Electric Boiler vs Gas Boiler: Pros, Cons & Running Costs
Electric Boiler vs Gas Boiler: Pros, Cons & Running Costs
Electric Boiler vs Gas Boiler: Pros, Cons and Running Costs
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An electric boiler can be a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to gas and oil. This is in instances where it is used in conjunction with solar panels or renewable energy systems with the help of a green supplier.
However, the electric boiler cost can add up when you consider that electricity from the grid is much more expensive than natural gas.
Our electric boiler vs gas boiler guide will help you find the most suitable heating system for your home. We’ll break down the total electric boiler cost and compare it to equivalent gas boiler costs to ensure you’re considering all factors before buying a new gas or electric boiler.
If you’re in need of a new boiler, you should always talk with a heating engineer, to make sure you get the best solution. However, finding an engineer you trust can be a laborious and daunting task, taking up hours of you time.
This is where Boiler Guide comes in – we can easily find you vetted and certified professionals using our service. We can provide you with up to 3 quotes from Gas Safe and OFTEC-registered engineers. With more quotes you can make sure you get the best deal, so click the button below to get started.
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- Quotes from local engineers
- 1.9 million quotes in 10 years
- Save up to £975 in the 1st year
1,8 million quotes provided in 10 years
See more reviews:
Brilliant service
Brilliant service. Was getting a headache from other plumbers with extortionate prices. Saves a lot of hassle ringing around. Really pleased. Thank you.
Hassle free boiler quotes
This was the hassle free way of finding a boiler company in my local area for a quote. I recieved 3 quotes and I was very satisfied. The job is complete and I'm now saving on my usage. I would highly recommend using Boiler Guide.
Boiler Guide is the go-to to find the the best boiler at a reasonable price
Boiler Guide is the go-to to find the best boiler at a reasonable price and good installer. The experience has shown me to do your research properly when you are thinking of spending a lot of money. Boiler Guide was in touch to check if I found an installer. Thank you Boiler Guide
Boilerguide emailed me 3 potential...
Boilerguide emailed me 3 potential companies and within minutes one called me and visited my home and gave me a quote which i accepted and i'm having a new boiler installed within a few days i'm delighted with the result thank you boilerguide
Submitted my request and I received a phone call within 30 minutes
Submitted my request and I received a phone call within 30 minutes to confirm what I needed. Received a list of potential installers the next day who all rang me and arranged a time to come round. Great service and it saved time which I didn't have as my boiler had stopped working.
Surprisingly fast and efficient.
I was very impressed with this service. Within an hour of completing the form online I had a phone call from an advisor who confirmed that I would like to proceed. In the next two hours I had made appointments with three companies, all of whom have now been and given their quotations, within 48 hours of deciding to get a new boiler. We have proceeded with one of these companies and now have a date for installation. Excellent.
Quick & easy service to use.
Boiler guide is an excellent, quick & easy way to source businesses to provide quotes to have boiler replaced.
Easy to use website
An easy to use website. Boiler guide gave me all the information I needed to choose a reliable company to remove and install my new boiler even although it was Christmas week. I would highly recommend anyone to check out boiler guide if they're looking to replace a boiler or radiators.
Boiler Guide were excellent
Boiler Guide were excellent. I was already stressed having just been told my boiler was beyond repair, no idea of cost. Boiler guide made it all much easier, located people local to me and trusted to give me quotes. Really took some of the stress away from searching online myself. Highly recommended. Thank you
The guys that came round were very professional
The guys that came round were very professional and polite told us everything we needed to know and left the area spotless thanks
Super efficient
Super efficient in finding 3 local firms to quote. All 3 got in touch the same day to arrange appointments and all 3 came within the next day. Great to be able to compare products and prices and I signed up with the best for me straight away
Obtained names of 3 installers in my area
Obtained names of 3 installers in my area, all of whom responded and visited very promptly. All 3 very professional, polite and gave estimates at time of visit, followed up by e-mailed quotes. Also answered my questions at time of visit and subsequently via e-mail. Found Boiler Guide very helpful in reducing time that might have been wasted trawling through local lists.
Excellent
Excellent. A rep called almost immediately after my enquiry. She was pleasant, helpful and this was a bank holiday. 3 engineers called really quickly so this platform is a superb service that takes the faff out of looking for heating engineers.
Amazing service!
Boiler Guide phoned me as soon as I had entered my details. Within a few minutes, 3 very professional companies called me and arranged to survey the same day. By the evening I had received 3 quotes to replace my boiler. I was very impressed with the service I received from both Boiler guide and their appointed gas specialists.
Boiler Replacement Search
Having had an issue with my existing 18 year old boiler. I found the Boiler Guide online. Excellent and quick service, plus excellent customer services. They contacted me to find out what I was looking for and then informed me that three quotations would be in touch. They also supplied the details of the companies. They contacted me, next day, to ensure that the selected suppliers had been in touch and either supplied a quotation or were due to visit. Takes all the hassle away!
Electric boilers vs gas boilers
What is a gas boiler?
