Why are electric boilers not commonly used?

Electric boilers are not as common as gas boilers mainly because of running costs and electrical supply requirements. In many UK homes, mains gas has traditionally been cheaper than electricity, so gas boilers have often been the more affordable option for full central heating systems.

Another reason is that electric boilers need a lot of electrical power. Smaller electric boilers may work on a standard single-phase supply, but larger models may need upgraded wiring, a higher-rated consumer unit, or even a three-phase supply. This can make installation more expensive or unsuitable for some properties.

Gas heating is also more familiar to many installers and homeowners, so it has remained the normal choice where mains gas is available. Electric boilers are still a useful solution, but they are usually chosen for flats, small homes, off-gas properties, low-energy buildings, extensions, or places where a flue, oil tank, or gas connection is not practical.

For more information on our electric boilers, please see the following webpage – Central heating electric boilers