With gas prices volatile and environmental concerns growing, electric boilers are attracting more interest. But are they a realistic alternative to gas for most UK homes?
How electric boilers work
An electric boiler heats water using an electrical element — similar to a kettle — and circulates it through your radiators in exactly the same way as a gas boiler. They're smaller, quieter, and have no flue requirement.
The cost problem
Electricity costs approximately 4x more per unit than gas in the UK (around 28p/kWh vs 7p/kWh). Even though electric boilers are 99-100% efficient (vs 92% for gas), the higher fuel cost means running costs are 3–4x higher.
A home spending £1,500/year on gas heating would typically spend £4,500–£6,000/year on electricity for the equivalent heat output.
When electric boilers make sense
- Small properties: A 1-bed flat with minimal heating demand may find the lower installation cost and no-flue convenience worthwhile
- Solar PV: Homes with significant solar panel output can run an electric boiler partly on free electricity
- Off-grid: Where gas, LPG, and oil are all impractical
Heat pumps: the better electric alternative
For most homes wanting to move away from gas, an air source heat pump is a far better choice than an electric boiler. Heat pumps are 3–4x more efficient, making running costs comparable to gas. The higher upfront cost is partially offset by government grants (currently £7,500 via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme).