Electric combi boilers offer a smart and efficient heating solution for smaller homes not connected to the gas grid. These boilers are easy to install, and you often spend less on initial costs compared to gas boilers. Pairing them with solar power can cut running costs further and help reduce your carbon footprint.
In anticipation of the gas heating phase-out, an electric heating system is a step towards future-proofing your home. We’ve put together an article outlining the costs associated with securing and installing an electric combi boiler. It also draws cost comparisons with gas boilers to help you finalise the best power source for your home.
Types of Electric Boiler
When choosing the right electric boiler, think about your household’s hot water needs and space to ensure energy-efficient heating without compromising on comfort. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the three main types of electric boilers you should know.
Electric Combi Boiler
Combi boilers are a great fit for homes where space is at a premium. Rather than storing water, they heat it instantly on demand, providing both hot water for taps and heat for radiators with efficiency. Though on-demand heating means higher power usage at the point of heating, the convenience and space-saving design often outweigh this consideration.
Heat-Only Electric Boiler
Unlike combi boilers that heat water on demand, heat-only electric boilers store hot water for when you need it, ensuring a constant supply even during peak use. Of course, their capacity to fulfil a high demand comes with a trade-off – they require more space. Typically, a heat-only boiler system includes two tanks, one for storing hot water, often nestled in an airing cupboard, and another for cold water, usually located in the loft, topping up from the mains.
Deciding on a heat-only electric boiler means planning for this space, but for the right house, the benefits are clear.
System Boiler
System boilers have essential components, such as pumps and valves, in one compact unit. You’ll only need a hot water tank, which markedly reduces the spatial footprint of your heating system. This integration is particularly beneficial if you want to optimise space without compromising on efficiency.
Some manufacturers are now offering system boilers with a built-in hot water cylinder. These units are tailored to fit snugly within a standard airing cupboard, offering a seamless ‘all-in-one’ heating solution.
Electric Combi Boilers Price
The range for an electric combi boiler is broad, starting from the more accessible price point of around £900 to £2,500. This spectrum covers a variety of models suited to different needs and preferences. However, for the premium options boasting the latest technology and greatest efficiency, prices can extend up to £4,500. This is a ballpark figure for the boiler alone without factoring in installation fees or additional wiring that might come into play.
Several other factors also influence the final price tag:
- Opting for a unit with built-in hot water storage often carries a higher cost compared to direct heaters.
- Prices vary across different manufacturers, depending on their reputation, unique features, and warranty offerings.
- Hefty boilers require a three-phase power supply. If your home doesn’t have this, you’ll need a potentially costly upgrade.
- Costs can differ between local and national installers. It’s worth getting multiple quotes to find the best price and service.
Single-Phase Vs. Three-Phase Electricity Supply
Homes with a high energy demand often have a three-phase supply, as opposed to the more common single-phase in UK homes. A quick way to identify your supply is by checking the main switch on your fuse box. A single-phase supply will show as one distinct switch, whereas a three-phase appears like three intertwined switches.
Before you decide on an electric combi boiler, you must evaluate if your current electrical setup aligns with the boiler’s requirements. Sometimes, an upgrade is necessary for optimal performance and efficiency. To avoid a costly mismatch, consult a local expert. They’ll assess your home’s current setup and advise if an electric combi boiler is the right option.
Electric Combi Boiler Running Costs
Electric combi boilers offer a cleaner alternative to their gas counterparts, but for many, the running costs have been a point of contention. With the energy price cap unit rate for electricity standing at £0.28 per kWh, compared to only £0.07 per kWh for natural gas, it’s clear that electric boilers are the pricier option on a unit-for-unit basis—nearly fivefold. It could affect your household budget more than necessary.
However, there’s a sustainable workaround to combat these expenses – using solar panels. By installing solar panels, you create your own supply of electricity, drawing from the sun’s endless energy. This not only cuts down on running costs but also gives you a degree of independence from unpredictable energy price hikes. Your move to an electric heating system doesn’t have to mean sky-high bills.
Electric Combi Boiler Maintenance Cost
Electric combi boilers are designed with fewer moving parts. No fans to move air or gas valves to manage the burner means there’s inherently less that can go wrong.
However, “fewer moving parts” does not translate to “no maintenance required.” Parts can wear out and will sometimes need replacing, even in an electric combi boiler. Take, for example, key components like the heat exchanger, where replacements can cost substantially, sometimes more than £400. Most manufacturers recommend an annual check-up to catch any issues early.
Are Electric Combi Boilers as Good as Gas?
Gas combi boilers and electric combi boilers have a lot in common. Both can provide heating and hot water from a single unit and offer the convenience of compact size and fairly comparable initial costs. In the UK, gas boiler installation might seem the go-to option for many households, partly due to the lower costs associated with gas as a fuel.
Efficiency-wise, it’s a close race. Cutting-edge condensing technology in gas boilers has catapulted their fuel efficiency to a commendable 92%-95%. Meanwhile, electric combi boilers boast an outstanding 99%-100% efficiency level, offering peak performance by turning nearly every ounce of power they pull into heat for your home.
While it’s a common misconception that electric boilers have a lesser environmental impact due to their zero emissions at the point of use, this overlooks how electricity is produced. If it’s from a non-renewable source, the carbon footprint is still there, albeit indirectly. The UK often uses natural gas for electricity production, but by opting for a renewable energy provider, you can notably shrink the carbon footprint of your home.
On the practical side, you must consider your home’s energy requirement. Electrics may fall short for larger homes with several baths, where gas boilers provide a more extensive range of outputs.
However, the tide is turning; electric combi boilers are aligning more with future environmental goals. UK government objectives towards net-zero emissions will likely phase out gas heating within a decade. Furthermore, there’s a push to decrease electricity costs, making electric low-carbon heating systems more attractive.
What Size Electric Combi Boiler is Right for Your Home?
Getting the boiler size right means more efficient energy use and long-term savings on utility bills. If you’re considering an electric combi boiler, make sure it’s matched to the size and requirements of your home to get the best performance.
The term “size” is actually about the power output measured in kilowatts (kW). Typically, electric boilers have a power output of up to 15kW, which is generally enough for a smaller home with just one bathroom.
If you’re living in a larger property with multiple bathrooms, an electric combi boiler alone might not meet the high demands for heating and hot water. In such scenarios, considering a conventional gas or electric system boiler would be a more fitting choice, avoiding the shortfall in supply when you least expect it.
Determining the ideal boiler size isn’t overly complex. Start with examining the number of radiators in your home. You’ll want to add about 1.5 kW to your boiler’s power for each radiator to sufficiently cover the space heating requirement. Here’s a quick reference:
- 4 Radiators: 6 kW
- 6 Radiators: 9 kW
- 8 Radiators: 12 kW
- 10 Radiators: 15 kW
Electric Combi Boiler Installation
Installation costs range from £650 to £2,500. If you’re merely replacing your boiler in its current spot with no extra work needed, you’re likely looking at the lower spectrum. But, if it’s a complex case—say you’re moving the location of the boiler or changing the type and size entirely—costs escalate due to increased labour and time.
You must hire a gas-safe engineer to safely disconnect and extract the existing boiler, flue, and any associated tanks. Next, an experienced electrician will wire and fit the new electric model. It’s a team effort that accounts for the diverse tasks involved.
Final Words
The running costs of electric combi boilers are higher than gas boilers. However, solar energy can significantly offset these expenses. If you’re considering eco-friendly heating, consult a professional to ensure your home’s setup suits an electric combi boiler.