A gas boiler burns natural gas to generate heat for the central heating and domestic hot water. The natural gas is delivered to the property by an energy supplier on demand as and when needed.
Properties that aren't connected to the gas network can still have a gas boiler installed. However, rather than natural gas, it will need to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This is all in preparation for the UK gas boiler ban that is upcoming.
LPG is a natural gas alternative which is a liquid. It is stored onsite in a tank, rather than being supplied to the property from the grid. Read more about LPG boilers here.
Natural gas boilers are the most commonly installed heating system in the UK. As of 2021, around 85% of homes in the UK rely on gas central heating.
What is an electric boiler?
All modern boilers need a supply of electricity to operate, but electric boilers turn the electricity into heat rather than burning fossil fuels.
You will find that electric boilers for flats or smaller homes with low heating and hot water demands, alongside properties not connected to the gas network, are common choices.
Electric vs gas
Natural gas has proven to be a great fuel for home heating, but there's no hiding the fact that it isn't kind to the environment.
As a fossil fuel, natural gas releases carbon into the atmosphere when burned. That means every time your gas boiler fires up, the level of carbon in the atmosphere goes up. This is a leading cause of climate change and home heating makes up around 14% of all UK emissions.
One way to combat the impact of home heating on the environment is to turn to electric heating combined with a renewable energy source, such as solar panels.
For smaller 1 bedroom homes and flats, an electric boiler is the ideal low-carbon heating system. However, they’re unable to meet the higher demands for heating and hot water in larger homes and in this respect, natural gas holds the upper hand.
Despite this, electric boilers do have many advantages over gas boilers.
Advantages
Electric boiler advantages Gas boiler advantages Quiet as they heat the home Cheaper than electricity Zero risk of a carbon monoxide leak Can meet higher demands for heating and hot water Fewer moving parts so there’s less chance of any problems More gas boilers on the market means more choice No emissions as they heat the home A like-for-like gas boiler replacement is a simple job for a Gas Safe registered engineer Flexible installation as there's no need for a boiler flue pipe Most affordable option for homes connected to the gas gridInterested in a new boiler? Whether it be an electric or a gas boiler, we can help you! We can provide you with up to 3 quotes from trusted heating engineers. Vetting engineers on your own can be a time-consuming task that could take days, which is why our service can provide you with a list of trusted installers so you can compare their prices instantly. By comparing quotes you’ll be able to get the best deal for you and your needs.
Get your best deal
Quickly compare 3 FREE quotes
- Next day installation
- Quotes from local engineers
- 1.9 million quotes in 10 years
- Save up to £975 in the 1st year
- Next day installation
- Quotes from local engineers
- 1.9 million quotes in 10 years
- Save up to £975 in the 1st year
1,8 million quotes provided in 10 years
See more reviews:
Brilliant service
Brilliant service. Was getting a headache from other plumbers with extortionate prices. Saves a lot of hassle ringing around. Really pleased. Thank you.
Hassle free boiler quotes
This was the hassle free way of finding a boiler company in my local area for a quote. I recieved 3 quotes and I was very satisfied. The job is complete and I'm now saving on my usage. I would highly recommend using Boiler Guide.
Boiler Guide is the go-to to find the the best boiler at a reasonable price
Boiler Guide is the go-to to find the best boiler at a reasonable price and good installer. The experience has shown me to do your research properly when you are thinking of spending a lot of money. Boiler Guide was in touch to check if I found an installer. Thank you Boiler Guide
Boilerguide emailed me 3 potential...
Boilerguide emailed me 3 potential companies and within minutes one called me and visited my home and gave me a quote which i accepted and i'm having a new boiler installed within a few days i'm delighted with the result thank you boilerguide
Submitted my request and I received a phone call within 30 minutes
Submitted my request and I received a phone call within 30 minutes to confirm what I needed. Received a list of potential installers the next day who all rang me and arranged a time to come round. Great service and it saved time which I didn't have as my boiler had stopped working.
Surprisingly fast and efficient.
I was very impressed with this service. Within an hour of completing the form online I had a phone call from an advisor who confirmed that I would like to proceed. In the next two hours I had made appointments with three companies, all of whom have now been and given their quotations, within 48 hours of deciding to get a new boiler. We have proceeded with one of these companies and now have a date for installation. Excellent.
Quick & easy service to use.
Boiler guide is an excellent, quick & easy way to source businesses to provide quotes to have boiler replaced.
Easy to use website
An easy to use website. Boiler guide gave me all the information I needed to choose a reliable company to remove and install my new boiler even although it was Christmas week. I would highly recommend anyone to check out boiler guide if they're looking to replace a boiler or radiators.
