Electric boilers are quickly gaining popularity over the last few years, and they are often used for central heating nowadays. And while electric boilers operate largely in the same way as standard gas ones do, there's one key difference: they are powered differently, and this makes them a very unique option to consider.
Considering switching to an electric boiler from your existing one? Continue reading to learn all there is to know about this heating system. We'll go over what exactly is an electric boiler, how it does work, what advantages it has, and installation tips that are bound to help you along the way!
What is an Electric Boiler?
While all contemporary boilers include electrical components, central heating and hot water are traditionally produced by burning fossil fuels like natural gas and oil. What makes electric boilers special is the fact that only electricity is used.
After the electric boiler heats the water, depending on the type of the boiler, the hot water will either be kept in a small cylinder within the electric boiler or a bigger cylinder located somewhere else on the property.
When there is no place for oil storage and there is no access to the gas network, electricity-powered boilers are an excellent option. They are more suitable for smaller homes and apartments than for bigger properties. This is because an electric boiler usually has a lower heating capacity compared to traditional boilers.
How Does an Electric Boiler Work?
The electric boiler's primary purpose is to transfer heat to heat transmitters (radiators, underfloor heating, etc.). Its secondary purpose is to heat the water in your house. Though, The boiler must be linked to a hot water tank in order to supply hot water.
You can choose from a variety of electric boilers, although wall-mounted and floor-mounted boilers are the most popular. Each variety operates in a unique way, but the basics are the same in all cases. Electric current is driven through a heating element, and this element will transfer the heat to the water.
Electric Boiler Installations Tips
#1 Consider Your Needs
Understanding your heating and water needs is essential before installing any type of heating system. Electric boilers typically only produce heat, necessitating the need for a separate hot water tank. While certain electric boilers can deliver both warm water and central heating, it's important to confirm the features and choose the right electric boiler. It is quite different from a gas or oil boiler.
#2 Make Sure You Adhere to the Building Regulations
Any item that specialists install must follow the necessary building regulations. They should check the boiler for a third-party electrical evaluation label, which will provide them with reassurances regarding the product's design, safety, quality, and performance.
#3 Wiring and Circuitry Are Important
It is essential to examine the wiring's condition, especially in older buildings where the circuitry might not be up to snuff. It is important to keep in mind that electric boilers need their own dedicated circuit due to the huge amount of electricity they consume. The ratings of switches, such as isolators, must be taken into account and changed as needed to provide a safe installation.
#4 Make Sure the Water Source is Safe
This advice is helpful for a gas or oil boiler as well as electric water central heating systems since any polluted water that is already in the system might damage the new heating unit. It is crucial that engineers or homeowners make sure the water system is clean before installation. The failure to do so will negatively affect the functioning of a freshly installed boiler.
How Much Does an Electric Boiler Installation Cost?
Installing electric heating generally costs less than a gas boiler. If you already have piping done, installing an electric heater will run you roughly 300 pounds, which will mostly be in labour costs. Labour for plumbing installation might cost up to 1,000 pounds or more. The installation must be carried out by a qualified HVAC specialist. Although HVAC specialists charge hourly rates, most of the time, HVAC businesses will impose a fixed fee for the installation procedure.
There Are Factors that Influence Boiler Installation Cost
- Climate: You'll need a stronger boiler to heat your home if you reside in a region where freezing temperatures are common. Electric boilers are less prevalent in regions with chilly winter temperatures, since they are sometimes more expensive to operate than gas, oil, or wood boilers.
- Home Size: The size of the boiler you require depends on the size of your property. Larger boilers are required in larger homes because they require more energy to heat.
- Plumbing: If your home lacks proper plumbing, installing a boiler would cost you more.
Electric Boiler Running Costs
Aside from the upfront costs for the boiler and the installation costs, you must also consider the running costs of the electric boiler as well.
Due to the volatility of electricity prices, it is generally different to give accurate figures, so it is important to check local electricity prices and calculate how much your new electric boiler is going to consume before you make your purchasing decision.
Regrettably, electricity prices continue to be more expensive than other fuels. However, if you have independent energy sources like renewables, you can cut down on costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Why Should You Consider Installing an Electric Boiler?
#1 Efficiency
It's important to keep in mind that an electric boiler doesn't create waste like a gas or oil boiler. This not only makes plumbing easier and the installation simpler, but it also means that electric boilers are generally far more efficient than other types of boilers.
#2 Compactness
Unlike gas and oil boilers, you don't need to connect electricity-powered boilers to a central fuel system as they operate on electricity alone. They also don't generate any waste, so they do not require a flue. This means that the units are generally far more compact and can be installed in a lot of different places.
#3 Better for the Environment
These boilers are better for the environment as they don't directly emit any carbon dioxide or waste. This is in stark contrast to gas and oil boilers, which both directly produce waste and emit CO2.
Though, the carbon footprint of your electric boiler installation will depend on how the electricity you feed into it is produced.
#4 Easier Maintenance
The only real maintenance required for this type of boiler is routine tank cleaning. This is necessary to remove any debris that the water may have carried in. Since there is no burning, there is no residue to clean up. Less maintenance means more durability and fewer repairs. You can't say the same about a gas boiler.