What is a heat only electric boiler?
What is a heat only electric boiler? A heat only electric boiler is an electric boiler that provides hot water for a central heating system exclusively. It warms water which is pumped to radiators, underfloor heating, fan convectors or other space heating emitters. A traditional heat-only boiler usually does not have an internal pump or expansion vessel. Heat-only boilers are meant to be installed as part of a broader heating system where the circulating pump, expansion vessel, filling loop, pressure relief valve and system controls are fitted externally.
Our fully range of heat-only electric-powered boilers are detailed here: Electric heat only boilers
Unlike an electric combi boiler, a heat-only electric boiler does not provide instant domestic hot water directly to taps, showers, or baths.
A heat only electric boiler operates in much the same manner as a standard heat-only gas or oil boiler, except instead of burning fuel, it utilises electric heating elements to heat the system water. This hot water is then circulated across the central heating circuit to provide heat to the house. An electric-heat-only boiler does not require a flue, chimney, gas supply, oil tank or fuel storage, as there is no combustion process.
These boilers are typically used in flats, apartments, small residences, offices, workshops, extensions and buildings where mains gas is inaccessible or a flue cannot readily be installed. They are also beneficial in facilities where a clean, quiet and compact heating solution is needed.
If domestic hot water is also required, a separate indirect hot water cylinder is usually combined with a heat only electric boiler. It may, for example, heat an indirect cylinder, or the property may have a separate direct electric unvented cylinder with immersion heaters. The specific system design will depend on the property, the demand for hot water, the electricity supply and the space available.
One of the key benefits of a heat-only electric boiler is simplicity. It has fewer combustion-related components than a gas or oil boiler and might be easier to situate as it does not require a flue path. It is also incredibly efficient at the time of use, with practically all the power consumed transformed to heat inside the boiler.
Also the electrical supply must be appropriate for the boiler output. Smaller units can be run from a single-phase supply, while bigger outputs may require a larger electrical connection or a three-phase supply.
In simple terms, a heat only electric boiler is an electric central heating boiler that heats the property but does not directly supply hot water to taps. For well-insulated buildings, off gas properties and installations where gas, oil, LPG or a flue system is not acceptable, this might be a sensible and practical solution. Before selecting one, it’s vital to evaluate heat consumption, electrical capacity, running expenses and controls and if a separate hot water cylinder is needed.
