Two of the most common heating systems in UK homes are electric boilers and gas boilers. Each has its pros and cons, and to help homeowners know which one to choose we will focus on these factors: energy efficiency, cost, environmental impact, and specific household needs. This blog will focus on a detailed comparison of the important aspects of electric vs gas boilers, which will enable you to make a more informed decision for your new home.
Energy Efficiency
On energy efficiency, most electric boilers clearly have an upper hand over gas boilers.
Electric boilers are highly efficient, with most achieving 99-100% efficiency. In other words, virtually all the energy put into them is converted to heat with very small energy losses. The reason for this high efficiency is that electric boilers have fewer moving parts and no flue to expel waste gases.
Gas boilers on the other hand are less efficient than electric boilers with an efficiency rating of most of the modern gas boilers is about 90-95%. This implies that for every £1 spent on heating, about 5-10p is lost as wasted energy. Some combi gas boilers from reliable companies like Worcester Bosch can reach 98-99%. ECO Boiler Grants only installs the best and most reliable boilers on the market. Contact us to learn more.
While electric boilers are more energy-efficient in terms of conversion to heat, this does not mean that this translates to lower running costs or less overall environmental impact. The efficiency of electric boilers is often offset by the higher cost of electricity and carbon intensity of electricity generation.
Installation and Space Requirements
Installation and space requirements can also vary quite significantly in our comparison of electric vs gas boilers. The size of an electric boiler is relatively compact compared to a gas boiler. Electric boilers do not require a flue or gas pipe, so they can be installed almost anywhere within the house; Because of the compact size and fewer components, such as flues, electric boilers are generally simpler to install.
The installation requirements for gas boilers are more complicated. Gas boilers require a flue in order to expel waste gases, which usually has to be installed on an external wall. It also requires connection to the gas mains, which may not be available in all areas.
Most gas boilers are typically bulkier than electric boilers and may require more space to install. combi gas boilers are small and can be easily installed in a kitchen cupboard. They are covered by the ECO4 scheme for homeowners on benefits. Fill out the form to learn more.
Electric Boiler vs Gas Boiler Running Costs
The debate for the electric boiler vs gas boiler running costs is easily conclusive. Electric boilers are normally higher because the cost of electricity is generally much higher than that of gas per unit of energy. In 2025 alone, the cost of electricity may be up to 3-4 times that of gas per kW. Since it is costlier to operate in terms of electricity cost, an electric boiler can dramatically increase energy bills.
Gas boilers generally have lower running costs because heating by natural gas is cheaper than by electricity. Gas boilers are also more economical for heating bigger houses with larger demands for hot water.
Conclusion of Energy Comparison
While electric boilers are more energy-efficient, the higher cost of electricity often results in higher running costs compared to gas boilers. It should, however, be noted that electric boilers use only about half the energy of a gas boiler, owing to their greater efficiency. This partial offset in energy consumption can help mitigate some of the cost difference.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of electric and gas boilers is becoming an important factor, especially due to the rising awareness of reducing carbon emissions. The environmental benefits of electric boilers include zero on-site emissions. Electric boilers emit no carbon at the point of use and can be made greener in the future if connected to renewable energy sources. However, the overall environmental impact of electric boilers depends on how the electricity is generated. As of 2025, electricity generation still often involves burning fossil fuels, which can make electricity a carbon-intensive fuel source.
If powered by renewable electricity sources like home solar panels, electric boilers can have a very low carbon footprint.
Gas Boilers
Some of the environmental drawbacks of gas boilers include direct emissions. Gas boilers burn fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere. Natural gas is a finite resource, and its extraction and use contribute to climate change.
On the other hand, it should be noted that the environmental impact of electric boilers will likely improve as time goes on and electricity grids incorporate more renewable energy sources. This trend may change the current balance of combi boilers being UK homeowners choice, and make electric boilers an increasingly attractive option from an environmental perspective.
Heating Performance and Capacity
Heating performance and capacity are very critical for boilers, especially for larger homes or those with high demands for hot water.
Electric Boilers
Some limitations of electric boilers in regard to heating performance is that they have lower maximum outputs than gas boilers. They are better suited for smaller properties with lesser demands for heating and hot water. Another limitation is that electric boilers usually heat water more slowly than gas boilers.
Gas Boilers
Gas boilers tend to have better heating performance as they have higher maximum outputs and, therefore, are more suited to larger homes. They also generally heat water faster than electric boilers.
Gas boilers are better suited to meet the demands of higher heating and hot water levels, making them a better choice for homes with larger demands.
Maintenance and Reliability
Maintenance requirements and reliability can have an effect on long-term satisfaction and costs. The advantages of electric boilers in terms of maintenance and reliability is that they have less moving parts, which tends to reduce the chances of faults and breakdowns.
There is also no need for annual safety inspections for electric boilers, unlike gas boilers. Electric boilers tend to be quieter than gas boilers.
However, electric boilers usually have shorter warranties, just about 2-3 years, in contrast to gas boilers.
