A boiler is an essential component of any home’s heating system, providing hot water and powering radiators. When choosing between heating options, the debate of electric boiler vs gas boiler is key. But which is better for your home? The electric boiler vs gas discussion often centres around running costs, environmental impact, and heating efficiency.

The only difference between them is their fuel type. Gas boilers work on natural gas, which is delivered to the home through the national grid. In contrast, electric boilers run on electricity, which may also be renewable, such as solar or the national grid.

So which option is cheaper, more energy efficient and environmentally friendly? Gas boilers are generally more affordable because gas is still less expensive than electricity. By contrast, electric boilers are widely considered a green alternative because they don’t burn fossil fuels and can be operated using renewable energy sources.

In this article, we’re going to explore the pros and cons of each system so you can read up on running costs, energy efficiency, and environmental impact and make a sensible selection for your property.

Electric Boiler vs Gas Boiler

When it comes to energy-efficient systems, electric boilers vs gas boilers is a common debate among homeowners when it comes to utilizing energy-efficient systems. Gas boilers have been the default option for decades – cheap and easily available.

But as the world moves to more eco-friendly and alternative solutions, electric boilers are now the choice of many homeowners. Here’s a rundown of each type and how they compare on cost, efficiency and environmental impact.

For those looking for energy-efficient home heating solutions, check out the Government Free Boiler Scheme to see if you qualify for a free boiler upgrade.

What is an Electric Boiler?

An electric boiler is a contemporary heating solution that generates heat using electrical energy. Electric boilers produce energy by converting electric energy to heat, with very little energy wasted, unlike gas boilers that depend on natural gas. These boilers are compact, efficient, and easy to install, making them ideal for:

• Homes
• Flats
• Properties without a gas connection

Applications of Electric Boilers

Electric boilers are a popular choice for homes and flats, especially in areas where the gas supply is unavailable. They are ideal for:

• smaller or medium size, with lower heating requirements.
• Flats and apartments at places where gas supply is not available.
• Properties away from the grid are seeking a way to heat without gas.

Electric boilers are often compact and straightforward, making them attractive options for modern homeowners.

Environmental Impact of Electric Boilers

One of the biggest advantages of an electric boiler is that it releases no direct carbon emissions. The  Energy Saving Trust says that the Carbon dioxide equivalent factor (kgCO2e/kWh) for electric source boilers is 0.225 (marginally higher than gas boilers at 0.213); however, it should be noted that electric boilers produce no emissions if powered by renewable energy sources such as:

• Solar panels
• Wind energy

As they are a sustainable option for people who want to cut down on their carbon emissions, they are an environmentally friendly alternative.

Electric Boilers are An Energy Efficient and Eco-Friendly Option

Electric boilers are called green machines for home heating. They will be among the top picks for sustainable nature since they are very efficient and can be powered by clean energy. But an electric boiler’s carbon footprint depends on where the electricity comes from:

• Emissions are minimal if renewables or sustainable fuel sources are used.
• If powered by the grid, the environmental impact varies.

As 54% of the UK’s electricity is imported(Department of Energy Security & Net Zero), fluctuations in international markets (such as during geopolitical conflicts) can cause electricity price hikes, affecting long-term running costs.

What is a Gas Boiler?

A gas boiler is a conventional heating system that uses natural gas to heat water for radiators and taps. It is widely used in the UK, where most homes are connected to the national gas grid. Gas central heating systems are generally more powerful than electric boilers, making them suitable for larger homes with high heating demands.

Fueling from the National Gas Grid and Its Accessibility

Gas boilers rely on the national gas grid for fuel, providing homeowners with an affordable and consistent energy supply. Gas’s accessibility makes it a convenient choice for many, as it is cheaper than electricity in terms of heating costs. This widespread availability has made gas boilers the go-to option for central heating grants in homes across the UK.

Environmental Impact of Gas Boilers

While gas boilers effectively provide heat, they have a significant environmental impact. As fossil fuels are burned, gas boilers release CO2 and other harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them less sustainable than electric boilers, especially considering the global push to reduce carbon emissions.

Gas Boilers and Environmental Concerns

Using natural gas for heating contributes to greenhouse gas emissions linked to climate change. Even though modern gas boilers are more efficient than older models, they still depend on fossil fuels. This reliance on non-renewable resources raises environmental concerns, especially as the UK works toward reducing its carbon footprint.

