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Choosing the right heating system for your home can be overwhelming, especially with the UK’s ambitious Net Zero targets for 2050. With the government encouraging a shift towards sustainable heating options, homeowners are faced with important decisions about which system best fits their needs.
In this post, we’ll compare our 12kW Elektra Smart.BPC and Small.BPL electric combi boilers with a typical air source heat pump (ASHP) installation that doesn’t include a hot water storage tank. Let’s explore how each option stacks up for your home.
The average UK household consumes about 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas annually. Typically, around 9,200 kWh is used for heating and hot water in a typical three-bedroom home and a 2.4 average occupancy.
Switching to an electric boiler like the Elektra Smart BPC or the Small BPL eliminates the need for fossil fuels at the point of use, which directly reduces your carbon footprint—a significant advantage as the grid becomes greener.
When comparing the initial costs, the differences are substantial:
| Features | Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) | 12kW Electric Combi Boilers |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance cost | £8,000 to £14,000 | £1,299 to £1,900 |
| Installation Cost | £4,500 to £6,000 | £1500 (average) |
| Additional costs (home refurb, change radiators, etc) | £1000 to £5000 | £150 (CH Filter, Isolator switch, MCB, Water Treatment System) |
| Estimate Total Cost | £13,500 to £25,000 | £2,949 to £3,550 |
The ASHP is a much larger investment, costing £10,550 to £21,500 more upfront.
Now, let’s look at what it costs to run each system annually:
12kW Electric Combi Boiler:
– Heating and Hot Water Consumption: 9,200 kWh annually.
– Cost: 9,200 kWh × £0.2236 per kWh = £2,057.12 annually.
– Total Annual Cost (including a £219.44 standing charge): £2,276.08.
– Maintenance: £90 annually.
Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP):
– Electricity Required (COP, of 2.5): 9,200kWh / 2.5 = 3,680kWh annually.
– Cost: 3,680 kWh × £0.2236 per kWh = £822.85 annually.
– Total Annual Cost (including a £219.44 standing charge): £1,041.81.
– Maintenance: £200 annually.
While the ASHP offers lower running costs, saving over £1,200 annually, it’s crucial to consider the much higher upfront investment. But when does the ASHP actually start saving you money?
The break-even point helps us determine when the ASHP’s savings outweigh its higher initial cost:
Upfront Cost Difference:
Cheapest ASHP vs 12kW Small.BPL: £13,500 – £2,949 = £10,551.
More expensive ASHP vs 12kW ELEKTRA SMART.BPL: £25,000 – £3,550 = £21,450.
Annual Savings: running cost + maintenance:
£2,366.08 (Electric Boiler) – £1,241.81 (ASHP) = £1,124.27
Break-Even Point:
| Cheapest ASHP vs Small.BPL | More expensive ASHP vs Elektra SMART.BPL |
|---|---|
| £10,551 / £1,124.27 | £21,450 / £1,124.27 |
| ≈ 9.38 years | ≈ 19.08 years |
In other words, if you plan to stay in your home for at least ten years, the ASHP may eventually save you money if compared to our more economical Small.BPL boiler. Using the highest figures, it would take approximately 19.08 years for the ASHP’s lower running costs to offset its higher upfront costs when compared to the ELEKTRA SMART.BPL electric combi boiler. This calculation includes the maintenance costs for both systems.
But there’s more to consider…
Now, let’s adjust the annual savings by subtracting the probability of repair costs every 2 years:
– 2-Year Average Repair Cost for an Electric Combi Boiler: £200 = £100 annually.
– 2-Year Average Repair Cost for ASHP: £600 = £300 annually.
Biannual Repair Cost Difference:
£300 (ASHP) – £100 (Electric Combi Boiler) = £200.
Adjusted Annual Savings: £1,034.27 (initial annual savings) – £200 (biannual repair cost difference) = £834.27
When factoring in repair costs on a biannual basis, the breakeven point moves to approximately 11.41 years and 23.20 years. This means it would take just over 11 years for the ASHP’s savings to offset the higher upfront and repair costs compared to the cheapest electric combi boiler while for the more expensive ASHP this translates to 23.20 years.
These costs add up over time and should be factored into the overall cost of ownership. While both systems have their merits, the higher repair costs associated with ASHPs make it important to carefully consider whether the potential energy savings justify the added expenses over the system’s lifetime.
Space can be a significant consideration. The 12kW Electric Combi Boiler is compact and versatile, easily installed in most homes without requiring additional space for a flue or hot water tank. Conversely, ASHP units are larger, need to be installed outdoors, and require sufficient space for airflow and maintenance. To effectively provide hot water for a 3 bedrooms home eventually a hot water tank will be needed adding to the space requirement of an ASHP installation. For homes with limited space or where aesthetics are a concern, the electric boiler may be the more practical choice.
| Features | Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) | 12kW Electric Combi Boilers |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Higher (£13,500 to £25,000) | Lower (£2,949 to £3,550) |
| Annual Running Cost | Lower (£1,334.81) | Higher (£2,376.08) |
| Maintenance | More frequent, higher cost of parts and labour. | Less frequent, lower cost of parts and labour. |
| Energy Efficiency | Very high (COP of 2.5 to 4) | High, improving with grid renewables |
| Space Requirements | Requires indoor and outdoor space. | Compact, versatile installation. Can be installed almost anywhere. |
| Break-Even Point | ≈9 to 19 years to break even | Short to mid-term savings |
| Environmental Impact | Low emissions, high efficiency | Low emissions, improving with renewables |
So, what’s the best choice? The 12kW Electric Combi Boilers offer a budget-friendly, compact, and environmentally conscious option aligned with the UK’s NetZero targets, especially for homes where ASHPs might not be feasible. While the ASHP provides long-term savings and higher efficiency (COP), its higher upfront cost and greater space requirements make it a more complex investment to decide upon.
Ready to Upgrade Your Heating System? Explore our range of fully certified electric combi boilers and discover the sustainable, budget-friendly option that’s perfect for your home. Visit Electric Combi Boiler Company today to learn more.
Would you prefer the immediate savings of an electric boiler, or are you considering an ASHP for long-term benefits? How important are space and ease of installation in your decision? What are your thoughts on the UK’s push towards Net Zero and its impact on home heating choices?
Share your thoughts in the comments below—your insights could help others make the right choice for their homes.
Sources: Heating Systems: Energy Saving Trust, eating Systems Ofgem – Energy Consumption Data: link, Renewable Heat Incentive: link, British Gas – Energy Costs: link, National Grid – Energy Pricing: link.
Electric Combi Boilers Company
Green Acres
Oakley Green Road
Windsor, SL4 4QF
Call 020 8998 2024
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