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Electric boilers offer an innovative and efficient solution for water heating in both residential and commercial settings. This technology relies on converting electrical energy into heat to warm water, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel-based systems.
Electric boilers are characterized by their ease of installation and maintenance, as well as their absence of harmful emissions, making them an ideal choice for individuals and companies seeking to rely on clean and sustainable energy sources.
What is an Electric Boiler?
Electric boilers work in a similar way to oil and gas boilers. They differ in the fact that they use electricity to produce heat for your home. Gas or oil boilers use combustible fuels to generate heat.
What makes electric boilers stand out is that they are highly efficient in comparison to other types of boilers. They can also be environmentally friendly depending on the source of power.
As boilers get older they become less efficient. So if you have an old boiler and are considering getting a new one, then make sure you pick what’s right for you. We can help you get a top-quality boiler that will serve you the heating requirements of your home.
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What are the types of electric boilers?
Electric boilers come in different forms. The most popular and common one is an electric combi boiler. While trying to buy an electric boiler you might see something called ‘electric water boiler’. Watch out! This is not the same as an electric boiler. Electric water boilers are used to boil
water for tea or coffee.
Electric Combi Boiler
A combi boiler is one of the most popular electric boilers. It can provide both central heating and hot water within a single unit. This type of boiler allows you to control the temperature in your home and have hot water whenever you need it.
Combi boilers are great for smaller homes and they have cheaper installation cost when compared with other types of boilers.
Electric system boilers
A system boiler is another electric boiler type. This heating system requires an unvented cylinder for storing hot water. This boiler type is directly supplied from your mains. That’s why you will not need an extra water tank when you get a system boiler. Aside from electricity, this type can also be powered by oil or gas.
Electric system boilers may not be as compact as combi boilers. However, they still don’t need as much space as regular boilers. They can meet your high demand for hot water.
Electric regular boilers
Regular boilers or heat-only boilers as they are sometimes called can heat as well as store water instead of providing hot water on demand. These types of boilers can run on electricity, oil or gas.
What sometimes makes regular boilers unpopular is the fact that they require more space than other types. They need both a hot water cylinder as well as a cold water tank. That is why they are more popular with large homes.
Storage boilers
A storage boiler acts like a mix between a combi boiler and a system boiler. It has a hot water tank within the same unit. However, you should keep in mind that their running cost is higher than that of a combi boiler due to the stored hot water.
Dry core storage boilers
A dry core boiler works differently from other boiler types. In this heating system, the heat is not circulated. Dry core boilers work through heating the bricks of your home during the night time. This heat is then moved to the water tank to be used for central heating or hot water.
This type is more versatile than storage boilers because it can release the heat into the water when needed.
Electric CPSU boilers
For large buildings with a high hot water demand, a combined primary storage unit might be the best answer. These units can store a high level of hot water within the boiler tank. What is more, they can provide hot water quickly and at high pressure.
On the other hand, this type is usually more expensive and needs a log of space. So you might find this type in commercial buildings only.
Solar compatible boilers
A solar compatible boiler is a fantastic environmentally-friendly option. This type of electric boiler has an immersion heater. They can be connected to solar panels. This type is also known as a megaflow boiler. With this boiler you’ll be generating energy with your own solar panels l. As a result, you will not depend that much on an energy supplier.
Read Also : Different Types Of Reliable Boiler Systems Explained
How do electric boilers work?
Electric boilers are connected to both the mains electricity supply and the mains water supply. Cold water will pass through an electric heating element. After that, the heated water will be pumped through radiators and taps.
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How much do electric boilers cost in the UK?
When you want to get a new boiler, you should consider both the upfront cost as well as the installation cost. You can expect an electric boiler to cost between £500 – £2,500. Of course this figure depends on the size, type and brand. An important step in choosing a new boiler is determining the boiler size you need.
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How efficient are electric boilers?
When it comes to efficiency electric boilers have a higher efficiency rate than gas boilers and other heating systems. Their efficiency rating stands at 99-100%. As for gas boilers, their efficiency rate is more than 93%.
What are the advantages of electric boilers?
High efficiency
An electric boiler, as has been stated before, has a high efficiency rate of 99-100%. This will help you save money and not waste much energy.
Space efficient
An electric boiler, unlike other boiler types, does not require extra space for fuel storage. What is more, an eclectic combi boiler doesn’t need extra space for a water tank or a cylinder so you will be saving more space.
Reduced maintenance cost
Electric boilers do not need much maintenance. This has the potential to save you both money and time.
Safe
With an electric boiler you wouldn’t have to worry about carbon monoxide leaks.
Read Also : Combi Vs System Boilers
What are the disadvantages of electric boilers?
power cuts
Getting an electric boiler might not be the best move if you live in a place which is susceptible to usual power cuts. In that case you might want to go for a gas or an oil boiler.
Expensive running costs
The running costs of electric boilers , compared to other fuel types, can be expensive if you are not producing your own electricity using solar panels.
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FAQ
Are electric boilers expensive to run?
Typically speaking, electric boilers can be expensive to run. However, if you make your own energy by using solar panels, this has the potential to save you money.
Is an electric boiler a good idea?
Compared to other types of boilers, electric boilers are extremely efficient. They can help you reduce energy waste. And with a green supplier, the whole operation will be environmentally friendly.
Can I replace a gas boiler with an electric boiler?
Yes, you can replace your gas boiler with an electric one. The process can be complicated depending on the type of boiler you are replacing (regular to combi) and if you are changing the location of your boiler.
Can electric boilers heat radiators?
Just like gas boilers electric boilers are able to heat radiators. Generally speaking, you will need 1.5 kW for each radiator.
Do I need a water tank with an electric boiler?
This depends on the type of electric boiler you’re going to use. A combi boiler does not require a water tank. On the other hand, a regular boiler does.