In the UK, gas boilers are by far the most widely used, with approximately 85% of households being heated by fossil-fuel based natural gas. Since most UK homes are on the gas grid, they can therefore access this fuel easily which makes new installations far simpler. Of course in most cases, homes will already have a gas boiler installed.
As they come with ease and simplicity, it can be easy to overlook the negative aspects of gas boilers. And, as electric boiler models have relatively recently been developed, claiming to have greater efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, the question many homeowners are asking is: are electric boilers better for the environment and should I replace my current gas model?
Are Electric Boilers Better for the Environment: How They Work
Put simply, electric boilers use a heating element (similar to a kettle) to heat cold water required in the home. They are connected to the mains electricity supply, and heat cold water that comes from the mains water supply. Once water has been heated by the electric element, it passes through to your radiators or taps in an instant. Electric boilers still provide all the same benefits as traditional heating systems, just without the need for a gas supply.
Benefits of Electric Boilers
Compact size: While gas boilers require a flue (a pipe that moves gases from the combustion chamber of the boiler to outside), electric boiler units do not require this as they do not have any gas outputs. This makes the unit as a whole much smaller. Plus, the lack of moving parts in an electric boiler means that units are much quieter when in use – usually completely silent, in fact.
Safety: The flue of a gas boiler is designed to stop any harmful gasses from entering the home, however there is always the potential risk of a carbon monoxide leak. With electric boilers, you will never have to worry about this, you can also take away the hassle of installing CO detectors.
Efficiency: An electric boiler unit is designed to be more efficient as no energy is wasted. Water is heated directly through the system using an electric heating element, rather than gas. This efficiency leads to arguments that electric boilers are indeed better for the environment, however there are some downfalls of electric boilers that should also be considered.
Downfalls of Electric Boilers
Cost: While installation costs might be cheaper for electric boilers as they are more compact and easier to install, electricity is generally more costly than gas, meaning your bills will likely be higher with an electric boiler.
Not suitable for all homes: unlike gas boilers, electric boilers have a more limited amount of water that they can heat. So, while they are plenty efficient for smaller homes and flats, for larger properties, electric boilers may not be able to meet the hot water usage demands – particularly if you have a bath.
The Debate Continues: Are Electric Boilers Better for the Environment After All?
Looking at the pros and cons, one would assume that yes, electric boilers are better for the environment. Since they don’t burn fossil fuels to generate heat, they do not release waste gasses and are therefore a more sustainable option. However, there are some concerns about the initial process of manufacturing the electricity to run these boilers, and suggestions that this could actually produce as much pollution as a gas boiler system.
So, while an electric boiler might be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, there’s a chance that it won’t have any differing environmental impacts to those of a gas boiler. The best thing you can do at this stage, is to choose the option most suitable for you and your home. We recommend that you seek expert advice before deciding to replace your unit on a whim!
Get in touch with our team at Bbright for a new boiler quote, or to ask us anything about which boiler type might be best for your home. We’re always happy to help!