Boiler Guide were excellent
Boiler Guide were excellent. I was already stressed having just been told my boiler was beyond repair, no idea of cost. Boiler guide made it all much easier, located people local to me and trusted to give me quotes. Really took some of the stress away from searching online myself. Highly recommended. Thank you
The guys that came round were very professional
The guys that came round were very professional and polite told us everything we needed to know and left the area spotless thanks
Super efficient
Super efficient in finding 3 local firms to quote. All 3 got in touch the same day to arrange appointments and all 3 came within the next day. Great to be able to compare products and prices and I signed up with the best for me straight away
Obtained names of 3 installers in my area
Obtained names of 3 installers in my area, all of whom responded and visited very promptly. All 3 very professional, polite and gave estimates at time of visit, followed up by e-mailed quotes. Also answered my questions at time of visit and subsequently via e-mail. Found Boiler Guide very helpful in reducing time that might have been wasted trawling through local lists.
Excellent
Excellent. A rep called almost immediately after my enquiry. She was pleasant, helpful and this was a bank holiday. 3 engineers called really quickly so this platform is a superb service that takes the faff out of looking for heating engineers.
Amazing service!
Boiler Guide phoned me as soon as I had entered my details. Within a few minutes, 3 very professional companies called me and arranged to survey the same day. By the evening I had received 3 quotes to replace my boiler. I was very impressed with the service I received from both Boiler guide and their appointed gas specialists.
Boiler Replacement Search
Having had an issue with my existing 18 year old boiler. I found the Boiler Guide online. Excellent and quick service, plus excellent customer services. They contacted me to find out what I was looking for and then informed me that three quotations would be in touch. They also supplied the details of the companies. They contacted me, next day, to ensure that the selected suppliers had been in touch and either supplied a quotation or were due to visit. Takes all the hassle away!
Disadvantages of electric & gas boilers
As well as the benefits, there are some important considerations to make when installing either boiler type. A key point being that electric boilers are more expensive to run.
Electric cons Gas cons Electricity is more expensive than natural gas An annual boiler service is highly recommended and essential if installed in a rental property or to keep the warranty valid Can’t meet the heating demands of larger properties More moving parts can lead to more issues Will take up most of the energy usage (e.g. 48 amps of a 60 amp fuse) Gas boilers are larger than electric boilers Most electricity is made by burning fossil fuels (renewables are on the rise though) Risk of a carbon monoxide leak if there’s a serious faultElectric boiler cost vs gas boiler cost
Natural gas is the cheapest way to heat your home and that's why gas boilers are the heating system of choice for UK homeowners. Electricity, on the other hand, is rather expensive.
Fuel Average Cost in England, Scotland and Wales (pence/kilowatt-hour) Electricity (standard rate) 30 Electricity (off-peak economy 7) 17.66 Electricity (on-peak economy 7) 36.12 Gas 8.0 LPG 8.7 Oil 9.0 Wood Pellets 13.8*Fuel prices as per latest update in July 2023. Energy Saving Trust (2023).
When it comes to electricity, you don't always have to rely on a supplier. Instead, you could turn to renewables to generate your own electricity.
Solar PV panels turn solar energy into electricity. This electricity can then be used to power the appliances around the home – including an electric boiler. So, during daylight hours, you could be heating your home for free.
In the evening or during the night, solar panels aren't able to generate energy. This could mean having to turn back to your supplier. However, a solar battery could take your energy savings even further.
Electric boiler running costs vs gas boiler running costs
The running cost of electric combi boilers are higher than gas boilers but that's not the only factor to consider. Electric boilers have far higher efficiency than gas boilers (ranging up to 99%), while gas boilers are less efficient but better for large properties.
The cost of running an electric boiler 70 hours per month can cost you £285.60 at current electricity prices (under the Energy Price Guarantee which caps energy prices at 34p per kWh). Conversely, gas boiler running costs for the same time period would be £86.52.
Gas boilers, by virtue of being an older technology, have more variety with models that can accommodate most energy outputs (measured in kilowatts). This also means that they can meet a wider range of central heating requirements. There are regulations on gas boiler efficiency that require any boiler to be 92% or above in England (exact numbers for other regions may vary) which may be worth keeping in mind.
At the same time, electric boilers have fewer components that can break down and are better for smaller properties with lower energy demands and fewer radiators. They also do not require servicing annually and are not affected by gas prices. In some ways, electric combi boiler costs can be worth the savings on space and potential repairs.
Installation costs of electric & gas boilers
When it comes to the installation of any boiler type, there are many variables that can impact the final cost. Firstly, there's the cost of the boiler itself.
Electric boiler prices and gas boiler prices are similar, but since there are more gas boilers on the market, it’s possible to find a cheaper gas boiler than an electric boiler.
On top of the price of the boiler are the installation costs which can be around £500-£1000. Those costs can be affected by a number of things, including the location of the boiler, boiler size, and the rates of the installer. Find the boiler sizing rule of thumb in our guide here. New boiler prices can vary from around £500 to upwards of £2,000.
Heating System Potential Cost Installation Costs Gas Boiler £500 – £2,750 £500 – £1,000 Electric Boiler £500 – £2,000 £500 – £1,000As they don't need a flue, condensate pipe or gas line, electric boilers are the quickest, easiest and cheapest to install. However, because installers all set different prices for installation it's important to get multiple boiler quotes and compare them.
Is an electric boiler or gas boiler cheaper?
