Electric boilers are nothing new but are becoming more popular as people look for alternative ways to heat their homes and hot water, and like anything, there are different makes and models to choose from all at different prices.
With the rising gas prices, you may be interested to know what your alternative boiler installation options are and may find yourself wondering, how much are electric boilers and what do they cost. So, here is our guide to electric boiler costs.
What is an Electric Boiler and its Cost?
Electric boilers are basically exactly that, they are domestic boilers that use electricity to heat water up rather than gas.
This is done by having an internal element that heats the water up as it passes through, similar to a kettle or electric shower therefore, they are becoming more popular due to their energy efficiency and for people who don’t have a gas supply.
Additionally, electric boiler installation costs are generally comparable to those of gas boilers, though they can vary based on the complexity of the job and any necessary upgrades to the home’s electrical infrastructure.
They are small and compact and great for small to medium-sized homes or apartments.
Definition and Explanation
An electric boiler is a type of boiler that uses electricity to heat water for central heating and domestic hot water.
Unlike gas boilers, which burn fuel to generate heat, electric boilers pass an electric current through a heating element to warm the water. This process is similar to how an electric kettle works but on a larger scale.
Electric boilers are compact and can be installed in various locations within the home, making them a versatile option for households without access to a gas supply.
While the installation costs of electric boilers are comparable to those of gas boilers, the running costs tend to be higher due to the price of electricity.
However, electric boilers are known for their high energy efficiency, often achieving ratings of 99% or higher, which can help offset some of the higher operational costs.
Electric Boilers Cost – Are they cheaper than other boilers?
Electric boilers are around the same price as other boilers, but they are cheaper and easier to install so you can save money here.
When considering electric combi boiler costs, prices can range from £900 to £4,500 depending on the model and features, with installation costs also varying based on specific requirements.
The lack of parts means it is similar to installing an electric shower and can be done by anyone confident with plumbing and electrics.
How much is an electric boiler?
The electric boiler is not as common as the gas boiler for heating and hot water in the UK.
The most common reason for having an electric boiler is that your home doesn’t have a gas supply.
Costing between £500 and £3,000, they’re not much different from gas boilers. It’s also important to consider electric boiler maintenance costs, which, while generally lower than those for gas boilers due to fewer moving parts, still require regular servicing to ensure optimal performance.
Electric Boilers Prices Reviews
As we move forward in the world and away from fossil fuels to power our boilers, cars, and pretty much anything we can, people may also be looking at alternative ways to heat their homes.
Let’s find out how much each electric boiler costs.
Types of electric boilers for central heating and hot water
As with gas boilers, there are different types of electric boilers.
Compared to gas and oil boilers, electric boilers are more efficient and environmentally friendly, though they may have higher running costs due to electricity prices.
The most common type and favourite is the electric combi boiler; however, there is also the option to have storage boilers with a hot water cylinder to heat water up ready for homes with high hot water demand.
Let’s look at the different types of boilers and how much a new boiler costs for this type of central heating system.
Best Electric Boilers for homes in the UK
As with gas boilers, the most popular is the combi boiler which means that there is just a single unit where cold water enters and is warmed up by the heating element within.
This is basically the same as an electric shower or kettle but on a larger scale.
Here are some of the best electric combi boilers you can buy.
Best Electric Combi Boilers
- Electric Heating Company – Comet combi boiler
- Electric Combi Boilers Company – Elektra
- Heatrae Sadia Electromax
- Thermaflow Electric Combi Boiler
- Elnur Mattira MAC 15 Combi Boiler
- Electric Combi Boilers Reviews
Electric boiler prices & reviews
Above is our shortlist of some of the best electric combi boilers on the market currently, but we have delved a little deeper to take a look at each one to help you decide which may be best for your home if you are seriously considering one of these boilers.
Check out our Fischer Future heat electric boiler prices here.
Electric Heating Company Comet Combi Boiler
Electric heating company specialise in electric boilers, and the comet combi boiler is one of the best on the market.
This combi boiler is compact and includes a 140-litre duplex stainless steel hot water cylinder to ensure that it can provide a lot of hot water as and when required.
The comet combi comes in 3 different outputs of 9kw, 12kw and 14kw. It can be controlled exactly the same as a gas combi boiler with a thermostat and is easy to install.
The comet comes with a 2-year warranty as standard.
Electric Combi Boilers Company Elektra
The Elektra from Electric Combi Boilers Company is another great compact combi boiler designed for domestic use in smaller properties.
The Elektra is only available in one output of 12kw but it is able to modulate which means if it doesn’t need to work at full capacity it won’t which means it will save you money on your electric bill.
The Elektra is a combi boiler that produces instant hot water as and when you need it but will struggle with larger properties.
This wall-mounted electric combi is easy to install and set up.
Heatrae Sadia Electromax
The Elctrocmax electric boiler comes with storage tanks, so it technically isn’t a combi boiler, but it is one of the better options.
This is due to the fact that it is able to cope with higher hot water demand and still be pretty efficient.
