as they provide hot water on demand without the need for a storage tank.
Electric System Boilers: System boilers are designed to work with a hot water cylinder, providing hot water for both heating and domestic use. They are ideal for larger homes or properties with higher hot water demand.
Electric Heat Only Boilers: These boilers provide heat only, and they need a separate hot water cylinder to provide hot water for domestic use. They are suitable for smaller homes with lower hot water demand.
Direct Acting Boilers: These boilers heat water directly without the need for a storage tank. They are ideal for smaller properties, such as apartments or flats, and you can install them in many house locations, such as under sinks and in cupboards.
Electric Thermal Storage Boilers: These boilers store heat during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, and they release the heat when it is needed. They are ideal for properties with high levels of hot water demand, and they can help to reduce energy costs.
Before you choose an electric boiler, you need to consider carefully your individual needs and requirements. In addition, you need to take into consideration factors such as efficiency, size, and installation costs. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional to determine which type of electric boiler is best suited for your specific situation.
Benefits of having an electric boiler
Electric boilers are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to gas-fired boilers in home heating systems. But just how good are electric boilers compared to traditional boilers? Let s take a closer look.
First, it s worth pointing out that electric boilers are not suitable for every home. They are most efficient in homes with good insulation and small heating demands. If you live in a large home or have particularly high heating demands, an electric boiler may not be the best option for you.
However, if you do have a small to medium-sized home with good insulation and moderate heating demands, electric boilers can be a great choice.
Energy Efficient
They are extremely energy efficient, with no wasted heat or byproducts like carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. This makes them very environmentally friendly, which is a major draw for many homeowners.
Can Be Installed Anywhere
Electric boilers require no flue, meaning that they can be installed anywhere in the home, from the basement to the attic. This makes them perfect for retrofitting into existing heating systems, as they don t require any new venting or chimney work.
Do Not Require Maintenance
Another major advantage of electric boilers is that they are virtually maintenance-free. There are no combustion chambers or gas piping to clean or maintain, and no need for annual maintenance checks like there is with gas boilers.
Electric Boilers Are Eco-friendly
Electric boilers are also very safe. They don t produce any harmful gases or fumes, so there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or any other health hazards associated with gas-fired boilers.
Reduced installation costs
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 you 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.
Disadvantages of electric boilers
So, are there any downsides to electric boilers? Well, one potential drawback is that they are generally more expensive to install than gas-fired boilers.
Additionally, they can be more expensive to operate, as electricity is typically more expensive than natural gas. However, this largely depends on your local electricity and gas rates, so it s worth doing the math to see which option would be more cost-effective for you.
Overall, electric boilers are a great option for many homeowners, particularly those with smaller homes and moderate heating demands. They are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, safe, and require very little maintenance. If you’re considering a new boiler for your home heating system, an electric boiler is definitely worth considering.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To calculate the running costs of an electric boiler, you need to know its power rating (in kW) and the cost of electricity per kWh in your area. For example, if the boiler has a power rating of 6 kW and the cost of electricity is 15p per kWh, then the cost of running the boiler for one hour would be 90p (6 kW x 15p).
Electric boilers work by using electricity to heat water that then circulates throughout the building for heating purposes. The basic components of an electric boiler are a heating element, a thermostat, and a water storage tank or cylinder.
When the electric boiler is turned on, the electricity flows through the heating element, which is usually made of stainless steel or copper. The heating element gets hot, and this heat is transferred to the water that surrounds it in the water storage tank. As the water heats up, it expands and rises to the top of the tank, where it is circulated throughout the building or home by a pump or gravity.
The thermostat on the electric boiler regulates the temperature of the water in the tank, ensuring that it stays within a certain temperature range. When the water temperature drops below a certain point, the heating element is activated again, and the process of heating the water starts again.
Electric boilers are typically used in areas where gas heating is not available or where it is not practical to install a gas boiler. They are also often used in homes and buildings where there is no space for a gas boiler or where the cost of installation and maintenance of a gas boiler is too high. Electric boilers are generally more expensive to run than gas boilers, but they can be more efficient and can provide a reliable source of heating in certain situations.
References
- http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency/heating-and-hot-water/electric-heating-systems
- http://energy.gov/energysaver/electric-resistance-heating
- http://www.which.co.uk/energy/creating-an-energy-saving-home/guides/home-heating-systems/electric-central-heating/
- http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/experts/article-2022039/Gas-electric-central-heating-What-cheaper.html
- http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/2939/Electric-heating-systems
- http://www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk/boiler-packs/
- http://www.thermaflowheating.co.uk/electric-boilers/
- http://www.potterton.co.uk/potterton-gold/heat.htm