Electric Combi Boilers

Picking Your Electric Combi Boilers

Electric combi boilers are gaining traction as homeowners and landlords move away from gas central heating. While both gas and electric combis provide hot water for taps, showers, and central heating in one unit, there’s a key difference. Not all electric combis heat water on demand. Some have built-in cylinders that store hot water, with sizes depending on household needs. So, think about how much hot water you typically use to choose the right size.

Choosing the Right Electric Heating System

If you live in a one-bedroom apartment, a compact electric combi boiler without an internal water tank fits best. This design heats water on demand, which ensures energy is used efficiently without the loss that comes from storing hot water. The key here is installation proximity—placing the boiler close to water outlets minimizes heat loss in pipe transit, ensuring your showers are consistently warm.

For those with two bedrooms and a bath, consider an electric combi boiler that features built-in storage. These are slightly larger units equipped with water tanks to store hot water and a flow boiler for your central heating. It’s a dual solution catering to both your bathing and heating needs seamlessly. However, they’re energy-hungry, so ensure your home’s electrical infrastructure is up to the task. An electrical load assessment is necessary, and a relay installation might be required for energy management.

For houses featuring three bedrooms and possibly two bathrooms, a larger electric combi boiler is recommended. These boilers are equipped with a substantial hot water cylinder and a robust flow boiler for effective heating. The integrated design of these systems simplifies installation, as key components like expansion vessels and control valves come pre-assembled.

Electric combi boilers aren’t quite the answer for bigger homes, typically those with more than three bedrooms. But there’s still a way to have an all-electric heating system that works just as well. It won’t be a single unit, though. Instead, you can choose a separate flow boiler for heating and a direct cylinder for hot water. This approach gives you more flexibility to adjust the system’s power and capacity to your exact needs. If you use renewable energy like solar panels, the cylinder can store any extra energy as hot water for you to use later.

How Much Does it Cost?

Prices for these boilers vary depending on the model and features you choose. Expect to pay between £900 for budget models and up to £4,500 for premium models. That initial cost doesn’t include installation, which can add an additional £650-£2,500 to your bill, bringing your total expense to a range of £1,550-£5,000.

Running costs for electric boilers are currently higher compared to natural gas, mainly due to the higher price of electricity. With the current energy cap, electricity costs about £0.28 per kWh, significantly higher than £0.07 per kWh for gas. This means your ongoing costs will be higher with an electric boiler. A smart move to counteract these costs is integrating solar panels into your electric heating system. Generating your own electricity with solar power can drastically reduce running costs and cushion against price hikes.

To make the most informed decision, it’s wise to gather multiple quotes. This not only gives you a feel for the market rate but also highlights which installer brings the best value to your unique situation. You can also check if you’re eligible for the free boiler grant or other schemes on the Warmer Homes Grant. These programs are designed to help homeowners save on energy and make heating upgrades more accessible. If you want personalized advice regarding your electric heating system, fill out the form below, and a representative will get in touch to guide you through your options.

Advantages Of Electric Combi Boiler

Electric combi boilers boast an impressive 99% efficiency rate. They convert almost every bit of electricity into heat, so you’re getting maximum output for what you put in. Unlike gas or oil boilers, electric ones don’t lose energy through flues or chimneys.
Not everyone can access or install a gas supply, making electric boilers a go-to. They’re a reliable alternative for central heating and hot water, sidestepping the need for expensive and space-consuming oil tanks.
With no waste gases, there’s no flue required, making electric combi boilers smaller and more versatile in placement.
No fossil fuels mean no combustion, hence no emissions. When paired with a renewable energy tariff, especially during off-peak hours, electric boilers can significantly lessen your carbon footprint. It’s an eco-conscious choice that also supports grid balance.
One major advantage is their whisper-quiet operation. Thanks to fewer moving parts, not only do electric combi boilers operate more quietly, but they also have a longer lifespan with less need for servicing.
Unlike gas boilers, electric combi boilers carry no risk of harmful gas leaks. This eradicates the need for constant monitoring with Gas Safe certificates or carbon monoxide detectors.

Limitations of Electric Combi Boilers

Electric combi boilers, especially single-phase units, often have a lower flow rate of hot water compared to traditional gas boilers. This limitation means larger homes or significant hot water use might require a three-phase electric boiler or an electric boiler paired with a cylinder for adequate heating and hot water.

Another key factor is the cost. Electricity rates currently exceed gas prices, making electric boilers more expensive to run. Yet, the landscape is changing. The UK aims to quadruple renewable electric production in the next eight years, potentially lowering electricity costs and making electric heating a more attractive option.

While the average electricity cost might currently stand at 9p/kWh compared to gas at 5p/kWh, leveraging lower nighttime tariffs and considering the higher efficiency of electric boilers could offset some of the higher costs.

Before you go ahead with an electric boiler installation, there’s a key technical check that’s often overlooked—your property’s incoming power supply. Electric boilers require a substantial amount of power, particularly models at the higher end of the spectrum, around 14.4kW, which draws about 63 amps. Many homes have a maximum supply of 100kW or less, which might not suffice for the more powerful boilers designed to heat water on demand.

How Do You Size An Electric Boiler?

Choosing the right electric combi boiler can be straightforward when you understand its capacity in kilowatts (kW) and how it translates to your home’s heating and hot water needs. Most homes, even during the chilliest winters, require only between 6 to 8kW for effective heating.

Electric boilers tend to have a lower output compared to gas and oil boilers. This difference isn’t a concern for heating your home since the higher output of gas boilers mainly supports their ability to produce instant hot water. For reference, gas combi boilers usually offer a hot water flow rate of 10~15ltrs/min, while electric combi boilers provide around 7ltr/min.

If your main requirement is an abundant supply of hot water, a system boiler with a cylinder might serve you better than a high-powered electric combi boiler. This setup could offer the efficiency and capacity you need without the high power demand.