Sunday, 23 March 2014

Why Electric Boilers Are Better Than Gas

When it comes to purchasing a new boiler to heat your home, your choice will come down to a straight fight between electricity and gas. There are many differences between the two and there is a definite argument in favour of each; however, as a homeowner,electricity gets the nod for a couple of reasons, which we will get on to soon. First, though, let us look at one of the major buying factors: running costs.

Running costs

For anyone buying a boiler, running costs will play a significant part in the decision-making process and, in this area; electricity can simply not compete with gas. Per kWh, electricity is almost three times the price of gas, which is why the majority of homes have gas boilers. For some people, especially those that have large Electric heating demands, the running costs of electricity are simply too high and electric boilers are unable to compete with gas as a result.

So why opt for an electric boiler at all, when you will be paying three times the rate to run it? Because running costs are not the be all and end all.

Purchase, Installation and Maintenance


While gas boilers are cheaper to run, they are much more expensive than electric boilers to buy, install, and maintain.

Electric boilers are a fraction of the price of gas boilers to buy outright and are much easier to install, which keeps the price of labour low. If you do not already have a gas supply in your property, the cost of bringing a gas pipe into your home – if it is at all possible – will amount to thousands. On top of this, you will also be advised to have a system checked periodically to ensure it is operating safely – such a service can cost hundreds of pounds. Electric boilers, on the other hand, require very little maintenance and rarely need servicing.

Carbon Emissions

The greatest argument in favour of electric boilers is carbon efficiency. We are all trying to be more economical and cut our carbon footprints and, unfortunately, gas heating is a major factor in CO2 output.

If you consider yourself eco-conscious, an electric boiler is really the only viable way to heat your home. Electricity is a sustainable energy source - gas is not. In addition, with the introduction of green electricity tariffs, the cost of running an electric boiler is becoming much more affordable, with rates starting from around £0.9p p/kWh.

If you want to do your bit for the environment while making a saving on installation, an electric boiler is the way to go.

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