Electric Boiler vs Gas Boiler – Which Should You Choose?

We all enjoy a nice hot shower, or feeling warm and cosy during the cold winter months. Well, your boiler plays a big part in both of those things, and picking the right one for your home is an important job. However, you may be wondering if you should go for a gas or electric boiler. It’s a tough call, but worry not! The experts at Fantastic Services are here to help you make the right choice!

So, if you:

• Need to replace your old boiler;
• Are installing a boiler for the first time;
• Are torn between a gas or electric boiler,

Then keep reading, because this post is just for you!

So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the differences between gas and electric boilers.

Electric boiler

While all modern boilers require electricity to work, electric boilers don’t need anything else to heat up the water used by your household. This makes them perfect for homes that have no access to the gas grid, or those which are restricted to have a gas-fuelled water heater or boiler, such as bed-sits.

The main types of electric boilers are Direct Acting boilers, Electric Storage boilers, Electric CPSU and Dry-Core Storage boilers.

Electric boilers are quite a bit smaller than their gas counterparts. They can fit in smaller spaces and can be installed anywhere. However, they aren’t as powerful as gas boilers and aren’t able to meet a higher demand for hot water and heating. Thus, they are better suited for small homes with few occupants.

One major disadvantage they have in the battle between electric vs gas boilers is their running cost. Depending on the area where you live, electricity can be up to three times more expensive than gas! However, electric boilers make up for this, as they require less upkeep and maintenance than gas boilers, hence lowering their overall cost.

Gas boiler

Gas boilers use natural gas to warm up water and have been common in many homes for a long time, and with good reason, too. They are the cheapest to run, easy to replace, and can meet a high demand for hot water easily. There is a great variety of gas boilers to choose from, too, so there is a good option for everyone.

However, not all households have access to the gas grid. For those homes, electric boilers may be the better option.

Gas boilers are also quite a bit larger than their electric brethren, and need to be installed in specific places in the house, as they require a flue to function. This makes them more difficult to install.

While these boilers are pretty easy and straightforward to replace, repairing them is a different matter. Not to mention the annual servicing they require, which bumps up the cost of running a gas boiler quite a bit, depending on the pricing of your maintenance company.

The main types of gas boilers are Combi, Conventional, and System boilers.

So, which is better – gas or electric boilers?

Well, that’s hard to say. But, in general, it will depend on the requirements of your household. While gas boilers may be the right choice for some, those with no access to gas or a small home with little hot water demand might benefit more from an electric boiler.

Keep in mind there are several things to consider when choosing between a gas and electric boiler. But, if the overall cost is what interests you, pay attention to the price of the following: the unit itself, installation, running costs and servicing. In general, gas boilers come out cheaper to run overall than electric ones.

Is it time for you to get a new oven? Check our helpful guide and consider the best option for you and your family!

Need a hand? Call a professional!

If you need help deciding on the right boiler for your property, or if you have selected one already and need to have it installed, why not turn to the professionals? We, at Fantastic Services, offer a reliable boiler installation service, performed by experienced and fully insured specialists. The experts work with all types of boilers, come equipped with everything they need to complete the job, and are Gas Safe registered. You can rest assured that your new boiler will be safely and expertly installed.

Takeaways

• Gas boilers are cheaper to run.
• Electric boilers are better suited for small homes.
• The best boiler for you will depend on the needs of your household.
• Electric boilers are more energy efficient.
• Gas boilers need to be serviced annually.

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Did you find this post useful? What is your opinion on the electric boiler vs gas boiler debate? Let us know in the comments!

Image source: shutterstock / AlexLMX