Choosing a system
Electric boiler or gas boiler: what should you compare?
A property-led comparison of supply capacity, heat demand, hot water, installation work and ongoing use.
Start with what the property can support
An electric boiler needs sufficient electrical capacity and a correctly designed dedicated circuit. A gas boiler needs a suitable gas supply, flue and condensate route. Neither option should be chosen from the appliance price alone.
Heat and hot-water demand can change the answer
Direct electric resistance heating can be straightforward at the point of use, but a larger heat load creates a large continuous electrical demand. Gas may serve higher heating and instantaneous hot-water loads more readily where a suitable gas installation already exists.
- Calculated building heat demand
- Number and pattern of hot-water users
- Single-phase or three-phase electricity supply
- Existing gas, flue and condensate options
- Wet-system condition and controls
- Tariff, standing charges and expected usage
Compare the complete installation
A fair quotation includes the work around the appliance: circuits, controls, pipework, system preparation, commissioning and any removal or decommissioning. Our qualified team covers both electrical and Gas Safe requirements, so the practical constraints of both routes can be considered.
Running cost needs a current tariff comparison
Energy prices and tariffs change. Compare the expected annual heat requirement using the actual electricity and gas unit rates available to the property, including standing charges and realistic system use. A generic national claim may not reflect your household.
Safety note
Do not remove electrical covers or work on fixed wiring unless you are competent to isolate the circuit and prove it dead. If a breaker or RCD trips again, leave the affected circuit switched off and arrange testing.