Author: devwork

For many UK homes—especially those off the gas grid—oil boilers have been the default heating solution for decades. But with rising oil prices, increasing maintenance demands, and a shift toward electrification, more homeowners are now reconsidering their options.

So, is it time to replace your oil boiler with an electric one?

Let’s break it down clearly.

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1. The Current Reality of Oil Heating in the UK

Oil boilers are still used in around 1.5–1.7 million UK homes, mostly in rural areas. However, the landscape has changed significantly in recent years.

Key factors affecting oil users today:

• Highly volatile pricing
  Heating oil is currently around £1.20–£1.30 per litre in many areas
  Prices can change daily because they’re tied to global oil markets.
• No price protection
  Unlike gas and electricity, oil is not covered by the Ofgem price cap, meaning households are fully exposed to market spikes
• Rising costs in 2026
  Oil prices have surged 30%+ year-on-year, with recent spikes linked to geopolitical events
• Typical annual cost
  Most homes spend around £600–£1,200/year, but larger homes can easily exceed this
• Bulk buying required
  You must purchase oil in large quantities upfront (often £500–£1,000 per fill)

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2. Electricity Costs (Context for Comparison)

Electricity is often seen as more expensive—but it’s more stable:

• Average electricity price: ~24–27p per kWh (2026 cap)
• Protected by the Ofgem price cap
• No need for bulk purchases
• Increasing integration with solar and battery systems

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3. Oil Boiler vs Electric Boiler (Side-by-Side)

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4. Pros of Replacing an Oil Boiler with an Electric Boiler

1. Simpler, cleaner installation

Electric boilers (like ECBC’s ELEKTRA SMART or GUIVAL range) are:

• Compact
• Wall-mounted
• No flue, no tank, no fuel storage

This makes them ideal for:

• • Flats
  • Renovations
  • Holiday lets
  • Properties where space matters

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✅ 2. Much lower maintenance

Oil systems require:

• Annual servicing
• Tank inspections
• Burner cleaning
• Fuel quality checks

Electric boilers:

• No combustion
• Fewer moving parts
• Significantly fewer failure points

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✅ 3. Stable and predictable costs

Oil:

• Prices change daily
• No cap
• Influenced by global events

Electric:

• Price cap protection
• More predictable monthly costs
• Can be optimised with tariffs (e.g. off-peak)

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✅ 4. Cleaner and future-proof

Electric boilers:

• No on-site emissions
• Align with UK decarbonisation targets
• Work seamlessly with:
  • Solar PV
  • Battery systems (e.g. BOLT concept)

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✅ 5. No fuel storage risks

Oil tanks can:

• Leak
• Require space
• Need replacement
• Pose environmental risks

Electric systems eliminate this entirely.

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5. Cons of Switching to an Electric Boiler

❌ 1. Higher unit cost of electricity

Electricity is still more expensive per kWh:

• Oil: ~8–10p/kWh
• Electricity: ~24–27p/kWh

👉 This is the main drawback

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❌ 2. Electrical capacity requirements

Electric boilers (like 12kW systems):

• Require sufficient mains capacity (typically 60–100A supply)
• May need consumer unit upgrades

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❌ 3. Running cost depends on usage

Electric boilers work best when:

• Property is well insulated
• Heat demand is controlled
• Smart usage or storage (e.g. batteries) is used

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6. Where Electric Boilers Make More Sense

Switching from oil to electric is particularly strong in:

✔ Flats and apartments

• No space for oil tanks
• Lower heat demand

✔ Holiday lets / Airbnb properties

• Cleaner, safer, no fuel logistics
• Less maintenance between guests

✔ Modern or renovated homes

• Better insulation = lower running costs

✔ Properties with solar or batteries

• Electricity becomes significantly cheaper

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7. Where Oil May Still Be Competitive

Oil boilers can still make sense if:

• You have a large, poorly insulated property
• You rely on very high heat demand
• You cannot upgrade electrical supply
• You bulk-buy oil strategically at low prices

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8. Final Verdict: Is It Worth Switching?

Short answer:

• Yes — for simplicity, safety, and future-proofing
• It depends — for pure running cost alone

More than ten years ago, we had a radical idea:
What if the UK could heat its homes without gas—reliably, efficiently, and instantly?
No cylinders, no tanks. Just one wall-hung electric combi boiler that could do it all: deliver central heating and hot water on demand.

