Electric vs Gas Boiler - Comparisons
What’s the difference between an Electric and a Gas Boiler
The main difference between gas and electric boilers is their source of energy. Gas boilers use natural gases or propane to ignite a burner, heating the water in the tank, whereas an electric boiler uses electricity to heat an element inside a hot water tank that transfers the heat.
Cost Comparison and running costs
Despite worldwide events, Gas Boilers remain cheaper to run than electric boilers due to gas prices generally being cheaper than electricity.
Despite gas providing under half of the total electricity in the UK, in recent years it set electricity costs 84% of the time.
Research from the Energy Saving Trust shows that the average cost of electricity per kWh is around 14p, while the average cost of gas per kWh is around 4p (Prices will fluctuate), meaning that it costs on average 3 times as much to power your electric boiler as it does your gas boiler for the same amount of energy produced.
Of course, you should take into account the cost of the installation which we cover further down in this blog. If you’re deciding between a Gas and Electric boiler based solely on cost, you should factor in your energy usage, property size, and access to a gas supply, which is why you should always seek professional advice from a qualified electrician or heating professional.
Efficiency Comparison
Generally speaking, gas boilers tend to be more efficient than electric boilers. This is mainly due to the fact that gas boilers lose less heat during the combustion process, and because gas is a (generally) cheaper and more energy-dense fuel.
Gas boilers typically run at a 90% efficiency rating, whereas electric boilers can run up to 98%. The efficiency can also be dependent on the type of heating system used, for example, hydronic vs radiant heating systems. The big caveat here is that many electric boilers have an EPC D-rating, which is rather low compared to the A-rating awarded to gas boilers.
The age and condition of the boiler will also determine the efficiency, for example, if you have a new electric boiler, and an old gas boiler that has not been serviced in a while, everything is relative, however, to caveat the above, electric boilers can be more efficient in certain situations, for example when their energy is sourced from renewable sources. All of these aspects should be considered.
Installation Comparison
For a gas boiler, installation can typically take 1-3 days. This can vary, but it normally takes this time due to the removal of an older boiler, installation of the new boiler, and any additional piping and installation work to make sure it is safe. Gas boilers also require a gas line and connection to a gas meter, which can complicate an installation process, especially if you’re moving the boiler to a different location from where it may have been stored previously.
For an electric boiler, it normally takes less time, estimated at 4-8 hours for installation. This is mainly because there is no need for piping or ventilation. Keep in mind that the electric boiler may need a large electrical supply and a separate fuse box.
It’s important to note that these installation estimates can vary depending on the house, boiler size, location, gas engineer experience and more. Always check with your local engineer to get their estimation for installation.
Maintenance Comparison
Due to the nature of burning fuel, gas boilers require more maintenance than electric boilers. Gas boilers have more complex components that can wear out and become dirty over time, with electric boilers having fewer moving parts.
Do electric boilers still require an annual service?
Yes. Electric boilers still need an annual boiler service. Although they do not run on a combustion system, they still have parts that can wear out and malfunction including heating elements, thermostats, and pumps, causing a loss in efficiency and higher cost.
Some boiler manufacturers also require an annual service for the warranty, so make sure to check your boiler documentation.
An infographic explaining electric vs gas boilers - covering the cost, efficiency, installation, maintenance, and lifespan.
Lifespan Comparison
The lifespan of a boiler is often down to the regularity of maintenance, the quality of your boiler, and the frequency of use. That said, gas boilers typically last for 10-15 years, with a 20-year lifespan if well looked after and maintained.
Electric boilers tend to last slightly longer at an estimated 20-25 years. Regular maintenance can prolong the lifespan of both boiler types, further highlighting the need for an annual and thorough boiler service to prevent any dangers.
Environmental Impact Comparison
This is one of the more interesting parts of the comparison. Gas boilers, of course, release carbon dioxide, methane, and other pollutants, while electric boilers produce no emissions. That said, the overarching environmental impact should take into account how the electricity is generated, be it from renewable sources or fossil fuels.
If using renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, an electric boiler can be incredibly environmentally friendly. However, if an electric boiler is running off electricity generated from coal or natural gases, the environmental benefits of an electric boiler become smaller.
In modern days, gas boilers are incredibly well made and give off very low emissions, with gas also being the more inexpensive to run, which can be used to weigh up the decision for many households when it comes to cost-effectiveness.
Should I replace my gas boiler with an electric boiler?
As a rough estimate, it may cost in the range of £2,000-£4,000 or more to replace your gas boiler with an electric boiler. This is of course variable and based upon various specific circumstances.
In addition to the cost of the boiler, you should also factor in the cost of installation of the boiler, which can cost £1,500-£3,500, but can vary due to the complexity of the installation and if any additional electrical work or modifications are required.
Whilst this is quite a large outlay, the long-term return on investment can be very cost-efficient, especially if you have access to a renewable energy source for your electricity.
If you plan to replace or update your boiler, it will always be worth getting a quote from a qualified professional.
When did electric boilers become so popular?
Electric boilers have been around for several decades now, but have grown in popularity in the UK in recent years for a number of reasons, including:
Incentivisation - The UK government has provided incentives for the installation of renewable energy technologies which have included electric boilers
Renewable energy access - with electric boilers being more efficient, many commercial and residential buildings are opting to save money in the longer term on their energy consumption
Safety concerns - When it comes to the end of a gas boilers lifespan, many will opt to update to a newer model, which now includes a greater range of affordable electric boilers
Location flexibility - many homes have kept their boiler in the same place as it was initially installed when the house was built. Electric boilers allow for greater flexibility in location due to there not being a need for it to be close to gas pipes or a suitable location for a boiler flue
Are electric boilers safer than gas boilers?
Both boiler types can be extremely safe if they are installed, maintained, and used in the correct way.
With electric boilers, the most dangerous aspect would be the live power flow to the system, risking (albeit a low risk) electrical shocks or fire if not maintained or installed properly.
Gas boilers do burn natural gases and therefore can be considered more dangerous if not well maintained or serviced annually. It’s important that your system is maintained as if there is a leak, it could cause explosions, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Both boiler types are to be considered extremely safe and have been developed to maximise benefit and minimise risk.