Electric boiler running costs are higher than gas boilers, but there are many benefits of an electric boiler that could save you money over the years. When you replace gas boilers with electric, UK government grants can help out.
Before you choose a gas boiler over an electric boiler, based on the running costs alone, consider the savings you could be making elsewhere with an electric boiler. To work out and compare the total costs of electric and gas boilers, you will need to consider:
- Price of the boiler: Typically, electric boiler cost starts from around £800 but it is possible to find as low as £500, whereas gas boiler prices vary from £500 to over £2,000.
- Installation: This can vary, but for either boiler type, will start from £500 – £1,000
- Running costs: Electricity can be 3 times more expensive than gas, however, an electric boiler will consume half as much energy as a gas boiler.
- Annual service: Annual gas boiler servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer is highly recommended to ensure safe operation of your boiler. They're also essential to keep the warranty valid. Electric boilers don't need the same level of servicing, but it’s still recommended. A gas boiler service should take at least 30 minutes and could cost between £50 to £160, with those living in London being charged more than rural areas. So, if you have your gas boiler for 10 years and are charged £100 for each service, that's a total of £1,000 in boiler services during its lifetime.
- Repairs: Electric boilers don’t have any moving parts which makes them less likely to need repairs compared to a gas boiler. The price of repairing or replacing parts on a gas boiler can vary from £150 for minor work to £400 for something more serious. There’s no guarantee you will need a boiler repair, however, it’s something to keep in mind.
Which boiler is the most efficient?
Electric boilers have an efficiency rating of 99-100%, while the maximum efficiency of gas boilers is rarely more than 93%.
With a boiler that’s 93% efficient, for every £1 spent on heating a property, 7p is wasted on lost energy. For electric boilers, there's little to no energy lost. This is because there's no waste gas escaping through the flue.
While some electric boilers boast a 100% efficiency rating, you'll notice that they have an ErP D-rating. You can easily find gas boilers that are awarded an A-rating. The ErP rating makes it especially difficult to compare boilers of different fuel types.
Most electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels, and as a result, is considered carbon-intensive and not very efficient. Having said this, energy generation is changing.
Renewable energy generation has increased massively in recent years. So there are times when electricity has a lower carbon intensity than natural gas. Eventually, this could see the ErP rating given to electric boilers increase sooner rather than later.
Comparing the efficiency of electric, gas and oil boilers side-by-side can be challenging. Despite being 99-100% efficient, electric boilers tend to have an ErP rating of D. On the other hand, all condensing gas and oil boilers must reach a minimum efficiency level of 92%, yet this is enough to award them an ErP A-rating.
Manufacturer Boiler model Fuel type Output Energy efficiency ErP rating Ferroli LEB TS Electric 12 kW 99.5% D Worcester Bosch Greenstar 9i Gas 9 kW 93% A Baxi 412 Heat Gas 12 kW 93% A Vaillant Home 12kW Gas 12 kW 89.4% A Electric Heating Company Fusion Comet Electric 12 kW 100% D Heatrae Sadia Amptec Electric 12 kW 99.8% DIf you're looking for a boiler, we can help you find the right one for your home and needs. Our handy service can provide you with quotes from up to 3 different vetted heating engineers. By letting us do the work, you can sit back and find the best deal without having to go through the hassle of finding a professional that you can trust. Click the button below to receive up to 3 free, non-binding quotes so you can compare the best prices.
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Quickly compare 3 FREE quotes
- Next day installation
- Quotes from local engineers
- 1.9 million quotes in 10 years
- Save up to £975 in the 1st year
- Next day installation
- Quotes from local engineers
- 1.9 million quotes in 10 years
- Save up to £975 in the 1st year
1,8 million quotes provided in 10 years
See more reviews:
Brilliant service
Brilliant service. Was getting a headache from other plumbers with extortionate prices. Saves a lot of hassle ringing around. Really pleased. Thank you.
Hassle free boiler quotes
This was the hassle free way of finding a boiler company in my local area for a quote. I recieved 3 quotes and I was very satisfied. The job is complete and I'm now saving on my usage. I would highly recommend using Boiler Guide.
Boiler Guide is the go-to to find the the best boiler at a reasonable price
Boiler Guide is the go-to to find the best boiler at a reasonable price and good installer. The experience has shown me to do your research properly when you are thinking of spending a lot of money. Boiler Guide was in touch to check if I found an installer. Thank you Boiler Guide
Boilerguide emailed me 3 potential...
Boilerguide emailed me 3 potential companies and within minutes one called me and visited my home and gave me a quote which i accepted and i'm having a new boiler installed within a few days i'm delighted with the result thank you boilerguide
Submitted my request and I received a phone call within 30 minutes
Submitted my request and I received a phone call within 30 minutes to confirm what I needed. Received a list of potential installers the next day who all rang me and arranged a time to come round. Great service and it saved time which I didn't have as my boiler had stopped working.
Surprisingly fast and efficient.