Fast forward to today, and that idea isn’t just a reality—it’s become the heating solution of choice for thousands of homes, installers, and property managers across the UK. And we’re still just getting started.

The First of Its Kind in the UK

Back in 2013, Electric Combi Boilers Company introduced the first wall-hung 12kW electric combi boiler to the UK market. Until then, electric heating options were clunky, slow, or limited to point-of-use systems. Our mission was to design something different—something future-proof.

We partnered with leading Italian manufacturers and developed a range of electric boilers built specifically for the UK electrical infrastructure, housing stock, and customer expectations.

Not only did we bring the first true electric combi boiler to the market—we’ve continued to refine, upgrade, and expand our offering ever since.

✅ First UK-designed wall-hung electric combi
✅ Instant hot water—no preheating, no cylinder
✅ Designed for 80A–100A fuses (no DNO upgrades required)
✅ Available from just 12kW—perfect for flats, studios, small homes, and low-energy builds

10+ Years of Happy Customers

Over the past decade, our boilers have been installed in:

• City flats in London
• Off-grid homes in Cornwall
• New-build apartments in Manchester
• Refurbished cottages in Scotland

We’ve served thousands of customers ranging from first-time buyers to commercial landlords—and a huge number of them have become repeat customers, recommending us to family, tenants, and fellow installers.

Don’t just take our word for it. Our Trustpilot and Google reviews speak volumes about what it means to have direct access to a dedicated UK support team, a reliable product, and fast after-sales service.

We don’t hide behind call centres—we solve problems.

“The support has been amazing. A real person helped me configure the boiler over the phone. Can’t fault them.”
— Actual customer feedback, Trustpilot

Why Electric? Why Now?

The last few years have put electric heating on the map. With new builds going electric, heat pumps gaining popularity, and gas boilers on their way out, customers are now asking the questions we’ve been answering since 2013:

• Can I go gas-free without compromising on comfort?
• Will an electric boiler really heat my home efficiently?
• What about hot water—will it be instant?

Yes, yes, and yes. With a 99% efficiency at the point of use and no flue, no gas, and no cylinder, electric combi boilers are increasingly seen as a clean, convenient alternative—especially in well-insulated homes.

We’re proud to have led the market, not followed it.

Trusted by Installers, Loved by Customers

Our electric combi boilers are trusted by hundreds of registered installers across the UK. Whether it’s a straightforward replacement or a full electric-first retrofit, we provide all the guidance and support needed—from fuse checks to flow rate advice and wiring diagrams.

And with up to 10 years warranty available on our ELEKTRA SMART range (5 years standard on GUIVAL), we back up our claims with commitment.

A Quiet Revolution—One Boiler at a Time

It’s easy to overlook the little things that make a big difference: a warm flat on a cold morning, a hot shower that doesn’t require waiting, the peace of mind that your heating is safe, clean, and future-proof.

That’s what we’ve delivered for over a decade—and will continue to do for decades to come.

🔗 Learn more about our boilers: www.electriccombiboilerscompany.com
🔧 Interested in installation? Our in-house team can guide you.
🛠️ Are you a trade professional? Join the growing network of UK installers working with us.

👋 Ready to go gas-free—without the drama?

Let’s talk. We’re not here to sell you a boiler. We’re here to help you find a smarter solution.

Let’s explore some strategies to help reduce energy consumption with your Elektra Compact boiler:


Adjust Boiler Flow Temperature: Lowering the boiler’s flow temperature can enhance efficiency. Setting it to around 60°C can reduce energy usage while maintaining comfort. This adjustment can often be made via the boiler’s control panel. 


Utilize Eco Mode: The Elektra Compact boiler offers an “Eco” mode designed to optimize energy consumption. Switching from “Comfort” to “Eco” mode can prevent the boiler from maintaining constant high temperatures, thereby saving energy. Ensure you’re familiar with toggling between these modes; if you need guidance, refer to the user manual or instructional videos. 


Optimize Thermostat Placement and Settings: Ensure the thermostat is located in a frequently used room, away from drafts, direct sunlight, or heat sources, to provide accurate temperature readings. Maintaining a consistent temperature between 18-21°C can help manage energy consumption effectively. 