Running costs are still higher though, as electricity costs are higher but it is a great allrounder. Available in 2 different outputs of 6kw or 9kw it can provide you with instant hot water and heating when you need it.
The fact it comes with a storage tank means that you can use multiple outlets at once and warm up your radiators and home effectively at the same time.
How does an electric combi boiler work?
Electric combi boilers work when you turn on your hot water tap or adjust your central heating thermostat.
If you open your hot water tap, the electric combi boiler’s internal element will heat up, and cold water from the mains supply will heat up as it passes through.
This should be done instantly, and at a temperature, you have set on the boiler. If you need to turn your heating up, this will be the same also, but it will pump the hot water around your radiators instead.
Are electric combi boilers any good?
Electric combi boilers are good and bad at the same time.
It completely depends on your home, your hot water demand and your mains water pressure.
In comparison, if you have a smaller home with low demand and good water pressure then an electric combi boiler would be perfectly fine as it will quickly provide you with hot water at the right temperature when you need it.
If you have a large home with high demand, it may struggle to provide you with hot water at the right temperature and at a decent pressure.
Even with good water pressure, asking too much of an electric combi boiler will not perform anywhere near as well as a gas boiler.
In contrast, gas combi boilers are often more suitable for larger homes due to their higher output and generally lower upfront costs.
Electric boiler prices range between £500 and £3000, not including installation
If you have to have an electric boiler installed due to your home’s situation or trying to future-proof your home, then the good news is that electric boilers cost about the same as a gas condensing boiler.
There are plenty of different electric boilers to choose from to suit every home from manufacturers such as Electric Heating Company, Heatrae Sadia, Strom & Potterton.
You also need to make sure that you get the right-sized electric boiler for your home with the correct KW\h output.
Electric combi boilers prices
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Electric system boiler prices
Electric system boilers also work exactly the same as their gas counterparts.
They heat up a lot of water throughout the day, which is stored in an insulated hot water cylinder.
This is great if you have a larger home that is away from the gas network and has high hot water demand. These are also good for commercial use too.
If you need an electric system boiler you will need to make sure that you have space for the large hot water tank.
The hot water cylinder is also a separate cost from the boiler itself.
| Strom | E System Boiler | 7 – 14.4kw | D rated | 2 years Warranty | £1,049 | |
| Potterton | Gold Heat Only Electric | 12kw | A rated | 2 years Warranty | £650 | |
| Heatrae Sadia | Electromax | 6 – 9kw | 99% efficiency | D rated | 2 years Warranty | £1,800 |
| Elnur | Mattira MAC15 | 3 – 15kw | 100% efficiency | D rated | 2 years Warranty | £2,100 |
Electric Central Heating Boiler Installation Costs
You can expect to pay an average of £2000 for an electric boiler installation.
The cost to install an electric boiler will depend on the labour costs involved on top of the boiler itself.
These types of boilers are generally easier to install because there is no gas involved.
As there is no boiler flue or anything lost when an electric boiler is working, there is no need for it to be put on exterior walls and a hole put in your wall or roof, which saves time and money.
How much does an electric boiler cost to run?
The average cost to run one for a year is around £1700, and this is very expensive to run compared to gas boilers.
Electric combi boilers are rated 99% efficient because there are no moving parts, and they are almost silent.
Some companies say that their boilers are 100% efficient, but we believe they must make a little bit of noise even if you can hardly hear it.
However, while this may sound good and well but it almost hides the fact that they are expensive to run.
You can expect to double your yearly gas and electric bill if you install an electric boiler.
Electric Boiler Maintenance
Maintaining your electric boiler is crucial to ensure it runs efficiently and has a long lifespan. Regular maintenance can help prevent unexpected breakdowns, reduce energy bills, and keep your heating system in top condition. Here are some essential maintenance tips for your electric boiler:
- Check Electrical Connections: Ensure all electrical connections are secure and free from damage. Loose or damaged connections can lead to inefficiencies or even safety hazards.
- Inspect the Heating Element: The heating element is the core component of your electric boiler. Regularly check it for signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary to maintain optimal performance.
- Thermostat Adjustment: Make sure the boiler’s thermostat is set correctly. An improperly set thermostat can cause the boiler to overheat or underheat, leading to inefficiencies.
- Bleed Radiators: Airlocks in the radiators can reduce the efficiency of your central heating system. Bleed the radiators regularly to remove trapped air and ensure even heating.
- Professional Servicing: Consider hiring a professional to service your electric boiler annually. A professional can perform a thorough check and address any potential issues, ensuring your boiler runs safely and efficiently.
Electric Boiler Size and Output
Choosing the right size and output for your electric boiler is essential to meet your household’s heating and hot water demands efficiently. Several factors influence the size and output required:
- Number of Radiators: The more radiators you have, the higher the boiler output needed to heat them effectively.
- Hot Water Demand: Consider the number of bathrooms and the hot water usage in your home. A larger household with multiple bathrooms will require a higher output boiler.
- Home Insulation: Well-insulated homes retain heat better, potentially reducing the required boiler output.