Some of the disadvantages of maintaining gas boilers is that it will need regular servicing. It is important to have gas boilers checked annually for safe and efficient operation. Having more moving parts means there are more chances for the gas boilers to break down more often.
On the plus side, gas boilers usually have longer warranties, sometimes up to 10 years or even more. ECO Boiler Grants offers warranties that cover you for 10+ years on our boiler installations, offering you a long-term peace of mind, contact us to learn more.
Safety Considerations
Safety is a crucial factor to consider when balancing electric versus gas boilers.
Electric Boilers
Electric boilers are generally safer!
- No risk of carbon monoxide leaks: Since they do not burn fuel, there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- No gas-related risks: There is no risk of gas leakage or explosion.
Gas Boilers
With gas boilers, some inherent safety hazards exist!
- Carbon monoxide risk: Poorly functioning gas boilers can potentially leak carbon monoxide, which is extremely dangerous.
- Gas leak potential: There’s a small risk of gas leakage, which can prove dangerous.
In order to counteract these risks, gas boilers require regular safety checks and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors.
By choosing a reliable installer like ECO Boiler Grants, you ensure that your home is in safe hands as we only use high quality materials, and all our installations are done by Gas Safe registered engineers.
Suitability for Different Types of Property
The decision between gas boiler vs electric boiler can be very much dependent on the type of property in question and its needs.
Electric Boilers
The electric boiler does well with small properties in the form of apartments or small houses.
It is also suited for off-grid homes that do not have access to the gas network. They can be more appropriate for well-insulated houses with low heating demands
Gas Boilers
Gas boilers are generally better for larger properties as they can meet the larger demands for heating and hot water of bigger homes. They can be the cheapest option for homes already connected to the gas network.
Future Considerations and Technological Advancements
The choice between electric and gas boilers, in the future, is likely to be affected by various factors.
Electric Boilers
There is a positive outlook for electric boilers. In principle, electric boilers can be integrated into smart grids, thereby potentially enabling a more efficient use of energy and savings in cost. Advancements in electric heating may result in further improvements in performance and efficiency.
Gas Boilers
The prospect of gas boilers is less clear. Most countries have plans to phase out fossil fuel heating systems in the coming decades. Homeowners who are installing gas boilers now are still on the safe side, but can decide to go for another choice when installing their future heating system.
Some gas boilers are hydrogen-ready, which may allow conversion to a cleaner fuel source at some point in the future. Contact us to learn about greener options like heat pumps under the ECO4 scheme.
Cost Considerations
In making any comparison between electric and gas boilers, short-term and long-term costs have to be taken into account.
Installation costs between electric and gas boilers can be that electric boiler have a lower up-front installation cost with less complicated installations and fewer components in place, but can prove to be much costlier to run.
Gas boilers are generally more expensive to install, especially if new gas connections or flue systems are needed. However, actual costs would vary with the specific model, property, and local installation rates. They are currently cheaper to run for household needs.
The long-term costs are generally dominated by running costs and maintenance. Electric boilers have higher running costs due to electricity prices but potentially lower maintenance costs.
Most gas boilers have a lower running cost, but the maintenance costs are higher due to annual servicing.
These need to be factored in over the expected life span when deciding on the boiler.
Summarizing:
The choice between an electric boiler and a gas boiler depends on your type of property, energy costs, environmental impact, and specific heating needs.
Electric boilers:
- Highly energy-efficient
- Compact and flexible in terms of installation
- Safer, with no risk of carbon monoxide leaks
- Better for smaller properties or those off the gas grid
- Currently more expensive to run but potentially more future-proof
Gas boilers:
- Less energy-efficient but often cheaper to run
- Better suited for larger properties with high heating demands
- More complex to install and maintain
- Potentially less environmentally friendly
- Now often cheaper for most homes linked to the gas network
Size, location, budget, and long-term plans will all have a bearing when making the right decision. As technology advances and energy policy changes, electric heating solutions will probably become increasingly attractive to many householders. At the moment, though, a gas boiler remains pretty pragmatic and is the lowest-cost solution for a good number of properties with access to the gas network, mainly larger buildings.
It’s always better to consult with heating professionals who can assess your specific needs and advise accordingly while making your choice. If you are eligible through the ECO4 scheme, ECO Boiler Grants will conduct a survey completely free of charge to allow you to know your home’s energy needs and the best choice for yourself. They would be able to walk you through the complexities involved in selecting a boiler, ensuring you end up with a heating system that offers you the best balance of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for your home.
ECO Boiler Grants
ECO Boiler Grants is often the first choice for many homeowners for their ECO4 installations, due to the commitment to excellence in customer satisfaction. It has a highly skilled team of Gas Safe-registered engineers to ensure that all installations are executed to the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Our customers always speak very highly of our punctuality, professionalism, and attention to detail. Our installations are done quickly and cleanly.
With Eco Boiler Grants, homeowners can be sure they are getting quality, reliable installations that will provide long-term energy savings and better home comfort. Our commitment to keeping the client informed every step of the way, allied with our expertise in how best to use the ECO4 scheme, allows us to be a safe pair of hands for those upgrading their heating systems while taking advantage of available grants.
