Electric boilers have been gaining popularity as the preferred choice for house heating in the UK. With the continuous development towards renewable energy, getting a clear view of the expenses associated with electric boilers is necessary for making the right decisions for your home. Here is a comprehensive blog that discusses different aspects related to cost of electric boiler, including buying and installing the boiler and the long-term running costs associated with the installation.
The upfront cost of an electric boiler can be quite varied for many reasons. The costs may range from £900 to £4,500 on average for the boiler unit itself alone. That is quite a wide range and that is because of the differences in the boiler types, sizes, and features. Read on to find out which one suits your needs best!
Types of Electric Boilers
1. Electric Combi Boilers: These are the most common for use in residences. The cost of an electric combi boiler usually varies between £1,500 and £2,000.
2. Heat-Only Electric Boilers: These can be a little cheaper, with prices starting from around £800.
3. System Boilers: These tend to be within the same price bracket as a combi boiler but may be more suited to larger properties.
Going over the aspects that can affect the cost of your electric boiler:
- Power Output: The more powerful the boiler, which is measured in kilowatts, the higher its price. The standard is 1.5 kW per radiator in a home. For example, you’ll need a 12-kW boiler for a house with eight radiators.
- Brand: Big names tend to ask big money but could deliver more in the way of efficiency and reliability. ECO Boiler Grants only installs the best boilers on the market to ensure you have a long-term peace of mind with quality installation and 10+years warranty.
- Features: Advanced features, such as smart controls or integrated hot water storage, can hike the price.
- Energy Efficiency: The cost of your electric boiler might be affected by its efficiency, but can possibly save on energy bills in the long-term.
The cost of electric boiler installation is another point to consider. The prices for installation can vary from £500 to £2,500+, and also depends on many factors. The less complex the replacement of an electric boiler, the lower the cost of installation will be.
Electric boiler installation cost can depend on location; you can pay differently in installation costs according to where you are in the UK.
If upgrading your electrical supply or the removal of the old system will also be necessary, then the price will go up accordingly. Under the ECO4 boiler upgrade, the removal of the only system and installation of the new one is completely free of charge. If you are a homeowner on benefits, fill in our free eligibility checker to see if you qualify for the free boiler grant.
Another point that can affect the cost of electric boilers installation is the type of installation taking place; the cost of electric combi boiler, without a cylinder, will cost you in the range of £1,400 to £3,500, while the one with an inbuilt cylinder may cost between £2,000 and £4,000.
The average cost of a standard electric combi boiler installation will be approximately £1,850. However, if you want a complete system change or installation at a new location, then it can go up to approximately £3,350.
Running Costs of An Electric Boiler
Whilst sharing roughly the same purchase and installation costs with gas boilers, it is generally more expensive to run an electric boiler, as electricity is more costly than gas.
Electric boilers’ annual running costs could be as wide apart as £500–£1,500+. That amounts to way higher than the average yearly running expense for a gas boiler, which makes up to only about £853.
Things That Can Affect Running Costs
- Electricity Rates: Local electricity price is the basis for running costs.
- Boiler Efficiency: More efficient boilers use less electricity for the same heat.
- Home Insulation: Heating a well-insulated home requires far less energy, resulting in significantly lower running costs. Fill in our eligibility checker if you want to see if you qualify for the free insulation through the ECO4 scheme or the Great British Insulation Scheme.
- Usage Patterns: How many times and for how long you run your heating system will determine costs.
To put that into perspective, this is what you can expect for the average running cost of an electric boiler:
- Per hour: 10-20p
- Per day: £2-£4
- Per month: £60-£120
Maintenance Costs
Electric boilers do tend to have lower maintenance than gas boilers owing to the simpler design and fewer moving parts. You will, on average, pay £80 to £120 per annum for the maintenance of an electric boiler. This usually comprises an annual check-up and service by a qualified technician.
While electric boilers are much more reliable, when they go wrong, repairs can be costly when compared to a gas boiler due to the specialized nature of the parts. There’s always a good reason to have some money put aside for contingencies in this respect.
Long-Term Outlook of Electric Boilers
Electric boilers have a longer life expectancy than gas boilers and may easily last 15-20 years if well maintained. This increased life expectancy will help to offset higher running costs to some extent.
Generally speaking, electric boilers are more efficient than their gas counterparts. Some models can even reach an efficiency of close to 100%, meaning almost no electricity is wasted and almost all is turned directly into heat.
