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VoltVista Electric

  • Middleton
  • 10(102 reviews)

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Middleton

UK

Are Electric Combi Boilers Better Than Storage Heaters?

Whether an electric combi boiler is better than storage heaters depends on several factors, including your heating needs, property type, efficiency preferences, installation costs, and available space. Here’s a detailed comparison of electric combi boilers and storage heaters to help you determine which might be better suited for your situation:

Electric Combi Boilers

Overview: Electric combi boilers provide both central heating and instant hot water on demand directly from the mains supply. They do not require a separate hot water cylinder or storage tank, making them compact and efficient.

Pros:

  1. Efficiency
    • High Efficiency: Electric combi boilers convert nearly 100% of the electricity they consume into heat. There's minimal energy loss, making them highly efficient at the point of use.
    • On-Demand Heating: Offers instant hot water and heating, reducing the need for stored hot water and associated heat loss.
  2. Space-Saving Design
    • Compact Unit: Without the need for a hot water storage cylinder, electric combi boilers save significant space, making them ideal for smaller homes and apartments.
  3. Lower Installation Costs
    • Simpler Installation: Easier to install compared to gas boilers as they do not require a flue or gas supply line, reducing installation complexity and cost.
  4. Safety and Maintenance
    • Low Maintenance: Fewer moving parts and no combustion process leads to lower maintenance requirements.
    • No Combustion Risks: Eliminates risks associated with gas boilers, such as gas leaks and carbon monoxide emissions.
  5. Environmental Benefits
    • Zero Emissions at Point of Use: They produce no emissions, contributing to a reduction in your household's carbon footprint.

Cons:

  1. Running Costs
    • Higher Running Costs: Electricity is generally more expensive per unit (kWh) compared to gas or off-peak electricity used by storage heaters, leading to higher running costs.
    • Energy Demand: May struggle to meet high heating and hot water demands in larger properties.
  2. Electrical Supply Requirements
    • Adequate Supply Needed: Older properties may require an upgrade to their electrical system to handle the additional load of an electric boiler.

Storage Heaters

Overview: Storage heaters are electric heaters that store thermal energy during off-peak hours (usually at night) and release the heat gradually during the day. They are commonly used with time-of-use electricity tariffs like Economy 7 or Economy 10.

Pros:

  1. Running Costs
    • Lower Running Costs: Designed to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs, which are cheaper than standard rates, reducing overall running costs.
    • Energy Storage: Stores energy during the night when demand and electricity prices are lower, improving cost efficiency.
  2. Ease of Installation
    • Simple Installation: Easier to install compared to central heating systems, as they do not require plumbing or a centralized boiler.
  3. Independent Control
    • Room-by-Room Heating: Provides independent control of heating in individual rooms, allowing for more tailored and potentially more efficient heating.

Cons:

  1. Heat Management
    • Heat Loss: Storage heaters can lose heat throughout the day, leading to inefficiency and potential heat shortages in the evening when it may be needed most.
    • Less Control: Limited control over heat release can lead to situations where heat is available when not needed, and insufficient heat during peak demand.
  2. Space Requirements
    • Bulky Units: They are relatively large compared to other heating systems, taking up more space and potentially limiting room layout options.
  3. Environmental Impact
    • Electricity Source: The environmental impact depends on the source of the electricity. If the electricity is generated from fossil fuels, the system's carbon footprint may be higher.

Comparative Analysis

  1. Efficiency and Control
    • Electric Combi Boilers: Offer higher efficiency and better control over heating and hot water due to on-demand functionality.
    • Storage Heaters: While cost-effective with off-peak tariffs, they offer less control and efficiency due to heat storage and potential loss.
  2. Running Costs
    • Electric Combi Boilers: Higher running costs due to the price of electricity but potentially mitigated by renewable energy sources or integration with solar panels.
    • Storage Heaters: Lower running costs by utilizing off-peak tariffs, but potential inefficiency due to heat loss.
  3. Installation and Space
    • Electric Combi Boilers: Compact and easier to install, suitable for smaller spaces.
    • Storage Heaters: Simpler installation but bulkier, requiring more physical space.
  4. Suitability
    • Electric Combi Boilers: Ideal for smaller homes or properties without gas supply, offering immediate, on-demand heating and hot water.
    • Storage Heaters: Suitable for homes looking to minimize running costs through off-peak tariffs, particularly in regions with reliable off-peak electricity.

Conclusion

The choice between electric combi boilers and storage heaters depends on your specific needs, property type, and energy consumption patterns. Electric combi boilers offer higher efficiency, better control, and instant hot water, but they come with higher running costs. Storage heaters are cost-effective with off-peak tariffs and easier to install but are less efficient in managing heat throughout the day and bulkier. Assessing your heating requirements, budget, and space constraints will help determine the best option for your home.