As electric boilers don't need to burn fuel to produce heat they don't lose energy through waste gases. In many cases this results in efficiency rates of 99% compared to 89% – 95% for most gas boilers. Electric boilers don't release waste gases and so are considered a much 'greener' option than burning gas or oil.
Safer. There are no concerns about gas leaks with electric boilers because they don't use the fuel at all. Besides they don't create carbon monoxide. This means your safety is more assured.
Although it might not be the cheapest heating technology regarding running costs, electric boiler installation costs are much lower than those of gas boilers and they do not need annual maintenance or safety inspections. You can even apply for receiving a free boiler replacement.
How much do electric boilers cost? The smaller the boiler, the smaller the cost both to install and to run. On average the smallest size of boiler costs approximately £1,500 and the largest could be up to £2,500. However, installation costs will vary depending on the installer you choose.
When an electric boiler is used for heating a property there will also be a requirement for domestic hot water. Although electric instantaneous water heaters are available, if the property has a bath then it is likely that a hot water cylinder is required.
One of the biggest selling points of electric boilers is their energy efficiency, with around a 99% efficiency rate for the user. As they do not require the burning of fossil fuels such as gas or oil to produce heat, there is no heat lost through waste gases through flues or chimneys.
The cheapest types of electric heater to run are:
- Infrared Heaters – the lowest wattage per heat provided makes these the cheapest to run.
- Oil-Filled Heaters – their long-lasting heat makes the most out of the electricity.
- Storage Heaters – saves in running costs by using off-peak electricity tariffs.
Best Boiler for 4 Bed House
A System or Regular boiler with an output between 35-42kW is best suited to a large semi-detached house or detached house. A 42kW boiler will run up to 20 radiators and supply hot water for 3 or more bathrooms.However, an oversized boiler doesn't do the customer any favors. Oversized boilers waste fuel and ultimately shorten the life of the system. With fuel costs higher and higher, it pays to run the proper calculations to ensure that customers are receiving the correct size boilers — and paying lower utility costs.
As a rough guide most apartments and smaller houses, with up to 10 radiators will require a 24-25kw boiler. A 28-30kw would be installed for a medium to large 3-4 bed house with up to 15 radiators, and a 33-35kw and a 40kw would be for a large house with anything up to 20 radiators.
A System or Regular boiler with an output between 35-42kW is best suited to a large semi-detached house or detached house. A 42kW boiler will run up to 20 radiators and supply hot water for 3 or more bathrooms. Get quotes today.
For a medium to large 3-4 bedroom house with up to 15 average size radiators, 1 bathroom and an ensuite* bathroom, a 28-34kw Combi Boiler would be installed. A 35kw and a 42kw Combi boiler would be for a large house with anything up to 20 average size radiators and 2 bathrooms*.
The cost of replacing a standard gas boiler is about $4,000. A high-efficiency model costs about $7,500. This cost estimate usually includes removal and disposal of the old unit, as well as all necessary lines and wiring needed for the new system to run properly.
How to Determine the Size of HVAC You Need
- First, determine square footage: Find out the floor space in your home.
- Second, determine the base BTU: The unit used to measure energy used for heating and cooling is the British Thermal Unit, or BTU.
- Third, account for high ceilings: If your home's ceiling is over 8 feet, multiply the base BTU amount by 1.25, or 25%.
These are the most important points to be taken into account when making your choice.
- The fuel.
- The efficiency.
- The combustion system.
- The space available.
- Hot-water requirements.
- Choose the right power level.
- Adapt the chimney and radiators if necessary.
- Have an efficient regulation system.
An electric boiler can replace any other small to medium size boiler in the home. While the boiler will use electricity to heat water for your taps and radiators, a storage heater will heat bricks in your home over night (when energy costs are lower) so you can then use this stored heat throughout the following day.
The average price of an electric combi boiler is £1,500 for a 9 kW model. Smaller boilers are cheaper to buy and run, but may not be as efficient as larger models, which are priced up to £2,500.
An electric boiler uses electricity rather than gas to heat hot water. Just like a gas boiler, it will heat up the water that warms your radiators, and the water you use in the kitchen and bathroom.
An electric combi boiler is a great choice if you need to replace your old gas or oil boiler. It doesn't need to be connected to the gas grid. Combi boiler prices are considerably cheaper than a gas or oil boiler, due to the low installation and maintenance costs.
Infrared has the potential to be the most efficient heating system for your home. Unlike other electric heating systems, which warm the surrounding air to heat a room, infrared warms objects and people directly – transferring heat in straight lines from the heater to whatever's in front of it.
A Combi boiler with an output between 24-27kW is best suited to a small terraced house, flat or apartment with 1 or 2 bedrooms. A 24kW Combi boiler will comfortably run up to 10 radiators and supply hot water for 1 bathroom.
It is estimated that electric combi boilers are 99% efficient. In contrast, gas boilers are between 89-95% efficient and oil-fired boilers use between 85%-93% of the energy they convert.
Boiling water
As a last resort you can boiler water in a kettle or pan on the stove. Make sure to mix this water with cold water before attempting to use it for anything like washing up or bathing as it could be hot enough to scold.As a rough estimate most flats, apartments and smaller houses, with up to 10, average size radiators and 1 bathroom* will require a 24 to 27kw Combi Boiler. For a medium to large 3-4 bedroom house with up to 15 average size radiators, 1 bathroom and an ensuite* bathroom, a 28-34kw Combi Boiler would be installed.
Central heating meant any home heating system powered by a single heating source – most commonly a system of pipes and radiators powered by a gas or oil burning boiler. Electric central heating in this sense is the same as a conventional central heating system but with an electric boiler.