While electricity is expensive relative to gas today, it may not be in the future, given that renewable energy sources will become more common. Technological advances and future energy policy can also narrow the cost difference between electricity and gas.
Comparative Costs of Other Heating Systems
As a help to perspective on electric boiler costs, let us compare them with other heating systems:
1. Gas Boilers: £500-£3,000 with an average annual running cost of £853.
2. LPG Boilers: £600-£2,500
3. Oil Boilers: is usually more than gas boilers
4. Air Source Heat Pumps: £7,000-£13,000
5. Ground Source Heat Pumps: £24,000-£49,000
6. Electric boilers may have higher operating costs compared to gas boilers; however, it is cheaper on the initial installation compared to the heat pump system.
Factors To Consider When Looking for an Electric Boiler
Electric boilers are better for smaller homes or apartments with lesser demands for heating. The size of your home is therefore an important aspect. Another important factor is the fact that well-insulated properties will derive more benefit from electric boilers by way of less heat loss.
If your property isn’t connected to the gas grid, an electric boiler may prove to be more practical.
The environment is an important consideration and as the UK’s electricity grid continues to green up, electric boilers will become even more environmentally friendly.
You might also want to consider how long you intend to stay in your current property and how energy prices might change in the future. If you qualify for the ECO4 scheme, you are eligible for a free survey which will allow you to know the best choice for your property, fill in our eligibility checker to know more.
As of 2025, there are no specific government grants for electric boilers in the UK. However, the government’s drive toward low-carbon heating solutions may lead to future incentives for electric heating systems. You can qualify for a combi gas boiler, which reaches efficiency ratings of up to 98%, or grants for heat pumps. Both are highly popular options and allow homeowners more financial freedom and comfort.
Tips to Lower Electric Boiler Running Costs
1. Improve Insulation: Reduce heat loss and lower energy use by improving insulation around your house.
2. Use Smart Controls: Fitting intelligent thermostats and controls will help optimize your heating schedule and cut down on unnecessary use.
3. Regular Maintenance: Ensure that your boiler is well-maintained to guarantee it runs at maximum efficiency.
4. Shop Around for Electricity Tariffs: Compare the providers of electricity to get the best rates. Consider time-of-use tariffs with cheaper off-peak rates.
5. Couple with Renewable Energy: Couple your electric boiler with solar panels or any other form of renewable energy, if possible, to offset the cost of electricity.
The Future of Electric Boilers
The future is bright for electric boilers, at least from the perspective of the UK’s drive toward its net-zero 2050 goal. As more renewable sources of energy are brought into the national grid, the electric boiler is going to increase in popularity for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Technical progress may also make more efficient and cheaper electric boilers possible. Innovations in heat storage and intelligent grid integration can help to balance out the currently high operating costs that come with electricity in heating.
Electric boilers provide an alternative to more traditional gas heating systems, particularly for smaller properties or those off the gas grid. While their initial purchase and installation costs are akin to gas boilers, the electric boilers’ higher running costs can make some hesitant.
The total cost of owning an electric boiler, including purchase, installation, and running costs over its lifetime, can range from £15,000 to £30,000+, depending on various factors such as property size, usage patterns, and local energy prices.
Conclusion
As we move towards a more electrified and renewable energy future, electric boilers may become an increasingly attractive option. However, for now, careful consideration of your specific circumstances, energy needs, and budget is essential when deciding whether an electric boiler is the right choice for your home or business.
While cost is a crucial factor, it’s also important to consider factors such as environmental impact, ease of installation, and long-term sustainability when making your decision. As with any significant home improvement, it’s advisable to consult with heating professionals, such as ECO Boiler Grants, before making a final decision.
Moving toward a future that will involve more electrification and renewable energies, electric boilers will become an increasingly interesting alternative. But for now, the decisions around an electric boiler being appropriate to your business or home will depend upon careful consideration of your specific needs, circumstances, and budget in hand.
Remember, the cost is very significant; however, it is equally necessary to consider other factors like environmental impact, ease of installation, and long-term sustainability while making the decision. As with any major home improvement, it’s good to seek the advice of heating professionals.
At ECO Boiler Grants, our Gas Safe registered engineers can help guide you to the best option available. Our engineers have more than 15+ years of experience and have helped thousands of homeowners achieve financial independence through more energy efficient homes. Fill in our form, and our friendly desk team will be able to inform you of your eligibility in less than 24 hours. Take the step today to make your home warmer, more comfortable and healthier for your and your family.
