The Benefits of an Electric Boiler
Unlike gas boilers that produce harmful gases, electric boilers don’t produce any emissions and are environmentally friendly. They also require less maintenance than their counterparts.
Electrification of industrial boilers in manufacturing facilities can significantly reduce GHG emissions from facility-level fossil fuel use. The analyses presented here estimate this potential using eGRID electricity heat rate and GHG emissions data for all counties in the U.S.
Cost
Electric boilers use electricity to heat water in your home so they tend to cost more to run than gas units. This is because electricity rates vary across the country while gas prices remain instant water heater electric relatively stable. However, if you have a great deal of storage space and use energy from renewable sources like solar panels you can reduce the costs to an extent.
Electricity-based heating is much more efficient than a gas boiler because it doesn’t require an exhaust flue or waste gases. This means that the watts used to produce heated water are almost all converted to usable energy, whereas in gas units not all of the energy is heat.
In fact, some models have an efficiency rate of up to 99% — that’s amazing! Moreover, since you don’t have to worry about a chimney and fuel tanks there is far less maintenance to do.
You also don’t have to put in a new gas line to install an electric boiler and you can place them where a conventional flue is required, such as on the ground floor. This makes them ideal for listed buildings and other sites where it would be impossible or impractical to run a flue up through the roof. This freedom of placement is one of the main reasons that organisations such as schools, hotels and museums choose to use them.
Energy Efficiency
Electric boilers are a great option for homes without access to gas. They also do not produce any emissions during operation, which makes them an eco-friendly option for homeowners concerned about their environmental footprint.
However, while the fuel used to generate electricity has a lower carbon content than fossil fuels, it is still not as environmentally friendly as a gas or LPG boiler. This is why electric boilers have a lower ErP rating than their counterparts.
The good news is that many homeowners can save money with an electric boiler by using energy-efficient measures to reduce their energy consumption. For example, by installing a hot water cylinder that is the correct size, and using an intelligent thermostat such as the Nest to control heating systems and appliances, you can save up to £140 each year.
In addition, many electric boilers are compatible with solar panels. This means that a home with both an electric boiler and a solar panel can use renewable energy to generate heat, cut energy bills, and reduce its carbon footprint. Moreover, because they are compact and do not require a flue, electric boilers can be fitted in spaces that wouldn’t be suitable for gas boilers. This flexibility is particularly useful for new builds and properties in remote areas that aren’t connected to the gas network.
Installation
Electric boilers can be positioned almost anywhere within your home since they do not produce waste gases. They can also save space since they do not require a fuel tank. They are highly efficient at converting energy into heat, and they can be a great option for homes that are not connected to the gas grid.
When installing an electric boiler, it is crucial to examine the condition of the electrical wiring. This is particularly important in older buildings, where the wiring may not be up to standard. Additionally, due to their high electricity consumption, electric boilers require a dedicated circuit. It is vital that the ratings of switches, such as isolators, are taken into account when choosing a suitable circuit.
The size of your home and the plumbing that exists in your house will determine what size boiler you need. Bigger homes typically require larger boilers because they use more energy to heat. Additionally, if you live in an area with cold winter temperatures, you’ll need a more powerful boiler to keep your home warm.
Once the heating engineer has surveyed your home, they will install the boiler and install any new pipes that are needed. They will also remove the old flue, if there is one, and cap or drain any remaining gas lines. Additionally, they will flush the existing system to make sure that any contaminated water is not transferred to the new heating appliance.
Maintenance
Although electric boilers require less maintenance than gas boilers, they still need to be serviced regularly to prevent any malfunctioning. The best way to do this is by scheduling annual boiler services. This will allow a trained professional to inspect the boiler and check for any potential problems that could result in a significant energy bill increase.
During an annual boiler service, the technician will check that the pressure is within the ideal range. This is a crucial factor for electric tankless water heater efficient heating, and will help to ensure that the boiler operates safely. The technician will also inspect the refractory lining for any signs of damage or wear, and will test all valves to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Another important part of the annual service is checking that the thermostat is functioning properly. This will help to save on energy bills and maintain a comfortable indoor climate. The technician will also check the wiring and bending space in cabinets for potential issues. Keeping the boiler in good working order will also extend its lifespan.
Unvented cylinders should be inspected and serviced annually, as they are pressurised metal containers that can be dangerous if there is an issue with the safety systems. Additionally, the annual inspection will help to extend the life of the cylinder by preventing corrosion and sediment build-up.
