For smaller homes that are not connected to the main gas grid, electric combi boilers are an excellent solution. These boilers are compact and easy to install, resulting in lower upfront costs compared to their gas-powered counterparts.

Moreover, electric combi boilers have the potential to significantly reduce your carbon footprint. By combining them with solar power or using a renewable energy provider, you can lower your running costs and future-proof your home against the upcoming gas heating phase-out.

If you have decided that an electric combi boiler is the right choice for you, this article will guide you through the various cost considerations involved in acquiring and installing your new electric boiler. It will also compare the costs with gas boilers to assist you in determining the best power source for your specific needs.

What’s on this page?

1. How Much Do Electric Combi Boilers Cost?

2. Electric Combi Boilers vs Gas Boiler

3. What Size Electric Combi Boiler Do I Need?

4. Pros and Cons of Electric Combi Boiler

5. Electric Combi Boiler Installation

How Much Do Electric Combi Boilers Cost?

When considering only the initial cost of the boiler, an electric combi boiler can range in price from £900 to £2,500, with the most high-end models costing up to £4,500.

The total cost of an electric combi boiler, including installation, typically ranges from £1,550 to £5,000, depending on the required parts and labor.

Several factors can affect the total cost of an electric combi boiler, such as:

• Boiler type: Some electric combi boilers come with internal hot water storage, which can be more expensive than those that supply water directly from the mains (direct heaters).

• Model and manufacturer: The price of electric combi boilers can vary depending on the brand, reputation, custom features, and warranty length.

• Type of replacement: A like-for-like boiler swap in the same location will cost significantly less than switching to a new type of boiler, and even more to move the boiler to a different location.

• Electricity supply to your home: Single-phase electricity supply may not be sufficient to support electric boilers with high power output, necessitating an upgrade to a three-phase supply.

• Installer rates: Comparing quotes from multiple local installers can help ensure that you receive the best deal and avoid overpaying for national rates.

Electric Combi Boilers vs Gas Boiler

Gas combi boilers are a popular choice for many homes in the UK, offering similar advantages to electric combi boilers such as compact size and the ability to operate from one unit. Gas boilers have a lower upfront cost and similar installation costs. While they are highly efficient, achieving up to 95% fuel efficiency through condensing technology, electric boilers can reach even higher energy efficiency levels of 99%-100%.

While electric boilers are considered to be more environmentally friendly as they produce no carbon emissions or toxic gases during operation, the electricity in the UK is largely generated from natural gas. To further reduce the carbon footprint of a home, it's recommended to switch to a renewable energy provider.

Electric boilers may not be suitable for larger homes with multiple bathrooms, as they may struggle to meet high energy demands. Gas boilers, on the other hand, have a wider range of outputs available on the market.

Looking towards the future, electric combi boilers may be a more future-proof option as the government aims to meet net-zero requirements, which could lead to a phasing out of gas heating in the next decade. Efforts are also being made to reduce the cost of electricity, which could increase the appeal of low carbon heating systems.

What Size Electric Combi Boiler Do I Need?

Boiler size is measured by its power output in kilowatts (kW), with electric boilers typically having power outputs of up to 15kW. These lower outputs make them better suited for smaller homes with just one bathroom.

However, if you have a larger home with multiple bathrooms, an electric combi boiler may not be able to provide sufficient heating and hot water, and a traditional gas or electric system boiler would be a better choice.

Determining the right boiler size depends on various factors, such as energy demands and insulation. A good starting point is the number of radiators in your home, with an estimated 1.5kW of power required for each radiator for space heating capacity. The table below demonstrates this further:

Due to the numerous advantages and few disadvantages of electric boilers, it's not surprising that many British homeowners opt for them.

If you're considering installing an electric boiler and want to find the best price, we recommend obtaining quotes from multiple heating engineers in your area. By comparing quotes, you can determine which engineer is offering the best deal and avoid being overcharged for installation. We can assist you with this process.

To save you time and effort in searching for heating engineers and contacting them individually, we can connect you with up to three trusted engineers in your area. Simply choose your region and complete our straightforward form, and we'll provide you with quotes from up to three reliable engineers. This service is completely free, and you're under no obligation to accept any of the quotes you receive.

Electric Combi Boiler Installation

As mentioned earlier, the cost of installing an electric combi boiler typically ranges from £650 to £2,500. The higher end of the range is usually reserved for more complex installations, such as changing the boiler type or size or relocating the boiler, which may require additional labor costs.

For instance, switching from a gas boiler to an electric combi boiler requires a Gas Safe engineer to remove the existing boiler, flue, condensate pipe, and gas line. Depending on the type of gas boiler, it may also involve the removal of a hot water cylinder and cold water tank. An electrician would then wire and install the new electric boiler.

Despite this, electric combi boilers offer flexibility in terms of installation. Some of their advantages include:

• No requirement for a flue or condensate pipe.

• Compact size, with single units taking up minimal space in the home.

• Wall-mounted electric combi boilers can fit inside small kitchen cupboards.

• Noiseless operation due to the absence of combustion or rapidly moving internal components, allowing for installation anywhere in the home without disruption

If you want to ensure that an electric boiler installation is the best option for your home, it's advisable to seek advice from a professional installer. However, before proceeding with the installation, it's also important to compare rates from multiple installers to determine the best deal for you.

By filling out our simple form, you can connect with up to 3 local installers and compare their rates. This will give you a better understanding of the local standard rates and enable you to maximize your savings. So why wait? Get started today!