Gas fuels the majority of domestic boilers in the UK, but not everyone has access to a mains supply. For the 1.7 million homes with gas boilers, this isn’t a problem, but if you’re looking for a gas alternative, then an electric boiler is a valid option.
Deciding between a gas and electric boiler largely comes down to what’s suitable for the size of your home and your hot water requirements. There are pros and cons to both options, which we’ll cover here. This post compares the costs, efficiency, and lifespan of both fuel types.
What’s the difference between gas and electric boilers?
The obvious difference between a gas and electric boiler is the energy source it uses to heat the water that supplies your central heating. A gas boiler burns natural gas to produce heat, while an electric boiler uses an electric current to heat the water (a bit like an electric kettle).
Its fuel type affects how each boiler performs and how much it costs to run. While gas boilers are powerful enough to heat large homes with multiple bathrooms, electric boilers are better suited to smaller properties with limited demand for hot water.
Gas boiler vs electric boiler at a glance
Let’s cut to the chase and look at what makes each boiler better or worse in its own way.
| Gas boiler | Electric boiler | |
| Installation | 1-3 days (can take slightly longer to install) | 1-3 days (usually quicker to install) |
| Maintenance | Annual boiler servicing is required | Recommended check every two years |
| Efficiency | 90-95% energy efficient in the home | Almost 100% efficient at point of use |
| Power | Between 20- 40 kWh | Maximum around 24kWh |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 15-25 years |
The cost of an electric boiler vs gas boiler
When it comes to comparing the cost of electric boilers versus gas, there is more than just the cost of installation to consider; there’s also the running cost and maintenance to think about. Where electric boilers win out on some points, gas is better on others – let’s break it down.
Installation costs
Electric boilers are easier to install and therefore typically cheaper. That’s because they don’t require a flue or connection to the gas mains. Overall, electric boilers have few moving parts, making them easier to fit.
A new boiler installation typically takes one to three days, depending on the size and complexity of the job. Where a gas boiler can take longer in complex cases, electric boilers generally take fewer days.
Running costs
Electricity is more expensive to buy than gas. In fact, it’s over three times more expensive per kW per hour, which makes electric boilers much more expensive to run.
As of October 2026, electricity is charged at 26.32p/kWh and gas 7.97p/kWh*. This might be affordable in a smaller property but is cost-prohibitive in a large home with a high demand for heating and hot water.
To illustrate this further, a gas boiler using 24 kWh of gas costs about £1.91 per hour to run, while a 12 kW electric boiler costs about £3.16 per hour. That’s around 65% more, even though the electric boiler has half the capacity.
Cost of upkeep
Gas boilers have more working parts than electric boilers, which makes maintenance all the more important. Annual boiler servicing is essential for gas boilers (certainly if you want to maintain your warranty).
While fewer things can go wrong with an electric boiler, we recommend you have it checked every couple of years to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
Energy efficiency
Modern gas boilers are often described as around 90–95% efficient, although actual in-home performance varies with the system and how it is operated. Despite their efficiency, some heat is still lost through the flue and other parts of the system.
As electricity doesn’t emit exhaust fumes, electric boilers have almost near-perfect efficiency at the point of use. It also means its environmental impact is cleaner than a gas boiler – but this is not the whole story.
Electric boilers produce no emissions in the home, but their overall carbon impact depends on how the electricity is generated; the UK grid includes both fossil-fuel and low-carbon sources.
You have the option with an electric boiler to pair it with a renewable energy source such as solar or a heat pump. This removes all carbon emissions for a cleaner way of heating your home. It also reduces the running costs of an electric boiler, making it much more affordable for properties of all sizes.
Power output
As gas boilers are more common in the UK, there is a much wider choice of models to pick from at a range of price points.
While gas boilers are typically available in outputs up to around 40kW, electric boilers are usually limited to 24 kW (though some can go higher).
Electric boilers don’t have the capacity to heat large homes with multiple bathrooms; this is better suited to gas boilers.
Conversely, even small electric boilers draw a high electrical load while running. Whether it leaves enough capacity for other appliances depends on the home’s supply and what else is being used at the same time.
Boiler lifespan
As electric boilers have fewer working parts, they are less prone to wear and tear. This is reflected in their longer lifespan of 15 to 25 years.
Gas boilers, while still the workhorse of the average family home, have a shorter lifespan. Depending on how well it’s been looked after, a gas boiler lasts between 10 and 15 years.
Electric boiler vs gas boiler pros and cons
Simply put, there are pros and cons to both electric and gas boilers.
Pros of electric boilers
- Longer lifespan
- Almost 100% efficient at point of use
- Easier to maintain
- Compatible with renewable options like solar
- No risk of carbon monoxide leaks
Cons of electric boilers
- Expensive to run
- Limited heating capacity; unsuitable for large properties
- Limited range on the market
- Support is patchy due to their rarity
Pros of gas boilers
- A-rated energy efficient
- Wide range of boiler models to suit all budgets
- Powerful enough to heat large homes
Cons of gas boilers
- Annual boiler service required
- Takes up more space than an electric boiler
A best-selling electric boilerOne of Britain’s best-selling electric boilers is the CometPV from EHC. This is a great example of an electric boiler. Available in power outputs up to 24kWH, the CometPV comes solar-ready for integration with PV panels.The EHC app lets you control your heating remotely and offers multi-zone heating, so you can adjust temperatures in different parts of your house. It also features energy monitoring and weather compensation to ensure you aren’t spending unnecessarily on your heating. |
Which is right for your home?
There isn’t a better or worse type of boiler; there’s only what’s better suited to your needs. When deciding what is right for your family home, consider the size of your property, your heating and hot water needs, and, of course, your budget.
A heating engineer can help you choose the best fuel type for your family by considering everything we’ve discussed in this post, drawing on their experience and expertise.
FAQs: Electric vs gas boilers
Is there something we’ve missed? If you haven’t found the answer to your question so far, take a look at these frequently asked questions on electric boilers.
Can I replace my gas boiler with an electric boiler?
It’s possible to replace a gas boiler with an electric boiler, and vice versa, but both have their challenges.
If you’re replacing an electric boiler, you’ll need to consider hooking up the gas and adding a flue and a condensate pipe.
It’s usually easier to replace a gas boiler with an electric boiler, but the electricity required may not be sufficient, and the wiring may need to be upgraded.
Do electric boilers need a flue?
Electric boilers do not burn fuel, so there are no fumes and therefore no flue is required. This is partly why they are easier to install than gas boilers.
Can you run radiators off an electric boiler?
Yes, you can run radiators using the hot water generated by an electric boiler. This is known as a wet central heating system and works in much the same way as a gas boiler. In most cases, your existing radiators and pipework can be reused.
