Explore electric boiler costs
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The ultimate guide to electric boiler costs
If you're keen to reduce your carbon footprint quickly, an electric boiler could be the answer. Quieter and more efficient than a comparable gas boiler — and with no risk of carbon monoxide leaks — an electric boiler can be installed anywhere for cleaner, greener heating. Use SpotDif's electric boiler price comparison to find the best deals in your area.
So, how much do electric boilers cost? An electric combi boiler that heats your radiators and supplies hot water costs anywhere between £1,500 and £5,000, including installation. For that price, you'll rapidly reduce your carbon footprint. Electric boilers are a fantastic match with solar power, giving you the opportunity to future-proof your home as the UK closes in on Net Zero.
Electric boilers offer plenty of other benefits, too. They won't need annual service, and maintenance is much cheaper. An electric boiler is a fantastic solution if you're off-grid and can be compatible with solar panels. Combined with lower upfront prices, these hidden benefits add up to a lower electric boiler cost overall. Additionally, an electric boiler can be installed as a heat pump backup for a foolproof all-electric heating system.
At SpotDif, our goal is to make comparing your options easy. Our boiler price comparison puts electric boiler prices at your fingertips, letting you make an informed decision. In this guide, we'll look at your electric boiler UK cost, from installation to running costs, to help you find the right system for your energy needs.
How much does an electric boiler cost?
We’ve given a brief overview of average electric boiler prices but let’s look at the costs in more detail.
Electric boiler prices generally range from £900 for an economy model to £4,500 for a top-of-the-range boiler.
It's essential to get the right size boiler to meet your heating needs, so calculate 1.5kW for every radiator in your home. Let's say you have six radiators. In that case, you'll need an electric boiler capable of generating 9kW.
So, what's the cheapest type of electric boiler?
A solar-compatible boiler using PV panels for power will be the cheapest to run.
For most homes, an electric combi boiler is a space-saving unit that’s easy to install and provides hot water on demand.
If you’re on an Economy 7 tariff, a storage electric boiler allows you to heat water overnight cheaply.
You’ll pay more for additional features, including smart controls. However, energy-saving features could be a money-saving investment in the long run.
Are electric boilers cheaper than other boiler types?
Your upfront electric boiler cost is generally cheaper than a gas boiler. Installation costs are also typically lower, between £650 and £2,500. Electric boiler prices are considerably lower than green heating systems like heat pumps.
Electric boilers are incredibly quiet and have no moving parts. With fewer components to go wrong, your boiler service cost will also be lower.
However, it's worth being aware that the running costs for an electric boiler are higher. Find the cheapest electricity tariff or switch to green energy to make the most of your new boiler.
You'll need to balance higher running costs against an electric boiler being a low-carbon heating option that can be powered by solar energy.
Factors affecting electric boiler costs
Several factors affect your electric boiler cost:
Boiler type: you’ll pay more depending on whether you need a combi or system boiler.
Brand and model: You'll pay more for a quality boiler from a well-established brand. You can also expect to pay more for a more extended warranty and custom smart features.
Replacement type: A like-for-like replacement is cheaper than switching to a new kind of boiler, which may require additional pipework.
Electricity supply: If your house is on single-phase electricity, you’ll be limited in your boiler choice. Switching to a three-phase supply to support a more powerful boiler will add to your costs.
Labour and installation: It’s worth taking the time to compare quotes from different installers to find the most competitive.
Does an electric boiler use a lot of electricity?
Electric boilers are highly efficient and a cleaner way to heat your home than gas. But how much do electric boilers cost to run?
It's worth noting that an electric boiler will take up most of your single-phase energy supply. As a result, you may need to upgrade your supply to three-phase, increasing your overall costs.
We’ve based our calculations on running your central heating for six hours daily at the current unit cost of electricity at 28p per kWh.
Heating six radiators will cost between £7 and £105 per week.
Heating eight radiators will cost between £105 and £141 per week.
It's worth remembering that an electric boiler is 100% efficient. So, all the energy you pay for ends up heating your home.
How much does it cost to install an electric boiler?
Electric boiler installation cost is another factor to consider. Depending on the complexity of the installation or whether you're switching from gas to electricity, expect to pay between £650 and £2,500.
Electric boilers don't require a condensate pipe or a gas flue, so they're quick, easy, and affordable to install compared with gas boilers. A like-for-like installation will be at the lower end of the estimate.
You can expect to pay more for installation if:
You’re moving the location of the boiler
You have an old gas boiler that a gas-safe engineer must disconnect
You’re getting rid of an old water tank
Grants to help with boiler installation costs
The government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme is well worth checking out if you want to replace a fossil fuel heating system. You'll need to be a homeowner or landlord planning to install a low-carbon heating solution. You could qualify for up to £7,500 towards your new heating system.
But there are plenty of other boiler grants available. You could be eligible for an electric boiler grant in the UK under the ECO4 Scheme. The latest reiteration of the Energy Company's Obligation is open to those receiving income-based benefits, including Child Benefits and Pension Credits.
If you live in a property with a poor energy rating of D-G, you could also be eligible for help with home insulation. Even if you don't receive benefits, you could be eligible under the ECO Flex scheme. You could qualify for a free boiler upgrade if you meet the criteria.
For homeowners in Scotland, an electric boiler government grant is available under the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme. You must be a homeowner, tenant, or landlord living in a home with a poor energy rating. In Wales, the Nest scheme will help you find energy-efficient solutions. You must own your home, rent or be a landlord, have difficulty affording heating, and live with someone who receives benefits or has a chronic health condition.
If you are eligible for an electric boiler grant in the UK, you could also receive help with insulation and other energy-efficient home improvements.
Find the best deal on electric boilers with SpotDif
Affordable electric boiler prices and the availability of UK boiler grants make this technology a fast way to cut your carbon footprint. SpotDif is with you every step of the way with our electric boiler price comparison. We aim to make finding the best deals affordable and accessible, helping you navigate your options to find the best fit for your home energy needs and budget.
With SpotDif, you’re just a few clicks away from a great deal on your new electric boiler. Ready to explore low-carbon heating options? Turn to us for guidance on your green heating journey.
Last updated on 23 Apr 2024