Electric Boiler vs Gas Boiler: Which Is Best For You?

Last Updated on January 28, 2025

As a homeowner or landlord in the UK, choosing the right heating system is crucial for ensuring comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your property. Two of the most popular options are electric boilers and gas boilers. But which one is best for your home?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between electric and gas boilers, helping you make an informed decision about your heating system.

Electric Vs Gas Boilers: Key Differences

Feature	Electric Boiler	Gas Boiler
Fuel Source	Electricity	Natural gas
Efficiency	Up to 99% efficient	Around 90-95% efficient
Running Costs	Higher (electricity is more expensive)	Lower (gas is more affordable)
Installation Cost	Lower (no flue or gas supply needed)	Higher (requires gas supply and flue)
Maintenance	Low maintenance	Requires regular servicing and checks
Environmental Impact	Low emissions (no fossil fuels)	Higher emissions (fossil fuel-based)
Heating Capacity	Suitable for smaller homes or flats	Better for larger homes with high demand

Gas boiler

A gas boiler uses natural gas as its fuel source to heat water, which is then used for central heating and hot water supply. This is the most common type of boiler found in UK homes.

Types of Gas Boilers

Combi Boilers: These are the most popular type of gas boilers in the UK. Combi boilers provide both heating and hot water directly from the unit, without the need for a separate hot water tank. They are compact and ideal for smaller homes or flats.

System Boilers: A system boiler uses a separate hot water cylinder to store heated water. It’s ideal for homes with higher hot water demand, such as those with multiple bathrooms, but requires more space for the cylinder.

Conventional Boilers (Regular Boilers): These are the traditional type of gas boiler that uses both a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage tank. They are suitable for larger homes with high demand for hot water but take up more space.

Electric boiler

An electric boiler is a type of heating system that uses electricity to heat water, which is then circulated through the central heating system and taps. It works similarly to a traditional gas boiler but without the need for a gas supply. Instead, it relies on electrical elements to heat the water.

Advantages Of Electric And Gas Boilers

Electric Boiler Advantages	Gas Boiler Advantages
Ideal for properties without a gas connection.	Gas is generally cheaper than electricity in the UK, making gas boilers more cost-effective in the long term.
Electric boilers are smaller and more compact, making them a perfect choice for homes with limited space.	Gas boilers can handle larger homes and higher hot water demand, making them a good choice for bigger properties or homes with multiple bathrooms.
Electric boilers can be up to 99% efficient, ensuring very little energy is wasted.	Most properties in the UK already have a gas supply, so installing or replacing a gas boiler can be easier and more straightforward.
With fewer moving parts and no need for a flue, electric boilers generally require less maintenance than gas boilers.

Disadvantages Of Electric And Gas Boilers

Electric Boiler Disadvantages	Gas Boiler Disadvantages
Electricity tends to be more expensive than gas, which can lead to higher ongoing running costs.	While gas boilers are more efficient than older models, they still rely on fossil fuels, which contribute to carbon emissions.
Electric boilers may struggle to heat larger homes with multiple bathrooms and high demand for hot water	Gas boilers tend to be larger and require a flue to expel gases safely, which can take up more space in your home.
	Gas boilers require annual servicing to ensure they run safely and efficiently, and to comply with safety regulations.

Gas Vs Electric Boiler Costs

While they both bring comfort and warmth to the home, comparing the cost of gas and electric boilers is not as straightforward as comparing cats and dogs. There are a bunch of cost elements to consider here, which include:

When it comes to choosing between a gas boiler and an electric boiler, the costs involved are an important consideration. Below, we’ll break down the main cost factors for both boiler types.

Electric Boiler Costs (Without Installation)

Electric boilers tend to be more affordable than gas boilers when it comes to the purchase price. On average, you can expect to pay between £800 and £2,500 for an electric boiler, depending on the size and brand. Smaller units designed for flats or one-bedroom homes typically fall on the lower end of the price range, while larger electric boilers designed for bigger homes can cost more.

The key factors that influence the price of electric boilers include:

• Boiler size and power output: Larger units capable of heating larger properties or providing more hot water will generally cost more.
• Brand and quality: Premium brands or those with higher efficiency ratings tend to come with a higher price tag.
• Features: Boilers with advanced features like digital controls, smart connectivity, or enhanced energy efficiency may cost more.

Gas Boiler Costs (Without Installation)

Combi boiler prices range between £700 and £2,500, depending on their size and brand.

System boilers, which are ideal for larger properties with higher hot water demands, generally cost between £900 and £3,500. The price varies depending on the brand, size, and features of the boiler.

Conventional boiler prices range between £900 and £3,500, with the price depending on the size of the unit, brand, and features. Conventional boilers are typically used in larger homes with high heating and hot water demand.

The price of a gas boiler is influenced by factors such as:

• Boiler type: Combi, system, and conventional boilers all vary in price, with conventional boilers often being the most expensive due to their size and complexity.
• Efficiency: Higher-efficiency models tend to be more expensive initially but can save on energy costs in the long run.
• Brand and warranty: Well-known brands with long warranties can come at a premium, but they often offer added peace of mind.

Running Costs

When evaluating the running costs of electric and gas boilers, it’s essential to consider both the unit prices of energy and the efficiency of the boilers. Here’s a breakdown of the current costs:

Energy Costs

• Gas Boilers: As of January 2025, the unit price for gas is 6.34 p per kWh, with a daily standing charge of 31.65 p.
• Electric Boilers: The unit price for electricity is 24.86 p per kWh, with a daily standing charge of 60.97 p.