- Desired Temperature: The temperature you wish to maintain in your home will also affect the boiler size.
Electric boilers typically range from 6kW to 12kW, with some models offering even higher outputs. It’s crucial to choose a boiler that matches your household’s specific heating demands to ensure efficient and effective heating.
Advantages and disadvantages of an electric boiler review
As with anything in life, there are good points and bad points to the electric boiler.
Let’s look at some reasons why you should consider an electric boiler and why you may want to wait for hydrogen boilers instead.
Electric combi boiler review – Advantages
We have provided you with some of the best reasons to buy an electric boiler, but we urge you to take a look at the disadvantages too.
They may seem like the best option, but there are considerable costs when running one.
Eco Friendly
Even though they are expensive to run, as electricity costs more per unit than gas, they are more environmentally friendly as they do not burn gas or oil, which creates pollution from carbon dioxide.
Electric boilers run at 99% efficiency, so you can be sure you are getting your money’s worth out of your electricity use.
Electric combi boilers cheap to install
Due to very few parts and no gas being involved, so they are easy to install.
As they don’t need to be installed on exterior walls due to them not needing a boiler flue these boilers can be installed in various places within the home where there is space.
They are almost silent when in use
Due to the fact, there are no moving parts, they are extremely quiet in operation. This is great if you had them installed near your living space, say in a flat or small home.
Low maintenance
As there is only the main heating element inside the boiler, which may need replacing from time to time, there is not much else that can go wrong with an electric boiler.
Electric boilers also don’t need to be serviced every year like combi boilers too, so there is a reasonable saving there too.
Instant hot water
Like any suitable domestic boiler, electric combi boilers produce hot water instantly. Electric system boilers also have a large amount of hot water ready and waiting in their hot water cylinders.
Electric boiler running cost & solar panels
Probably the best thing about an electric boiler is the fact that solar panels can power it!
If you have solar panels then part of your yearly electricity bill can be paid for by the energy generated by your solar panels.
If you have a solar battery, you could even help with your boiler during the night. You can’t fully use your solar panels to power your boiler, but these can help!
Disadvantages of electric boilers
You may now think an electric combi boiler is an easy option. But let’s take a look at the downsides to them.
If you are comparing to a gas boiler, then make sure you keep reading further for our comparison between the two.
Electric boiler running costs very expensive to use by comparison
This is mainly due to the fact that gas is cheaper than electricity, so by comparison, they aren’t the most viable option if cost is a factor if you are thinking of installing one.
Struggle with water demand
Electric boilers can struggle with high hot water demand.
This can be if two or more taps are used at once or a tap is turned on fast.
This is due to the boiler being unable to heat the water fast enough and the boilers relying on mains pressure.
Electric Combi Boiler & Solar Panels
If you have solar panels on your home then these can be used to help keep your electric boiler costs down during the day.
If you are lucky enough to have a solar energy bank, you could also save money during the nighttime.
You can’t fully run an electric boiler on domestic solar panels as they don’t produce enough electricity to keep up.
Electric Boilers Vs Gas Boilers
When it comes down to choosing between gas and electricity-powered boilers, it will all depend on everyone’s situation.
If you can use a gas boiler, we recommend that you do as, in the short and long term, you will be better off financially.
If you are very eco-friendly, you would want to consider the electric boiler instead, regardless of cost.
Get a gas boiler quote for Worcester Bosch, Viessmann, Vaillant and more in a matter of seconds by clicking get a quote.
Best electric boiler with installation
If you are sold on electric boilers and happy with how much the new boiler costs, then we have the solution for you.
Here, you can get a quote for a brand new electric combi boiler or system boiler, including installation, in a matter of clicks.
As no gas is involved, you don’t need a Gas Safe registered engineer, but they need the necessary qualifications.
Take the quick online survey, and you can have a brand-new electric boiler installed the next day!
If you want to speak to someone, call an expert to speak about your options right now.
Comparing Electric Boilers And Gas Boilers
Choosing an electric boiler instead of a gas boiler if you have mains gas is a big decision.
Click here to speak to an expert company about electric boilers.
Government Grants and Incentives
The UK government offers various grants and incentives to encourage homeowners to switch to more energy-efficient heating systems, including electric boilers.
These schemes can significantly reduce the cost of installation and make the transition to electric heating more affordable:
- Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): This scheme provides quarterly payments to homeowners who install renewable heating systems, such as heat pumps and biomass boilers. While electric boilers are not directly covered, integrating them with renewable systems can be beneficial.
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO): The ECO scheme offers funding for low-income households to install energy-efficient heating systems, including electric boilers. This can help reduce the upfront costs of installation.
- Green Deal Scheme: Homeowners can borrow money to install energy-efficient measures, including electric boilers, and repay the loan through their energy bills. This scheme makes it easier to manage the initial investment.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Homeowners can claim a £300 grant through this scheme, which aims to encourage the adoption of low-carbon heating systems.
By taking advantage of these grants and incentives, homeowners can significantly reduce the cost of installing an electric boiler and contribute to a more sustainable future.