I was very impressed with this service. Within an hour of completing the form online I had a phone call from an advisor who confirmed that I would like to proceed. In the next two hours I had made appointments with three companies, all of whom have now been and given their quotations, within 48 hours of deciding to get a new boiler. We have proceeded with one of these companies and now have a date for installation. Excellent.
Quick & easy service to use.
Boiler guide is an excellent, quick & easy way to source businesses to provide quotes to have boiler replaced.
Easy to use website
An easy to use website. Boiler guide gave me all the information I needed to choose a reliable company to remove and install my new boiler even although it was Christmas week. I would highly recommend anyone to check out boiler guide if they're looking to replace a boiler or radiators.
Boiler Guide were excellent
Boiler Guide were excellent. I was already stressed having just been told my boiler was beyond repair, no idea of cost. Boiler guide made it all much easier, located people local to me and trusted to give me quotes. Really took some of the stress away from searching online myself. Highly recommended. Thank you
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Goto gtboiler to know more.
The guys that came round were very professional
The guys that came round were very professional and polite told us everything we needed to know and left the area spotless thanks
Super efficient
Super efficient in finding 3 local firms to quote. All 3 got in touch the same day to arrange appointments and all 3 came within the next day. Great to be able to compare products and prices and I signed up with the best for me straight away
Obtained names of 3 installers in my area
Obtained names of 3 installers in my area, all of whom responded and visited very promptly. All 3 very professional, polite and gave estimates at time of visit, followed up by e-mailed quotes. Also answered my questions at time of visit and subsequently via e-mail. Found Boiler Guide very helpful in reducing time that might have been wasted trawling through local lists.
Excellent
Excellent. A rep called almost immediately after my enquiry. She was pleasant, helpful and this was a bank holiday. 3 engineers called really quickly so this platform is a superb service that takes the faff out of looking for heating engineers.
Amazing service!
Boiler Guide phoned me as soon as I had entered my details. Within a few minutes, 3 very professional companies called me and arranged to survey the same day. By the evening I had received 3 quotes to replace my boiler. I was very impressed with the service I received from both Boiler guide and their appointed gas specialists.
Boiler Replacement Search
Having had an issue with my existing 18 year old boiler. I found the Boiler Guide online. Excellent and quick service, plus excellent customer services. They contacted me to find out what I was looking for and then informed me that three quotations would be in touch. They also supplied the details of the companies. They contacted me, next day, to ensure that the selected suppliers had been in touch and either supplied a quotation or were due to visit. Takes all the hassle away!
Which is right for your home?
The cheapest combi boilers that run on gas have the lowest running costs which make them the most low-cost option. But for small homes, flats or properties off the gas network, an electric boiler is worth considering.
The installation of electric boilers is much simpler, the unit can be installed just about anywhere and no carbon is emitted.
Properties with more than a single bathroom would be better suited to a gas boiler as they can deliver more power.
Replacing a gas boiler with an electric boiler
Replacing a conventional gas boiler with an electric boiler can cost around £3,500. These costs include the price of the new boiler as well as the removal of hot water storage and cold water tank removal.
Replacing a gas boiler with an electric one in the UK can be expensive but also worth it in many circumstances (and certain grants can help mitigate the costs). It's far easier to replace a gas boiler with electric than vice versa, since newer electric models require far fewer external components than older ones (which may need a cistern or extensive piping to function properly).
This is also why electric boilers are ideal for freeing up space and can be the most suitable option as a boiler for a small flat. However, when you replace gas boilers with electric ones, you should consider how much hot water you use as electric boilers often can't support 2 showers running simultaneously.
Depending on the type of property you have, an electric boiler can be a very simple replacement for a gas boiler. Factors to consider include your overall energy consumption, the type of property you have (size and number of showers for example), and where you derive your energy from (renewables or fossil fuels).
Renewable alternatives to gas & electric boilers
Replacing a gas boiler with an electric boiler is a great way to lower the carbon footprint of a property. However, as electric boilers are only able to meet the heating and hot water demands of smaller properties, how can larger homes become more environmentally friendly?
Renewable heating systems such as heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal panels all convert natural resources into usable energy.
Heat pumps
Air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps extract heat from the air or ground. The air contains heat that can be used to heat a property even in temperatures below 0°C while underground temperatures sit at a constant 10-15°C.
Biomass boilers
A domestic biomass boiler operates much like a regular boiler.They burn plant-based organisms such as wood pellets, chips and logs. The heat produced when burning the material warms up the water and is then used to provide central heating and domestic hot water.
If you have access to an outdoor area then you could potentially fuel the biomass boiler for free. Some biomass boilers need to be fed the fuel manually while others do this automatically.
Solar thermal
Solar thermal panels use solar energy to heat the water stored in a hot water cylinder via an immersion heater. The water within is then circulated to hot water outlets around the home when needed. While solar thermal panels can provide you with free domestic hot water, a separate heating system is needed for central heating. This could either be a boiler, heat pump or infrared panels.
Infrared panels
Infrared panels are a recent development in home heating. While traditional radiators use convection to heat the space in a room, infrared directly heats the people and objects. This means that you could sit in a cold room but feel comfortably warm. Infrared heat is a very safe way to heat your home and is even used in baby incubators.
