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Are you in need of a heating system upgrade? An electric combi boiler is a modern, space-saving alternative to traditional gas or oil boilers that provides both heating and hot water directly from mains electricity. It is a highly efficient choice of heating system for off-grid properties, smaller homes, and flats, with efficiency rates of up to 100%.
This guide covers everything you need to know—from how they work to installation costs, potential savings and whether an electric combi boiler is the right fit for your home.
Interested in electric combi boilers? You're in luck! GreenMatch can provide you with up to 3 free, no-obligation quotes from our trusted suppliers. Simply fill out the form below to save hours of time researching and find the best electric boiler installers in your area.
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An electric combi boiler provides both heating and hot water by directly converting mains electricity into heat, eliminating the need for gas or oil. Unlike traditional boilers, which heat water in an external cylinder, electric combi boilers heat water instantly on demand. Their compact, space-saving design makes them particularly well-suited for smaller homes and flats.
Traditional boilers rely on burning fuel, which, despite advances in condensing technology, still results in some heat loss. In contrast, electric combi boilers operate with 99-100% efficiency, which ensures that nearly all the electricity used is converted into heat with no wasted energy.
An electric combi boiler heats water on demand without the need for a storage tank. Cold water from the mains supply flows into the boiler, where it is rapidly heated by an electric powered heat exchanger.. The hot water is then distributed directly to your radiators for central heating or to your taps and showers for instant hot water. This ensures a continuous and efficient supply whenever you need it.
Electric combi boiler costs range between £1,500 – £5,000, or £3,250 on average, including installation. Here's a breakdown:
Price range | Average price | |
---|---|---|
Electric boiler (supply only) | £500 - £3,000 | £1,750 |
Installation | £1,500 - £5,000 | £1,500 |
Total costs (including installation) | £3,250 | £3,250 |
Factors like the boiler brand, output size, and efficiency will determine the final new boiler cost. Electric boilers generally run up to 15kW. Their comparatively low output means they tend to suit smaller homes with one bathroom.
Some key services help make up the total installation cost, some of which will not be necessary, depending on the condition of your existing central heating system.
Installation service | Price |
---|---|
Labour rates | £300 - £500/day |
System power flush | £450 - £800 |
Bleeding radiator | £80 - £150 |
Post installation, it's important to keep your boiler and your central heating system in check for any potential issues that could worsen and lead to costly repairs. Doing this annually is recommended and may also be required as part of your boiler warranty agreement.
Service | Price |
---|---|
Central heating maintenance and servicing | £65 - £300 |
Electric boiler service | £60 - £120 |
To help you manage electric boiler costs and find the best deal, GreenMatch can get you up to 3 free, no-obligation quotes from our network of trusted professional installers. This allows you to compare options, save hours of research time, and helps ensure you get the most cost-effective solution for your home.
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The average 1-2 bedroom home can expect to pay around £2,000 per year to run an electric combi boiler. However, due to the high cost of electricity in the UK, electric combi boilers running costs make them far less desirable.
This is especially true when you compare electric boilers vs gas boilers, specifically the cost of electricity to the cost of gas per kilowatt-hour (kWh), as shown in the table below.
Fuel | Price (per kWh) | Daily standing charge (per kWh) |
---|---|---|
Electricity | 27p/kWh p/kWh | 60.97p |
Gas | 7p/kWh pence per kWh | 31.65p |
Source: Ofgem
Currently, as of April 2025, under the current energy price cap, as decided by Ofgem, electricity costs are 4-5 times higher than gas per kWh. So, despite running at 100% efficiency, an electric boiler will likely still cost more than double compared to a gas boiler, new or old.
If you live in a small to medium-sized home in the UK, an electric combi boiler could be a great fit for your needs. Their compact design makes them ideal for flats and smaller spaces, or if your property is off the gas grid. Plus, installation is a breeze, considering there are fewer components to account for.
However, if you have a large household with multiple bathrooms and water outlets running simultaneously, a combi boiler might not be able to keep up with the demand.
So, is an electric combi boiler right for your home? The best way to find out is by consulting a professional. But rather than spending hours on this, let us do the hard work for you!
To ensure you get the best deal, use our quick and easy form to compare quotes from up to 3 local installers. We'll then connect you with the best options in your area.
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Electric combi boilers are worth it considering they are are highly efficient making them ideal for smaller homes. However, they have higher running costs due to electricity prices, making them less cost-effective than gas boilers in the long run.
Yes, electric combi boilers work with standard central heating systems, meaning they can heat existing radiators just like a gas or oil boiler.
You can run a shower off an electric combi boiler. However, it may struggle to meet high hot water demands, especially if multiple water outlets are used simultaneously. They are best suited for smaller homes with lower hot water usage.
Ciaran is a content writer at GreenMatch. Whether writing about sustainable aviation fuel or heat pumps, Ciaran has passion for informing readers about pivotal technologies that are reshaping our world.
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