Why Electric Boilers are greener than gas boilers
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- Why Electric Boilers are greener than gas boilers
All modern boilers need a supply of electricity to operate, but electric boilers turn the electricity into heat rather than burning fossil fuels.
Natural gas has proven to be 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 a 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*.
Replacing a gas boiler with an electric boiler is a great way to lower the carbon footprint of a property.
The primary distinction between electric and gas boilers lies in their operation and energy source. Electric boilers are powered by electricity, which allows for a simpler and cleaner setup with fewer moving parts. This simplicity contributes to a lower likelihood of breakdowns and reduces maintenance costs. In contrast, gas boilers require a combustion process, necessitating venting and making them more complex to install and maintain.
Another significant difference is the cost of operation. The price of electricity compared to gas can influence the running costs of your boiler. While gas is typically cheaper, the higher efficiency of electric boilers can balance the scales in their favour under certain conditions.
Electric boilers boast an efficiency rate of nearly 100%, as they convert every ounce of electricity into heat without any waste. This starkly contrasts with gas boilers, which may lose a portion of energy through the flue.
With no requirements for a flue or gas supply lines, electric boilers offer unparalleled flexibility in installation. You can place them almost anywhere on your property, making them ideal for smaller spaces or apartments.
Electric boilers eliminate the need for combustible fuels, which means there’s no risk of gas leaks—a significant safety feature that simplifies installation.
The absence of combustion in electric boilers removes the risks associated with carbon monoxide leaks and explosions. This safety factor is a compelling argument for families prioritising a secure heating system.
Electric boilers represent a greener option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. When paired with renewable energy sources like solar panels, they can operate completely carbon-neutral, which is not achievable with gas boilers.
Electric boilers are known for their user-friendly operation. With fewer components to manage and the absence of a pilot light, they provide a hassle-free solution to daily heating needs.
Without the noise of burning gas or mechanical parts found in gas boilers, electric boilers operate almost silently. This feature makes them an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern, such as residential areas and small offices.
By considering the differences and advantages outlined, homeowners can make a more informed decision about the type of boiler that best fits their needs and preferences. Electric boilers, with their high efficiency, ease of installation, and safety features, offer a compelling alternative to traditional gas boilers, particularly for modern, eco-conscious households.
Data from the Energy Saving Trust compare electricity and gas among other fuels across the UK and point out that the emission intensity of electric boilers is higher, but the reason for this assumption is that electricity generation depends heavily on coal and fossil fuel but this is changing constantly and renewable energy generation (solar and wind turbines) are gaining speed meaning soon this will have to change giving electric boilers their correct rating.
Source: Fuel prices and carbon factors, Energy Saving Trust (April 2022)
Even taking into account the current emission intensity values given by the Energy Saving Trust Regarding their environmental impact, electric boilers don’t release carbon into the atmosphere and they can achieve a 100% zero-emissions performance if the energy powering them comes from renewable sources. They could, for example, be powered using solar panel-generated electricity.
When discussing the size of a boiler a house needs, we are not referring to its physical dimensions but to the output in kilowatts (kW) the unit that is used to measure how much energy is output by the boiler in the form of heat. It is important to choose the right size boiler for a property because it will mean to prevent wasting energy and money that’s not needed.
Generally speaking, the more heat and hot water are required, the higher the output you will need, although other factors also play a part in choosing the right size. A big factor in choosing the right size boiler is to take into consideration the number of radiators on the property.
For a small home, such as a flat or an apartment, the smallest suitable boiler size will be sufficient to heat the property and provide adequate hot water. For an average three or four-bedroom house that typically has around ten radiators a small or medium boiler (for example 24-30 kW) should be sufficient. A larger house with substantially more radiators or an en-suite bathroom will generally need a larger one, typically 30-35 kW.
A 12kW ELEKTRA electric combi boiler is equivalent to a gas combi boiler with an output of 30kW, which is the most commonly used boiler size for the average household in the UK.
Comparing a 12 kW electric boiler and its gas equivalent, a 30kW Gas boiler, shows that even at the current assumption values the electric combi boiler will be less pollutant than its gas counterpart at the fuel production point and also at the point of use. See the following comparison chart using the data provided by the Fuel prices and carbon factors, Energy Saving Trust (April 2022)
When deciding on a heating solution for your home, the efficiency of the system plays a crucial role. Electric boilers and gas boilers are the two predominant choices on the market. The former operates purely on electricity, making it a favourite for homes not connected to the gas grid. Gas boilers, on the other hand, burn natural gas to produce heat. Electric boilers’ efficiency often surpasses gas boilers because they convert almost all the energy consumed into heat, with minimal loss.
Electric boilers’ 99-100% efficiency is much higher than the 90-94% efficiency that most A-rated highly-efficient condensing gas boilers feature. There’s no discussion here.
A boiler’s efficiency relates to the amount of energy it uses when it comes to heating water.
For example, if 90% of the energy used heats the water, this means that 5% is lost, which would represent an energy-efficient gas boiler. Considering that you pay for 100% of the energy used regardless of how much is wasted, it’s wise to ensure your boiler is as energy-efficient as possible.
Compared to gas, which is a fossil fuel with a high carbon footprint, it’s fair to say that, overall, electric boilers are long-term better for the environment.
Electricity is a greener fuel type for a boiler –no fossil fuels are burnt to fuel an ELEKTRA electric combi boiler at the point of use. The ELEKTRA electric combi boiler doesn’t produce emissions while heating a house, meaning that even while most electricity plants nowadays use fossil fuel to power themselves, the amount of energy used by electric combi boilers is lower than that used by gas combi boilers.
Nowadays a growing number of power plants are already being powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind making the production of electricity cheaper and greener as time passes. Adding this to the fact that the production of domestic renewable energy is now more affordable and efficient than before, some properties are already able to be heated at a marginal running cost or even for free and the number of these sorts of properties will increase in the future.
*Average estimated installation cost for an easy gas-to-electric boiler swap. Final prices depend on a site survey and specific property requirements.
Electric boilers are generally more efficient than gas boilers, with efficiencies close to 100%, as they convert almost all energy into heat. In contrast, gas boilers have efficiencies between 89% and 95%. Electric boilers' superior efficiency results from their ability to avoid energy losses during operation, which is an inherent issue with gas boilers. This makes electric boilers particularly suitable for homes focused on maximising energy efficiency.
Replacing a gas boiler with an electric one can be advantageous if you prioritise reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency. Electric boilers are ideal for homes with solar panels or in areas with access to renewable electricity. However, the initial costs and the price of electricity compared to gas should be considered. If reducing environmental impact is a priority, transitioning to an electric boiler is a beneficial move.
The cost to replace a gas boiler with an electric boiler varies widely, typically ranging from £1,500 to £4,500. This price includes the cost of the new boiler and installation fees. Factors affecting the cost include the boiler's capacity, the complexity of the installation process, and regional differences in labour costs. Additionally, you may need to upgrade your home's electrical system to accommodate the new boiler, which can add to the overall expense.
Electric Combi Boilers Company
Green Acres
Oakley Green Road
Windsor, SL4 4QF
contact@electriccombiboilers.uk
Call 020 8998 2024
Mon - Fri: 9 am - 5 pm
Sat - Sun: Closed