More alternatives to gas
Alternatives to gas boilers don't have to be renewable. LPG is another gaseous fuel, but rather than being delivered through a pipe network, it's stored on-site – similar to oil. For properties that aren't connected to the gas network, LPG and oil are effective alternatives to natural gas.
Standard heating systems, such as gas and oil boilers, are the most affordable.
Heating System Potential Cost Infrared Panels £150 – £500+ (per panel) Air Source Heat Pump £4,000 – £11,000 Ground Source Heat Pump £8,000 – £12,000 Solar Thermal £3,000 – £7,000 Biomass Boiler £4,000 – £21,000 LPG Boiler £500 – £2,000While renewable heating systems tend to be more expensive than electric and gas boilers, you may be able to earn payments through government grant schemes to support the cost of switching to a renewable system. Find out about the latest available government heating grants and schemes here.
You can further explore your renewable heating options in Types of Renewable Energy.
Get quotes for a new boiler
If you're looking for a boiler, it can take time to find an engineer you can trust. While this could take days on your own, our service can streamline the process. By taking a few moments to complete our simple online form, you can get free boiler quotes from trusted installers in your area.
As soon as you’ve completed the form, you'll be matched with suitable installers. Up to 3 installers will then be in touch to give you a free quote for the work.
Comparing more than one quote will give you the confidence that you’re getting the most competitive price. This helps to avoid being overcharged.
Get your best deal
Quickly compare 3 FREE quotes
- Next day installation
- Quotes from local engineers
- 1.9 million quotes in 10 years
- Save up to £975 in the 1st year
- Next day installation
- Quotes from local engineers
- 1.9 million quotes in 10 years
- Save up to £975 in the 1st year
1,8 million quotes provided in 10 years
See more reviews:
Brilliant service
Brilliant service. Was getting a headache from other plumbers with extortionate prices. Saves a lot of hassle ringing around. Really pleased. Thank you.
Hassle free boiler quotes
This was the hassle free way of finding a boiler company in my local area for a quote. I recieved 3 quotes and I was very satisfied. The job is complete and I'm now saving on my usage. I would highly recommend using Boiler Guide.
Boiler Guide is the go-to to find the the best boiler at a reasonable price
Boiler Guide is the go-to to find the best boiler at a reasonable price and good installer. The experience has shown me to do your research properly when you are thinking of spending a lot of money. Boiler Guide was in touch to check if I found an installer. Thank you Boiler Guide
Boilerguide emailed me 3 potential...
Boilerguide emailed me 3 potential companies and within minutes one called me and visited my home and gave me a quote which i accepted and i'm having a new boiler installed within a few days i'm delighted with the result thank you boilerguide
Submitted my request and I received a phone call within 30 minutes
Submitted my request and I received a phone call within 30 minutes to confirm what I needed. Received a list of potential installers the next day who all rang me and arranged a time to come round. Great service and it saved time which I didn't have as my boiler had stopped working.
Surprisingly fast and efficient.
I was very impressed with this service. Within an hour of completing the form online I had a phone call from an advisor who confirmed that I would like to proceed. In the next two hours I had made appointments with three companies, all of whom have now been and given their quotations, within 48 hours of deciding to get a new boiler. We have proceeded with one of these companies and now have a date for installation. Excellent.
Quick & easy service to use.
Boiler guide is an excellent, quick & easy way to source businesses to provide quotes to have boiler replaced.
Easy to use website
An easy to use website. Boiler guide gave me all the information I needed to choose a reliable company to remove and install my new boiler even although it was Christmas week. I would highly recommend anyone to check out boiler guide if they're looking to replace a boiler or radiators.
Boiler Guide were excellent
Boiler Guide were excellent. I was already stressed having just been told my boiler was beyond repair, no idea of cost. Boiler guide made it all much easier, located people local to me and trusted to give me quotes. Really took some of the stress away from searching online myself. Highly recommended. Thank you
The guys that came round were very professional
The guys that came round were very professional and polite told us everything we needed to know and left the area spotless thanks
Super efficient
Super efficient in finding 3 local firms to quote. All 3 got in touch the same day to arrange appointments and all 3 came within the next day. Great to be able to compare products and prices and I signed up with the best for me straight away
Obtained names of 3 installers in my area
Obtained names of 3 installers in my area, all of whom responded and visited very promptly. All 3 very professional, polite and gave estimates at time of visit, followed up by e-mailed quotes. Also answered my questions at time of visit and subsequently via e-mail. Found Boiler Guide very helpful in reducing time that might have been wasted trawling through local lists.
Excellent
Excellent. A rep called almost immediately after my enquiry. She was pleasant, helpful and this was a bank holiday. 3 engineers called really quickly so this platform is a superb service that takes the faff out of looking for heating engineers.
Amazing service!
Boiler Guide phoned me as soon as I had entered my details. Within a few minutes, 3 very professional companies called me and arranged to survey the same day. By the evening I had received 3 quotes to replace my boiler. I was very impressed with the service I received from both Boiler guide and their appointed gas specialists.
