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What are the advantages of electric boilers?

Electricity is a cleaner energy source than oil or gas, making it a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon emissions. However, electric boilers have a range of other benefits including:

• Efficiency - Electric boilers are very efficient, operating at 99% efficiency.

• Price - Often electric boiler installation is more affordable than other types of boiler installation.

• No mains connection necessary - If your home isn't connected to the mains grid, you can still use an electric boiler.

• No servicing - Unlike gas boilers, electric boilers don't need an annual service. However, if you use a hot water cylinder, annual servicing is recommended.

• Reduced risk - Electric boilers carry no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Installation locations - These boilers can be installed in a range of different, convenient locations.

• Low maintenance - Electric boilers are easier to maintain than gas boilers.

What are the disadvantages of electric boilers?

Now we know the advantages of electric boilers, let's look at some of their disadvantages. Choosing an electric boiler comes with the following drawbacks:

• Amount of hot water - Electric boilers can only produce a limited amount of hot water because they heat water as it’s needed.

• Running costs - Gas boilers have lower running costs than electric boilers. According to Ofgem, ‘the equivalent per unit level of the price cap to the nearest pence for a typical customer paying by direct debit will be 28p per kWh for electricity customers and 7p per kWh for gas customers’.

• Power cuts - During big storms in the UK, power cuts are common. If you do have a power cut whilst using an electric boiler, you won't be able to heat your home during this time.

When setting a budget for your electric boiler you’ll likely be wondering “how much does an electric boiler cost?” Well, the price you pay will vary depending on a few different factors. These include:

• Type of boiler - There are a few types of electric boiler, including combi boilers and conventional boilers. Each will have a different price.

• Size of boiler - The larger your boiler, the more capacity it has to produce hot water. As your boiler size increases, so does the price.

• Size of home - Larger homes will need a bigger boiler which will be more expensive than a small boiler.

• Hot water needs - If you use a lot of hot water in your home, you’ll need a larger, more costly boiler.

• Current boiler set up - Depending on your current set up, it may be more or less expensive to install a new electric boiler.

• Make and model of new boiler - Boilers will be priced based on their make and model.

• Extra pipework needed - If new pipework is needed before fitting your electric boiler, this will come at an extra cost.

Electric boiler installation cost

After considering the above variables, you can better estimate your electric boiler installation cost. As a rough guide, the average cost of electric boiler installation is between £900 and £4,500 for a combi boiler. You can find more prices and advice on the right type of boiler for you in our new boiler cost guide.

The amount you pay to run your electric boiler will vary depending on:

• Your hot water needs

• The number of people living in your home

• The type of boiler you have

• The size of your home

• The capacity of your boiler

This means your electric boiler running costs will be different from those of a friend or family member. If you’re looking for average electric boiler running costs below is an example scenario:

Assuming an average cost of 16.6p per kWh, a 12kW electric combi boiler that runs for 70 hours a month will cost £139.44. In comparison, it’d cost £90 to run a gas boiler in the same circumstances.

If you’d like to learn more about electric boiler running costs, visit our new boiler cost guide.

If you have or are considering buying an electric boiler, you may be wondering if electric boilers need servicing? Legally you aren't required to pay for a yearly electric boiler service, although if your boiler uses a hot water cylinder, this is recommended.

While it isn't a legal requirement, that doesn't mean a boiler service isn't useful. It’s a great way of highlighting developing issues and preventing your boiler from breaking down. Getting a boiler service will also ensure your boiler is working as efficiently as possible. The average electric boiler service in Orkney will cost around £72.

Check out our boiler service cost guide to learn more about the price and benefits of getting your boiler serviced.

Want to speak to electric boiler engineers in Orkney?

If an electric boiler sounds like the perfect fit for your home, let us help you find an electric boiler installer in Orkney you can depend on. Our members come with the recommendation of your neighbour and pass 12 checks to ensure they’re perfect for your job.

We can help you find experts in electric boiler installation in Orkney in two easy ways. One option is to try our online search feature. It’s free to use, just type in your postcode to see a range of electric boiler fitters in Orkney.

Or, our request a quote feature is great for busy homeowners. Use our online form to tell us about your job and we’ll pass your details to three professionals who offer electric boiler installation in Orkney. Then you can sit back and relax while they draw up three personalised quotes for you.