These figures are based on the Ofgem price cap, which was reviewed in April 2024.

Boiler Efficiency

• Electric Boilers: Electric boilers are highly efficient, often achieving efficiencies of up to 99%. This means that nearly all the electricity consumed is converted into heat.
• Gas Boilers: Modern gas boilers typically operate at efficiencies between 90% and 95%, meaning some energy is lost during the heating process.

Implications for Running Costs

• Electric Boilers: Despite their high efficiency, the higher unit price of electricity means that electric boilers can be more expensive to run compared to gas boilers.
• Gas Boilers: The lower unit price of gas, combined with the high efficiency of modern gas boilers, generally makes them more cost-effective for heating purposes.

Example Calculation:

For a household using 12,000 kWh of energy annually:

• Electric Boiler:
  • Energy Cost: 12,000 kWh × £0.2486/kWh = £2,983.20
  • Standing Charge: 365 days × £0.6097/day = £222.55
  • Total Annual Cost: £2,983.20 + £222.55 = £3,205.75
• Gas Boiler:
  • Energy Cost: 12,000 kWh × £0.0634/kWh = £760.80
  • Standing Charge: 365 days × £0.3165/day = £115.52
  • Total Annual Cost: £760.80 + £115.52 = £876.32

This example illustrates that, despite the higher efficiency of electric boilers, the significantly lower cost of gas results in a lower overall annual running cost for gas boilers.

Installation Costs

Electric Boiler Installation Costs

The installation of an electric boiler tends to be more affordable compared to a gas boiler. Since electric boilers don’t require a gas supply or flue, the installation process is simpler and quicker. The cost for installing an electric boiler generally ranges from £1,500 to £3,000 depending on the size and complexity of the system.

Gas Boiler Installation Costs

Installing a gas boiler typically costs more, primarily due to the need for a gas supply and flue installation. For properties that are already connected to the gas grid, the cost will be lower.

However, for homes that don’t have an existing gas supply, the cost of connecting to the gas grid can add significantly to the installation price.

On average, the installation of a gas boiler ranges from £2,000 to £4,500, with additional costs for any necessary gas supply or flue work.

Maintenance Costs

Electric Boilers

Electric boilers typically require less maintenance as they don’t have a flue and have fewer components to service. However, you may still need to occasionally check the heating elements and connections.

Gas Boilers

Gas boilers require regular servicing to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently. This usually involves an annual inspection, including checking the flue, gas pressure, and parts. Gas safety certificates are also required by law for landlords.

Environmental impact on costs

How does the environment impact your costs and investment? Making sustainable heating choices will become an increasingly important part of the boiler discussion going forward. The UK government is seeking to reduce the country’s carbon footprint by cutting carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.

The government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy aims to tackle emissions from homes and businesses. Gas systems aren’t as efficient as electric ones and they also create high carbon emissions. So, part of the government’s strategy involves gradually phasing out natural gas boilers because they rely on burning fossil fuels. However, this will only happen over the next decade or two.

Choosing Between Gas And Electric Boilers

When deciding between an electric or gas boiler, several factors should be considered:

Size of Your Property

• If you live in a small to medium-sized home or flat, an electric boiler may be sufficient to meet your heating and hot water needs. Electric boilers are ideal for smaller properties with lower heating demands.
• For larger homes, multi-bathroom households, or properties with high heating demand, a gas boiler is likely to be the better option.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

• If energy efficiency and reducing your carbon footprint are important to you, an electric boiler could be a good choice, especially if your home is well-insulated and you don’t need excessive heating. However, keep in mind that the running costs of electricity are typically higher than gas.
• For budget-conscious homeowners, gas boilers generally offer lower running costs due to the cheaper price of gas compared to electricity.

Availability of Gas Supply

• If your property is located in an area with no access to a gas supply, an electric boiler would be the more practical choice. On the other hand, if you’re already connected to the gas grid, installing a gas boiler is usually more cost-effective and straightforward.

Environmental Considerations

• If you’re looking to reduce your home’s carbon emissions, electric boilers are the more eco-friendly option, especially if you use renewable energy sources. Gas boilers, while more efficient than older models, still rely on fossil fuels and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

FAQs

How much will it cost to replace my gas boiler with an electric boiler?

The cost of switching between a gas and an electric boiler could cost you between £2,500 and £4,500. This includes the cost of buying the boiler as well as the installation costs.

Your final spend depends on the model of electric boiler or electric combi boiler you choose, as well as how tricky it is for the engineer to remove the hot water tank and cold water unit.

What is the life expectancy of electric boilers vs gas boilers?

On average electric boilers have slightly better longevity than gas units. A good modern conventional boiler may last 15-20 years whereas a quality electric boiler can give you 20-25 years if well looked after.

What are the most energy-efficient gas boilers?

The best condensing boilers can achieve energy efficiency close to 99%. This is because they use not only the energy from gas combustion but also extract additional heat from flue gases.

Our Verdict

Ultimately, the choice between an electric and a gas boiler depends on your specific needs, home size, budget, and environmental goals. If you have a smaller home and are focused on energy efficiency, an electric boiler could be the best option. For larger properties or homes with high hot water demand, a gas boiler is likely to be a more cost-effective and powerful solution.

If you’re still unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult a heating professional who can assess your property and recommend the best boiler solution for your circumstances.