Electric boiler systems operate very similarly to gas and oil boilers, however as you can gather by the name, it uses electricity to generate heat and hot water for your home. Boilers like oil and gas use combustible fuels, and biomass boilers use biological material.
Why are electric boilers getting more popular, I hear you ask – The main reason is electric boiler systems are highly efficient compared to other boilers and depending on how the electricity is generated they can be a much more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. Adding a renewable energy source, like Solar Panels, will ensure your electric boiler is efficient and environmentally friendly.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your boiler to a more efficient one then you want to make sure you’re looking at an electric boiler
We have broken down the pros and cons of electric boilers to help you make an informed decision. You can also contact us and have a chat with one of our boiler professionals.
The Pros of an Electric Boiler
The Cons of an Electric Boiler
Electric Boiler Systems come in a few different forms, one of the most common being an electric combi boiler. Below, we have listed the most common types of electric boilers:
Electric combination boilers
As mentioned above, this is one of the common types of electric boiler systems. It is sometimes also referred to as a direct system because it can provide both hot water and central heating within a single unit. Having this type of boiler means you’re able to have more control over the temperature in your home, as you can change it instantly and have hot water on demand.
Electric system boilers
A system boiler requires an unvented cylinder to store hot water, but otherwise, all of the components are built into the boiler itself. This is because it takes its water supply directly from the mains, eliminating the need for an extra water tank in the loft (unlike a regular boiler). As well as electricity, it’s also common to fuel system boilers with oil or gas.
Electric system boilers are not as compact as combination boilers due to the cylinder, however, they don’t require as much space as regular boilers and can still meet higher demands for hot water. Additionally, some models can benefit from Economy 7 since you can heat the cylinder overnight. For this, you will need a two-tariff electricity meter.
Electric regular boilers
A regular boiler, also known as a heat-only or conventional boiler, heats and stores hot water for when you need it, rather than providing it on demand. As well as electricity, this type of boiler is also commonly fuelled by gas or oil.
Regular boilers require more space compared to other types of boilers, as they need a hot water cylinder and a cold water feed tank to function. This means they are better suited for larger homes.
Storage boilers
An electric storage boiler is like a mix between a system and a combination boiler, as it comes with a hot water tank within the same unit. This means it is eligible for the Economy 7 tariff, which can help reduce your energy bills. However, due to storing water, their overall running costs are still likely to be more expensive when compared to an electric combination boiler.
Dry core storage boilers
Dry Core Storage boilers work differently from other types of boilers since the heat is not circulated. They work by heating the bricks of your home during the night. The heat from the bricks is then released into the water tank, which can then be used for hot water or central heating.
Similar to storage boilers, you can take advantage of the Economy 7 tariff at night, saving you money. Dry core storage boilers are considered to be more versatile in comparison to storage boilers since you can release the heat into the water as needed.
Electric CPSU boilers
The combined primary storage unit (CPSU) boilers are best suited for larger buildings with a high demand for hot water. This is because they are capable of storing a high level of hot water within the boiler tank and therefore can provide it quickly and at high pressure.
However, this type of boiler is typically more expensive and requires a lot of space. Therefore, it’s more commonly used for commercial buildings in the UK, such as hotels.
Electric boilers provide heating and hot water for your home in the same way as a gas or oil boiler. Solares Energies can provide boilers such as the Aztec Classic or Aztec System boiler which then provides heat to a cylinder, or a combi-boiler such as the Aztec mini and maxi combi-boilers which provide heating and hot water on demand. They are virtually silent and produce no carbon monoxide and are ideal, especially in properties which might not have a gas meter.
More and more renewable energy is flowing into the electricity supply network and therefore electric boilers are becoming a sustainable way for homeowners to be able to obtain heating and hot water.
If your home has solar panels, then an electric boiler could be a great option for you. Using the electricity your solar panels are generating means that your energy bills will be reduced.
Electric boilers are also more efficient – Around 99%. So if you’re passionate about not wasting energy then an electric boiler could be just what you’ve been looking for. Gas, oil and LPG boilers all burn fossil fuels to produce heat, whereas an electric boiler does not produce any carbon emissions while in use. Also, see Biomass Boiler Systems & Combi Boiler Systems
Renewable energy generation has become more mainstream and electricity generated by renewable energy sources electric boilers are becoming a very sustainable way of providing heat and hot water.
Explore the dynamic world of Electric Boiler Systems through our detailed FAQs at Solares Energies. Understand how these innovative, eco-friendly systems work, their installation process, and the myriad of benefits they provide, including energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
With topics ranging from the costs of installation and maintenance to the expected lifespan of the systems, we aim to address your every question. Our comprehensive guide will help you determine if an Electric Boiler System aligns with your energy needs.