Boiler Replacement Search
Having had an issue with my existing 18 year old boiler. I found the Boiler Guide online. Excellent and quick service, plus excellent customer services. They contacted me to find out what I was looking for and then informed me that three quotations would be in touch. They also supplied the details of the companies. They contacted me, next day, to ensure that the selected suppliers had been in touch and either supplied a quotation or were due to visit. Takes all the hassle away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to heat water with gas or electric?
Natural gas is the cheapest way to heat your home. In terms of boiler running costs, gas is the cheapest option. Electric boilers have other benefits like the possibility of using renewables rather than fossil fuels.
Are electric boilers more efficient than gas?
Electric boilers have an efficiency rating of 99-100%, while gas boilers have a maximum efficiency of up to 93%. However, you also need to consider the ErP rating.
Are there alternatives to gas and electric boilers?
Yes, there are many renewable alternatives to both electric and gas boilers. Among them are heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal panels. All of them convert natural resources into usable energy.
What is the cost to replace a gas boiler with an electric boiler?
Replacing a conventional gas boiler with an electric boiler can cost around £3,500. This estimate includes both the new boiler and the replacement of various parts.
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- Save up to £975 in the 1st year
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Brilliant service
Brilliant service. Was getting a headache from other plumbers with extortionate prices. Saves a lot of hassle ringing around. Really pleased. Thank you.
Hassle free boiler quotes
This was the hassle free way of finding a boiler company in my local area for a quote. I recieved 3 quotes and I was very satisfied. The job is complete and I'm now saving on my usage. I would highly recommend using Boiler Guide.
Boiler Guide is the go-to to find the the best boiler at a reasonable price
Boiler Guide is the go-to to find the best boiler at a reasonable price and good installer. The experience has shown me to do your research properly when you are thinking of spending a lot of money. Boiler Guide was in touch to check if I found an installer. Thank you Boiler Guide
Boilerguide emailed me 3 potential...
Boilerguide emailed me 3 potential companies and within minutes one called me and visited my home and gave me a quote which i accepted and i'm having a new boiler installed within a few days i'm delighted with the result thank you boilerguide
Submitted my request and I received a phone call within 30 minutes
Submitted my request and I received a phone call within 30 minutes to confirm what I needed. Received a list of potential installers the next day who all rang me and arranged a time to come round. Great service and it saved time which I didn't have as my boiler had stopped working.
Surprisingly fast and efficient.
I was very impressed with this service. Within an hour of completing the form online I had a phone call from an advisor who confirmed that I would like to proceed. In the next two hours I had made appointments with three companies, all of whom have now been and given their quotations, within 48 hours of deciding to get a new boiler. We have proceeded with one of these companies and now have a date for installation. Excellent.
Quick & easy service to use.
Boiler guide is an excellent, quick & easy way to source businesses to provide quotes to have boiler replaced.
Easy to use website
An easy to use website. Boiler guide gave me all the information I needed to choose a reliable company to remove and install my new boiler even although it was Christmas week. I would highly recommend anyone to check out boiler guide if they're looking to replace a boiler or radiators.
Boiler Guide were excellent
Boiler Guide were excellent. I was already stressed having just been told my boiler was beyond repair, no idea of cost. Boiler guide made it all much easier, located people local to me and trusted to give me quotes. Really took some of the stress away from searching online myself. Highly recommended. Thank you
The guys that came round were very professional
The guys that came round were very professional and polite told us everything we needed to know and left the area spotless thanks
Super efficient
Super efficient in finding 3 local firms to quote. All 3 got in touch the same day to arrange appointments and all 3 came within the next day. Great to be able to compare products and prices and I signed up with the best for me straight away
Obtained names of 3 installers in my area
Obtained names of 3 installers in my area, all of whom responded and visited very promptly. All 3 very professional, polite and gave estimates at time of visit, followed up by e-mailed quotes. Also answered my questions at time of visit and subsequently via e-mail. Found Boiler Guide very helpful in reducing time that might have been wasted trawling through local lists.
Excellent
Excellent. A rep called almost immediately after my enquiry. She was pleasant, helpful and this was a bank holiday. 3 engineers called really quickly so this platform is a superb service that takes the faff out of looking for heating engineers.
Amazing service!
Boiler Guide phoned me as soon as I had entered my details. Within a few minutes, 3 very professional companies called me and arranged to survey the same day. By the evening I had received 3 quotes to replace my boiler. I was very impressed with the service I received from both Boiler guide and their appointed gas specialists.
Boiler Replacement Search
Having had an issue with my existing 18 year old boiler. I found the Boiler Guide online. Excellent and quick service, plus excellent customer services. They contacted me to find out what I was looking for and then informed me that three quotations would be in touch. They also supplied the details of the companies. They contacted me, next day, to ensure that the selected suppliers had been in touch and either supplied a quotation or were due to visit. Takes all the hassle away!
Nick has a wide range of experience writing about conventional and renewable heating solutions, and is always increasing his knowledge by researching any new heating technologies on the horizon.
