Electric Combi Boilers

Initial Outlay

In terms of the actual boiler unit, the initial cost of buying an electric combi is slightly more than that of a gas boiler. Not only do you need to compare the combi boiler cost though, you also need to consider your combi boiler installation costs too. For example gas combi boilers require a flue to outside, this can be a large added expense especially when the gas combi boiler is in a high location (which require scaffolding) or terminating through a roof, were the electric combi boiler does not require any flues or carbon monoxide alarms whatsoever. If you’re being thorough with your annual energy comparisons between the two boiler types, the CO detectors could be the equivalent of a few weeks heating costs so definitely need to be borne in mind. You may also need a flue installing for the gas emissions so this is a further saving if you are opting for the electric combination boiler.

Ongoing Maintenance and Repair Costs - More good news! This is fun isn’t it! As we’ve already mentioned, with the gas boilers you’ll need to budget for annual safety inspections or boiler service which need to be conducted by a gas safe qualified engineer. You don’t have to factor that in at all with the electric combi heaters. In fact, the cost of all of the general repairs to an electric combi over the lifespan of the boiler are less than that of a gas boiler. Don’t worry - we’re not suggesting that gas boilers are troublesome, it’s more that the incidence of problems is usually much lower in an electric combi as there are less working parts inside it than inside that of a gas boiler.

As there are less working parts, there are fewer things to go wrong with age or wear and tear so the electric combi can actually last twice as long as a gas one if maintained well. In terms of maintenance though, your only real consideration is limescale, so having a magnetic filter on your central heating circuit and limescale reducer on the cold water inlet to the boiler should keep that problem at bay. We make sure that every electric boiler we fit gets a full chemical flush too.

Ongoing Running Costs - This is where there is a less distinct advantage to either of your choices. If you are looking at energy costs alone, with gas unit costs versus electricity units, gas is cheaper but obviously, the various boilers don’t use identical numbers of units. If you use your electricity well, you can sometimes take advantage of the off-peak tariffs or even P.V solar panels too so the overall energy usage of the two boiler types works out different for each household. However, once you’ve added in the additional annual costs such as your gas certificate and boiler servicing etc, the electric combi is still more economical. On an average tariff the electric boiler runs at about £3 per hour to run flat out, but bear in mind the gas valves on these units are designed to lower the gas consumption when you select a lower running temperature.

Life Expectancy of the Boiler

This is another area where there isn’t a clear comparison as it’s a bit like trying to compare a Fiat 500 with a Range Rover. The size of your house, how powerful the boiler that you opt for is, how many bathrooms are in your home etc and of course maintenance, all play major parts in how long your boiler will last. If you look at averages though, the electric combi can sometimes last twice as long as the gas boiler and it’s likely you’ll have replaced fewer parts along the way too.

Here to Help - in More Ways Than One We hope this information has helped you see that an electric combi boiler could be a highly efficient option for your heating system and hot water provision in your home. Electric combi boilers tend to be slightly more expensive than the gas boilers but have lower running costs overall. We always have the latest and most efficient models here for you. If you need any help with your boiler purchase it’s not just a quote we offer, we like to offer our expert advise to make sure you are making the correct decision for your new boiler.

Here at Merseyside Central Heating, our friendly family run business has been helping people to stay warm for 45 years so if you’d like any further information or advice on the best choice for you, why not get in touch as we’d love to help.