Selecting between gas and electric boilers for home heating can be a difficult decision, each boasting different benefits and drawbacks. Gas boilers tend to boast greater heating efficiency with lower operating costs, while electric models boast minimal maintenance requirements and easy installation processes.
This article will detail the pros and cons of both heating systems to help you make an informed decision.
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Cost
If you’re choosing between gas and electric boilers, you should keep three things in mind when it comes to cost. Upfront costs, running costs, and maintenance costs. We’ll breakdown the three pillars below.
Electric boilers
Electric boilers are a popular choice amongst households, offering many advantages over gas boilers. However, they dont come without their faults.
- Upfront costs: Compared to gas boilers, the upfront price of an electric boiler is less expensive; prices usually range from $1,000 to $3,000 — depending on its model and capacity. But bear in mind that these costs are dependent on specific needs and infrastructure.
- Running costs: The cost to run an electric boiler depends heavily on both its usage and local electricity rates. While electric boilers tend to be more energy-efficient than gas models, their higher monthly bills could stem from electricity being more costly than natural gas.
- Maintenance costs: They have fewer moving parts than gas boilers, which means there are fewer things that can go wrong. Accordingly, the costs for regular servicing and maintenance are typically lower.
Gas boiler costs
When it comes to gas boilers, there are several cost factors that homeowners need to consider.
- Upfront costs: Gas boilers are typically more expensive to purchase and install. They require gas pipelines, which may not be present in all homes. However, they are a durable investment with a longer lifespan compared to electric boilers.
- Running costs: In terms of operational costs, gas boilers tend to be more economical, especially in areas where natural gas is relatively inexpensive.
- Maintenance costs: Unlike electric boilers, gas boilers require annual service and potential repairs for better safety and efficiency. These services may include monitoring for leaks and cleaning devices to reduce costs over time. Ultimately, this could lower overall ownership costs significantly.
Installation
Installation of a heating system is a significant undertaking, with multiple factors to take into account when selecting between an electric or gas boiler.
Gas boiler installation
Pros:
- Efficiency: Once installed, gas boilers are highly efficient. They heat water directly from the mains, ensuring you have hot water when you need it without the need for a storage tank. This direct heating method is more efficient than the immersion heaters used by electric boilers.
- Heating speed: Gas boilers heat water faster than electric boilers, providing hot water on demand more quickly.
Cons:
- Complex installation: Gas boiler installation is usually more complex than electric boiler installation. It requires a flue for venting, and if your home doesn’t already have a gas line, one will need to be installed, which can add significant cost and time to the project.
- Safety concerns: Gas boilers do require more cautious handling due to the inherent risk of gas leaks. This means regular annual maintenance is crucial.
Electric boiler installation
Pros:
- Simplicity: Electric boilers tend to be easier and quicker to install than their gas-fired counterparts, with no flue or gas line necessary for placement anywhere within your home.
- No emissions: As electric boilers don’t generate emissions, they make them an excellent option for homes in areas that limit emissions.
Cons:
- Cost of operation: Though electric boilers may be less costly to purchase and install, their running costs could be higher due to electricity being typically more costly than natural gas – leading to higher energy bills each month with an electric boiler system.
- Heating time: Electric boilers tend to take longer to heat water, which could be detrimental if your household or hot water usage demands are significant.
Conclusion
Gas and electric boilers both offer their own set pros and cons and must be chosen accordingly to best serve the home in terms of needs, budget and infrastructure. Gas boilers tend to be highly efficient, with faster delivery of hot water at lower running costs with regular maintenance requirements.
On the other hand, electric boilers are easier to install, emit no harmful gases, and require lower maintenance requirements overall while taking longer to heat water up compared with gas ones.
Your decision ultimately comes down to your individual needs, the infrastructure of your home and your budget — always take all factors carefully into consideration to make an informed decision that will serve both you and your home for years.