The debate surrounding the future of heating has, pardon the expression, become a somewhat hot-button topic in recent years with discussions about how the homes of the future are set to be heated.
In practice, whilst the discussion has centred predominantly around heat pumps and hydrogen boilers, there are a lot of potential options on the table, and it is extraordinarily likely that there will not be a single one-size-fits-all heating solution for every home.
For example, whilst a heat pump system can be economically installed as part of a new build or extraordinarily substantial renovation, the installation costs to retrofit a system into an existing building can be prohibitively expensive depending on the work that needs to be done.
This leaves people who need to replace their boiler in the next few years in a state of limbo, but there are alternatives to either an expensive or an unproven choice besides installing a highly efficient gas boiler, one that can far more easily be installed into your current heating system.
What Is An Electric Combi Boiler?
An electric combination boiler is an overlooked third option that can be installed at a roughly similar price to a comparable gas boiler, and much like a combi gas boiler offers a comprehensive heating solution that provides a high level of energy efficiency.
They tend to be smaller than gas boilers, in no small part because there is no combustion space and no reliance on a gas line, chimney or flue, often making them ideal for installing in houses and apartments where space is at a premium and come with the benefit of less noise.
In terms of ecological credentials, they are as environmentally friendly as the electricity used to power them, which means that as more of the National Grid is powered by wind, solar, tidal and other renewable sources of power, the overall carbon cost of electric boilers will lower as well.
This is enhanced if your home has solar panels already fitted, as this electricity can be used to power the boiler alongside any other electrical appliance in the home.
Should You Make The Switch?
Assuming that a recent inspection of your boiler suggests that it does not have too many years left before it needs to be replaced for whatever reason, an electric combi boiler can be the right replacement option in a few circumstances.
The first is if you want to switch to an all-electric source of heating. Natural gas will be used in a huge number of homes for the foreseeable future, either on its own or in a blend with hydrogen gas depending on the results of extensive tests.
It has made a few people quite uncertain, and an electric boiler would simplify this process whilst being relatively easy to install into your current system. An electric boiler can last as long as 25 years if regularly maintained so it would be a long-term option as well.
The best solution at present is to speak to the experts, explain your budget and your current heating situation and see what they would recommend and what grants are available to make the process easier and more affordable for you.