Implement Zonal Heating: If possible, heat only the rooms that are in use. This targeted approach can significantly reduce unnecessary energy expenditure.


Regular Maintenance: Bleeding radiators to eliminate trapped air ensures efficient heating. Additionally, scheduling annual boiler services can identify and rectify issues that may cause excessive energy use. 


Enhance Home Insulation: Proper insulation in walls, lofts, and floors helps retain heat, reducing the workload on your boiler. Simple measures like draught-proofing doors and windows can also make a noticeable difference.
In addition to optimizing the boiler settings and heating habits, I recommend checking and possibly switching to a more cost-effective electricity tariff. Here’s what they can do:


Compare Energy Tariffs – Use comparison sites like Uswitch, Compare the Market, or MoneySuperMarket to find the best deals. Some suppliers offer off-peak tariffs that could reduce costs if they can shift some usage to cheaper hours.


Consider Economy 7 or Economy 10 – If their energy usage aligns with off-peak hours, Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs may offer lower rates during certain times of the day. However, they should check if their current meter supports these tariffs.


Contact the Energy Supplier – Sometimes, just calling their supplier and asking for a better deal can result in lower costs. Suppliers might offer fixed-rate plans or time-of-use tariffs that better suit their consumption patterns.

Electric Boilers vs Storage Heaters: Which One is Right for You?

When considering electric heating solutions for your home, two common options stand out: electric boilers and storage heaters. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but if you’re looking for efficiency, convenience, and long-term cost-effectiveness, there are some critical factors to consider. In this blog, we’ll compare the two heating systems in terms of efficiency, cost, installation, maintenance, and servicing to help you make an informed decision.

1. Efficiency

Electric Boilers

Electric boilers are highly efficient as they convert nearly 100% of electricity into usable heat. They work by heating water, which then circulates through radiators or underfloor heating systems, providing a consistent and even heat distribution across your home. The biggest advantage of an electric boiler is that it heats all radiators in the house simultaneously, unlike storage heaters, which operate individually.

Storage Heaters

Storage heaters, on the other hand, rely on charging up during off-peak hours (typically at night) and releasing heat throughout the day. While this may seem energy-efficient in theory, it has a major drawback: the heat is released whether you need it or not. If the stored heat is depleted too early in the day, you may be left without warmth when you need it most, unless you switch to expensive on-peak electricity to recharge the heater.

Verdict: Electric boilers provide on-demand heating, making them more reliable and adaptable to your heating needs.

2. Running Costs

Electric Boilers

A key benefit of an electric boiler is that it only heats water when required, reducing wasted energy. Unlike storage heaters, which must be charged overnight regardless of actual usage, electric boilers operate efficiently by responding to your specific heating demands.

Additionally, since an electric boiler powers multiple radiators simultaneously, the overall energy consumption is often lower compared to having several individual storage heaters running throughout the house.

Storage Heaters

While storage heaters benefit from off-peak electricity rates, they can still be costly in the long run because they cannot adapt to fluctuating heating needs. Any excess heat not used during the day is wasted, and if extra heating is needed in the evening, on-peak electricity must be used, which is significantly more expensive than running an electric boiler.

Verdict: Electric boilers tend to have lower running costs because they only use electricity when heat is needed, unlike storage heaters, which consume electricity regardless of usage.

3. Installation

Electric Boilers

Installing an electric boiler is relatively straightforward. It typically requires a single compact unit to be connected to the existing radiator system or underfloor heating. There’s no need for large water tanks or additional storage, making it a space-saving solution.

Storage Heaters

Storage heaters require multiple units to be installed in different rooms, each needing its own dedicated power connection. This makes installation more time-consuming and space-intensive compared to a single electric boiler unit.

Verdict: Electric boilers win in terms of ease of installation, taking up less space and requiring only one unit compared to multiple storage heaters.

4. Maintenance and Servicing

Electric Boilers

Electric boilers are low-maintenance as they have fewer moving parts than gas or oil boilers. However, to maintain warranty and efficiency, it is recommended to have them serviced every one to two years by a qualified technician.

Storage Heaters

Storage heaters require minimal servicing, but if individual units fail, they must be repaired or replaced separately, which can be inconvenient and costly over time.