At Solares Energies, we’re committed to helping you make the best energy choices for your home or business. If you have a question not covered in our FAQs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team.
An electric boiler is a type of heating system that uses electricity to heat water, which can then be circulated through radiators or underfloor heating systems to warm your home or business. Unlike gas boilers, which burn natural gas or propane to generate heat, electric boilers simply use electricity to heat an element, much like an electric kettle.
One key advantage of this system is its simplicity, which can lead to greater reliability and lower maintenance costs. Plus, since they don’t burn fuel, electric boilers don’t produce any exhaust gases, making them a cleaner choice for your home or business.
Electric boilers come with several advantages. First, they are generally compact and easy to install, which can make them a great choice for smaller properties or for installations where space is at a premium. They also require less maintenance than traditional boilers, as fewer moving parts can break down.
In terms of environmental impact, electric boilers don’t produce any exhaust gases, making them a cleaner choice. If the electricity used is generated from renewable sources, this could make your heating system more environmentally friendly. Lastly, they can provide efficient heating and are often quieter in operation than gas boilers.
Electric boilers are extremely efficient in converting electricity into heat, with almost no energy loss. Their efficiency can reach up to 99%, compared to gas boilers which usually have efficiency ratings of around 89-95%.
However, it’s important to remember that the cost of electricity is typically higher than gas, so your running costs could be higher despite the increased efficiency. Also, the carbon intensity of your electricity supply can affect the overall environmental impact. If you’re using electricity from renewable sources, the carbon footprint could be significantly lower.
The size of the electric boiler you need depends on the size and insulation of your property, as well as your hot water needs. As a rough guide, a small apartment might require a boiler with a capacity of 6-8 kW, while a large house might need a 12-14 kW model.
To get a precise recommendation, it’s best to consult with a professional who can assess your property and your needs. At Solares Energies, our team of experts are always ready to provide personalised advice to help you choose the right boiler.
The cost of installing an electric boiler can vary depending on the model of the boiler and the complexity of the installation. On average, you might expect to pay between €1,500 and €2,500 for the boiler and installation.
However, keep in mind that while the initial cost can be higher than a gas boiler, the ongoing maintenance costs are often lower. Plus, with the high efficiency of electric boilers, you could see substantial savings on your energy bills over the long term.
Electric boilers are known for their reliability and require less maintenance than their gas counterparts. However, it’s still recommended to have an annual service by a qualified engineer. This would involve checking the boiler and its components for any signs of wear or damage and cleaning the system to ensure it continues to run efficiently.
Aside from this, electric boilers have very few moving parts, so there’s less to go wrong. And since they don’t burn fuel, there’s no need for annual safety checks related to carbon monoxide.
The lifespan of an electric boiler can vary depending on the quality of the boiler, how it’s used, and how well it’s maintained. However, with proper care, an electric boiler can typically last between 10 to 15 years.
Regular servicing can help to identify potential issues early and keep the boiler running efficiently, which can extend its lifespan. At Solares Energies, our experienced team can provide expert maintenance services to ensure your boiler lasts as long as possible.
Yes, an electric boiler can provide enough heat for most homes and businesses. However, the key is to choose the right size boiler for your property and your specific needs.
Electric boilers can be an excellent choice for homes with lower heat demand, such as smaller homes or well-insulated properties. For larger homes or businesses, or those with higher heat demands, a larger boiler or a different type of heating system may be needed. At Solares Energies, our team can assess your needs and recommend the best solution for you.
There may be grants or incentives available for installing an electric boiler, particularly if it’s part of a move towards more energy-efficient or renewable technologies. The availability of these grants or incentives can vary depending on your location, the specific program, and the type of property you have.
In Spain, for example, some programs offer incentives for the installation of energy-efficient appliances. At Solares Energies, we can provide more information about any grants or incentives that may be available to you.
Electric boilers can be a more environmentally friendly choice than gas boilers, particularly if the electricity used to power them comes from renewable sources. They don’t produce any exhaust gases or emissions on-site, which can improve air quality.
However, the environmental impact of an electric boiler will also depend on how the electricity is generated. If it’s from coal or gas-fired power stations, the carbon footprint could be quite high. On the other hand, if the electricity comes from renewable sources like wind or solar, the carbon footprint could be much lower. At Solares Energies, we support the use of renewable energy and can advise on how to minimise the environmental impact of your heating system.
We supply, install and maintain solar panel systems and solar battery storage.
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Sadly many companies throughout Spain are not qualified or experienced in, supplying and installing an Electric Boiler System. Solares Energies has a wealth of knowledge and experience in supplying, installing and maintaining boiler systems. We have a dedicated team of electricians, gas fitters, plumbers and heating engineers based around the Costa del Sol area, covering the whole of Malaga, including Marbella, Estepona, Benalmadena and Manilva.
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