Electric Boilers vs. Gas Boilers
In the fight of electric boilers vs. gas boilers, there’s a definite winner in most cases.
You may be surprised to know that electric boilers are ideal for certain applications regardless of operational costs. It’s widely known throughout the US that gas boilers cost less to operate than electric boilers. However, there are applications where operation costs alone should not be the only factor in the boiler selection process.
First, gas and electric rates vary greatly depending on where you live. In some areas, each can be up to five times more expensive, so it pays to know the energy costs in the area where you live.
So, you want to heat your home or office and are wondering which option is best when comparing electric boilers vs. gas boilers? To get to the answer, it’s important to ask yourself a couple of questions:
- Are you installing an entire heating system? If this is you, gas may be the smartest choice.
- Adding a room or want warm floors in bathrooms or other often occupied spaces? If so, electric is usually the best choice.
But these two questions aren’t the only things to consider before you make your decision. Let’s take a look at which heat source comes out on top in many applications so you’ll know whether electric or gas models make the most sense.
When to Install an Electric Boiler: Spot Heating
Electric boilers shine when warm floors are desired in specific areas of an existing home. For homes that already have a heating system, adding another room or perhaps a four-season porch will require heat in order to use the space year-round in cold climates. If the floor isn’t carpeted, floors can be cold and extremely uncomfortable in the heating season. Electric boilers can heat floors and rooms effectively without the drafts associated with forced air furnaces and heat pumps.
Limited space is a common issue when installing an add-on boiler heating system in an existing home. Thermolec electric boilers’ lightweight, compact design offers the perfect solution. Unlike gas boilers, which require venting and additional gas piping, combustion devices require outside air for combustion and also need to exhaust dangerous by-products (carbon monoxide) outside the home. On the other hand, electric boilers do not need to be vented (no combustion), saving space and significantly lowering the install cost of the heating system.
Thermolec electric boilers come with modulating heat generation and are capable of producing low and precise Btu levels. They produce only what is needed to heat a space to the desired temperature. Small heating zones or areas like bathrooms, foyers, home offices, and kitchens are challenging for gas boilers. That’s because their minimum Btu outputs are excessive for such areas. They waste energy by overheating rather than producing the awesome comfort typically associated with a radiant floor heating system.
For room additions where homeowners want radiant floor heat, installing an add-on gas boiler in an existing home can be a monumental task for HVAC technicians. Ultimately, that means added installation costs for buyers.
Assessing the Operating Costs: Electric vs. Gas
An electric boiler tends to be less expensive than gas boilers of comparable size and model. Although the upfront cost of the unit will be more affordable when the unit is electric, you also must take into account the cost to run it.
It’s impossible to give hard numbers on the energy and fuel costs, as gas and propane rates vary across the country. Obviously, electricity rates do as well, so it’s hard to say which unit is the more expensive form of heating. In general, electricity in most areas of the US costs more to run than gas does.
However, energy cost is not the only consideration. Here are some other points to ponder:
- Aside, from lower install cost, electric boilers don’t require annual maintenance which is highly recommended by all manufacturers of high-efficiency gas boilers.
- Gas boilers are more complicated by design and are much more likely to have performance issues. Two common issues in initial boiler set-up are getting the proper mixture of air and gas (often due to improper venting).
- Heat exchangers in gas boilers are susceptible to water conditions and combustion by-products which can shorten the life of a boiler or cause it to break down unless annual maintenance is performed.
Now no one is claiming that nothing ever goes wrong with electric boilers, but they don’t require a strict maintenance schedule and most issues/problems can be identified with a voltage meter. Bottom line, maintenance costs for gas boilers shouldn’t be minimized because they’re significant and therefore must be taken into consideration in the overall operational costs of the product.
Why Thermolec Electric Boilers are the Right Choice
Just because electric boilers, in general, are smaller, lighter and less expensive than gas boilers doesn’t mean that every electric boiler brand can make the same claim. In fact, electric boiler brands can differ significantly in size, weight, function, and the amount of space they require.
Thermolec electric boilers take up less space and are significantly lighter than other brands of electric boilers. The main differences involve the components used and the functionality of their boilers.
For instance, Thermolec uses stainless steel ASME certified tanks which are more durable and lighter than carbon steel or cast-iron tanks. Thermolec also incorporates the most advanced technology in their boilers which provides full modulation heating in all their boiler models. To save on installation costs, the smaller size and lighter weight of the Thermolec boilers means that only one technician needs to be sent to a job site to install the boiler. This isn’t the case with most other electric boilers that often require two technicians just to get the unit through the door and into the home.
Would you like to learn more about the difference between electric boilers brands and electric vs. gas boilers so you can identify which one is right for you? You may find it helpful to connect with a professional who specializes in boilers or visit the following website to learn more about Thermolec boilers for the US market at www.epsalesinc.com. Additional information would enable you to have a better understanding of the options available so you can identify the right boiler for your application.
The company is the world’s best Electric Steam Boiler supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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