Do you have doubts about whether to use an electric, oil, gas, or combi boiler in your house? With so many options available, choosing the one that will best meet your needs for heating and hot water while minimizing its energy footprint and environmental impact can be quite challenging.
Electric boilers are an increasingly popular choice among homeowners in the UK. An electric boiler has many advantages and some drawbacks, and many wonder whether they should pick it for their home. In this article, we'll tell you what you need to make that decision.
What is an Electric Boiler?
Electric boilers provide homes and businesses with central heating and domestic hot water without using any fossil fuels like gas or oil. Instead, they operate only on electricity, much like a kettle. Since electric boilers don't emit any direct waste, they are frequently small, simple-to-install systems that don't need a flue or condensate line.
The units have a lot fewer moving components than other types of boilers, which makes them considerably less prone to defect than gas or oil boilers.
How Does an Electric Boiler Work?
Gas and electric boilers function similarly. Powered by electricity, this type of boiler sends an electric current through a heating element to heat the cold water. Heat is transferred as the cold water flows through the heating element inside the boiler, producing hot water that may either be used immediately or stored for later use.
Here, it is important to understand that not every electric boiler has the same features or capabilities. Depending on the kind of electric boiler you choose, the operation and water storage capabilities may differ significantly.
What Are the Pros of Electric Boilers?
#1 Cheaper to Install
You'll discover that installing an electric central heating boiler is frequently less expensive than installing a gas or oil boiler when you compare installation quotations. This is because there is no need for a flue or condensate pipe, which also eliminates the need for extra plumbing. This is because an electric boiler doesn't create any waste.
#2 Better Energy Efficiency and More Environmentally Friendly
Compared to a gas boiler, an electric boiler is far more efficient in providing heating and hot water. Since they don't utilize any combustion, there are no losses through flue gases, therefore you'll consume less energy to satisfy your heating needs.
In addition, an electric boiler doesn't emit any carbon dioxide directly, making it an excellent choice if you want to lessen your environmental impact. It's vital to remember that the electricity used to power the electric heating system likely comes from a CO2-emitting source, so the heating systems will still have a carbon footprint.
#3 Compact and Quite
The fact that an electric boiler and its heating elements are often smaller than their gas equivalents helps to overcome any space-related issues you might have. Additionally, because they have fewer moving parts than their gas counterparts, they run more quietly.
What is the Main Disadvantage of an Electric Boiler?
Since electricity is far more expensive than gas, your energy costs may go up. Despite the potential increase in operating expenses, you will save money by forgoing an annual service and are less likely to require any repairs. Regardless, the electric boiler cost is quite steep, and this is its main disadvantage.