Verdict: Both require minimal maintenance, but servicing an electric boiler is more straightforward compared to managing multiple storage heaters.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Feature	Electric Boiler	Storage Heater
Efficiency	✅ High (instant heating)	❌ Lower (heat loss possible)
Running Cost	✅ Generally cheaper	❌ Higher due to heat loss & on-peak use
Installation	✅ Easier (one unit)	❌ Requires multiple units
Maintenance	✅ Low, serviced every 1-2 years	❌ Repairs can be complex

Why Choose an Electric Boiler Over a Storage Heater?

✅ Instant heating – No waiting for heat to be released. ✅ More control – Heats when you need it, rather than predetermined times. ✅ Lower running costs – Uses energy only when required. ✅ Space-saving – One compact unit vs. multiple storage heaters. ✅ Even heat distribution – Warms all rooms efficiently.

While storage heaters may seem attractive due to off-peak electricity savings, the lack of flexibility and potential for wasted heat makes them less cost-effective compared to electric boilers. If you want reliable, efficient, and cost-effective heating, an electric boiler is the better choice.

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As autumn approaches, so does the inevitable winter season. While many may be hesitant to turn on their heating systems early due to rising living costs, postponing could leave you quite literally out in the cold. Keep reading to know why you might want to consider engaging your heating system a bit earlier this year.

The Pitfalls of Waiting

Summertime, even a late one as the one this year, is glorious, but neglecting your boiler for months on end is less so. Imagine the inconvenience of expecting a warm home, only to find out your heating system has decided to go on strike. Components like circulating pumps could seize up due to sludge, debris, or trapped air if not operated regularly.

Avoid the Silly-Season Rush

Scrambling to find a professional and reputable boiler service during peak season is, in a word, challenging. Free appointment slots are few, and a poorly functioning boiler could lower your home’s temperature creating discomfort and potential health problems.

Temperature Matters: Smart and Steady Wins the Race

What should your home’s winter temperature be? Aiming for a range between 18-22°C is advisable. Anything below 10°C could pose a health risk, especially for those who are more vulnerable.

If your home is equipped with a digital thermostat, set it to a moderate temperature (we recommend 18°C-20°C for comfort and cost-efficiency). This ensures your heating system will automatically kick in when temperatures fall below the preset level, offering a balanced approach to maintaining a comfortable environment.

Conclusion

Planning ahead isn’t solely the domain of Boy Scouts and Preppers! By proactively caring for your heating system, you’re investing in a winter that’s not just warm but also efficient and hassle-free. No one wants to be stuck searching for an emergency boiler repair when the colder days are already here.

Grasping the running costs of an electric boiler can be as tricky as planning a budget-friendly holiday. It’s not just about looking at the big picture; you have to zoom in on the details to truly understand where your money goes each month. At Electric Combi Boilers Company, we strip away the complexity to deliver straightforward, easy-to-understand information that helps you manage your heating expenses more effectively.

An electric boiler’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness hinge on various factors, including its size, the insulation of your home, your family’s heating needs, your local climate and the big factor being the electricity tariff.

Central Heating:

Heating is of the same output for all 12kW EK.C, EK.BPL and EK.BPC boilers. The boiler is capable of heating up to 14-16 radiators.

Maximum spend in 1 hour is 12kW. (Running cost @ full capacity – £0.15p per kWh x 12kW = £1.80 per hour)

However, the boiler will not run flat out at 12kW on heating.

When you start the heating, the boiler will use 6kW to build up temperature, once the left-hand temperature on the boiler screen reached 30C, the pump will start the heating circulation.

When the temperature is close to and reached the set temperature on the boiler, it will start modulating from 12kW to 0kW.

On average the boiler will run at 2kW or 4kW per hour on heating. (Subject to heat loss factor & number of radiators)

(This depends on various factors like, number of radiators, insulation at the property, heat loss, programmed room thermostat, others)

Therefore, the running cost per hour will be around £0.30p – £0.60p per hour. (Heating) (Unit rate @ 0.15p per kWh)

*Please note: The unit rate of electricity for the study is an example. Kindly check with your energy supplier to find out your tarrif.

Hot water:

The difference in the performance is on the hot water side between EK.C and EK.BPL or EK.BPC boilers.

The only difference between the Elektra C and Elektra BPL or BPC model is the in-built tank (Elektra BPL or BPC only).