Advantages of Electric Boilers vs Gas Boilers

So, to help you decide which is best for your household, electric boiler vs gas boiler, here’s a detailed pros and cons comparison of both options in column format:

Aspect	Electric Boilers	Gas Boilers
Efficiency	Convert nearly 99% of electricity into heat (higher efficiency).	Efficiency varies from 89-95%.
Safety	Zero carbon monoxide risk (zero combustion process).	A risk of carbon monoxide leaks if not properly maintained.
Maintenance	Low maintenance (fewer moving parts) and quiet operation.	Higher maintenance due to more components and frequent servicing.
Environmental Impact	Zero direct emissions (eco-friendly when powered by renewable energy).	CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels (less eco-friendly).
Running Costs	Higher running costs due to expensive electricity.	Lower operating costs (gas is cheaper than electricity).
Heating Capacity	More suitable for small to medium-sized homes.	Ideal for larger homes with high heating demands.
Installation	Easier and cheaper to install (no gas connection or flue required).	More complex installation (requires gas connection and ventilation).
Availability	Suitable for off-grid properties (no gas connection needed).	Requires access to the national gas grid.

Disadvantages of Electric Boilers vs Gas Boilers

Here’s a breakdown of the drawbacks of each system:

Aspect	Electric Boilers	Gas Boilers
Running Costs	Higher electricity costs make them expensive to run, especially for larger homes.	Cheaper running costs, but subject to gas price fluctuations.
Heating Capacity	Limited power for larger homes or high heating demands.	Higher heating capacity, but less efficient for smaller properties.
Environmental Impact	Dependent on electricity source (eco-friendly only with renewable energy).	CO2 emissions contribute to climate change.
Safety	No combustion risks, but higher electricity costs.	Risk of carbon monoxide leaks if not properly maintained.
Maintenance	Low maintenance but higher long-term electricity costs.	Higher maintenance costs due to complex components.

Electric boiler vs gas boiler running costs

Electric Boiler Running Costs

• Higher Energy Bills:
  Electric boilers are more efficient, but the constantly high UK electricity prices are just too expensive.
• Ways to Save:
  • The Economy 7 tariff gives you reduced prices on electricity at night.
  • In combination with solar panels or a solar battery, they can bring even greater savings.

Region	Off-Peak (Economy 7) (pence/kWh)	On-Peak (Economy 7) (pence/kWh)	Standard Rate (pence/kWh)
England, Scotland, Wales	16.7	34.1	28.3
Northern Ireland	11.9	21.1	22.6

Source: Energy Saving Trust (April 2022)

Gas Boiler Running Costs

• Cheaper Heating Option:
  Gas is substantially cheaper than electricity, and this is the reason why gas boilers are the most popular option for UK households.
• Standing Charges:
  Gas boilers also involve standing charges every year, which increases the long-term cost of having them.

Region	Gas (pence/kWh)	LPG (pence/kWh)
England, Scotland, Wales	7.4	15.5
Northern Ireland	7.2	17.3

Source: Energy Saving Trust (April 2022)

Cost of Installing Electric and Gas Boilers

Electric boilers are generally cheaper to install than gas boilers due to their more straightforward setup. No flues, condensate pipe or gas installation is required, just a rapid fix without tearing your house down. The average cost for an electric boiler to be installed is between £500 and £1,500, depending to a great extent on location and unit size.

In contrast, the installation of gas boilers represents a labor-intensive exercise. This includes such things as gas pipes and ventilating systems. Depending on existing facilities and the cost of labor, a gas boiler will typically set you back between £1,200 and £3,500 for installation.

While electric boilers have lower upfront installation costs, their running costs can be significantly higher due to higher electricity prices than gas in most regions. Gas boilers, although pricier to install, often offer lower long-term operational costs. Homeowners should consider these factors when choosing between electric and gas boilers, considering initial investment and long-term energy expenses.

Conclusion:

When choosing between an electric vs gas boiler, your decision depends on your needs. Electric central heating is the better choice if you want an eco-friendly option. They are efficient and cause less environmental harm, mainly if you use renewable energy like solar or wind. Electric boilers work well for smaller homes or properties without a gas supply.

However, if saving money is your goal, gas boilers are cheaper to run. They are more affordable, especially for larger homes with high heating needs. Although gas boilers impact the environment more due to fossil fuels, they are still more cost-effective in the long run.

If you focus on sustainability, an electric boiler powered by renewable energy is the best option. However, if you want to save on heating costs and have access to gas, a gas boiler may be the wiser choice.

Think about your home size, energy needs, and environmental goals. Electric and gas boilers have different benefits. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

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