Elektra BPL or BPC holds 37.5 Litres in the tank at 65C maximum. This boiler runs in 2 modes on the hot water side: Eco or Comfort.

Eco mode: The boiler uses 2kW to heat the tank water and once the tank water is cold you will have to wait for the water to heat up, which will take 30-45 minutes to reach 65C. The tank water will run for 6-8 minutes shower.

Comfort mode: The boiler uses 2kW to heat the tank and 12kW during the use of hot water. This mode gives you continuous running of hot water.

Elektra C has no storage tank on the hot water side and gives you instantaneous hot water at 45C-55C. The boiler runs at 12kW when the hot water is in use.

Heating & Hot water efficiency:
Elektra by Fiamma is the first and only boiler in the UK & Europe with A rating for both heating & hot water.

How Much Electricity Does an Electric Combi Boiler Use?

The amount of electricity your boiler consumes hinges on several factors, such as size, heating requirements, and insulation. An average electric combi boiler typically uses about 2-6 kilowatts per hour to heat a medium-sized home. This translates to roughly 24-72 kilowatt-hours for a 12-hour day of heating during the colder months.

Let’s break it down with some math. With the average cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour at around 30 pence, operating your boiler could cost about £7.20-£21.60 for a full day. Over a month, assuming daily use, the cost sits around £216-£648. However, this is a high-end estimate, and your costs might be lower with efficient usage and good home insulation.

What is the Optimal Temperature Setting for an Electric Boiler to Maximise Energy Efficiency?

Finding the sweet spot for your boiler’s temperature setting is a bit like finding the perfect temperature for your morning cuppa – not too hot, not too cold, just right. Setting your boiler around 65 to 70 degrees Celsius is generally considered efficient for both your comfort and your wallet.

Why this range? Well setting the temperature higher than necessary can lead to unnecessary energy consumption, much like boiling a full kettle for a single tea bag. On the flip side, setting it too low might not meet your heating needs, prompting your system to work harder and use more energy, which is as counterproductive as a chocolate teapot.

Conclusion

Navigating the costs and settings of your electric combi boiler doesn’t have to be a complex affair. It’s about making informed decisions, understanding your household needs, and adjusting settings to suit your lifestyle. Think of your electric boiler as a team player in your home’s energy squad, working efficiently behind the scenes to keep you cosy.

Remember, a stitch in time saves nine. Regular maintenance and sensible settings can significantly reduce your electric bills and environmental impact. So, while the initial figures might seem a bit steep, the long-term savings and benefits of an electric boiler are well worth considering. Keep these tips in mind, and your boiler will not just be a heating element but a wise investment in your sustainable living strategy.

 

Gas is becoming increasingly augmented; the USA reports gas prices as elevated as $75 a barrel.  Meanwhile, here in the UK, a winter blackout is likely to occur if the situation is not resolved.  The wholesale price of gas has surged by 250% since August.[1]

Ofgem (the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) has stated consumers can expect an average price surge of £135 this winter per household. [2]

The gas shortage has resulted in a reduction of carbon dioxide, causing chaos in supermarkets: CO2 is used to stun animals prior to slaughter and as s life extending agent in food packages; we could see shortages of poultry on shelves as soon as next week. 

So why switch to an electric boiler?

With the UK committed to reducing emissions to zero by 2050, the government needs to take drastic action. And it is highly likely that a key part of their plans will be a gas boiler ban, starting from as early as 2025.

Electric boilers are clever little things: they are very simple, don’t need a plethora of space and can be placed almost anywhere in your property because they don’t need a flue or a gas pipe to run them.  Very little heat is lost in heating the water, so electric boilers are almost 100% efficient. Therefore, the cost of installation is much less than that of a gas boiler.

Our boilers are A rated for hot water and over 99% efficient.[3]  This being the case, eventually it will end up costing similar to run than gas.  (Subject to heat loss factor and heating controls)

The future is moving towards electric; NOW is the time to switch.

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[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-04/global-gas-price-surge-threatens-to-dent-the-economic-recovery cited 23rd September 2021

[2] https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ cited 23^rd September 2021

[3] https://electriccombiboilerscompany.com/ cited 23^rd September 2021 [*] Images: PA Images /SkyNEws