Electric Boilers In The UK

Key Facts On The Rise of Electric Boilers In The UK

 

1. Regulatory Shift Driving Demand

• As of 2025, the UK government banned the installation of gas boilers in new build homes, part of its net zero by 2050 strategy.

• This policy shift has accelerated the demand for low carbon alternatives like electric boilers, especially in flats and small dwellings where heat pumps may be impractical.

2. Rapid Market Growth

• The UK electric boiler market is growing at an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10%.

• By 2030, it's projected that electric boilers could make up 25–30% of domestic boiler installations in the UK.

3. Cost and Simplicity Advantage

• Electric boilers are cheaper and easier to install than gas boilers or heat pumps making them ideal for retrofits and urban developments.

• They do not require flues, gas pipes, or condensate discharge, cutting installation costs significantly.

4. Ideal for Flats and Urban Housing

• Over 50% of new homes built in urban areas are flats or apartments environments where electric combi boilers are more suitable than external unit heat pumps.

5. Renewable Energy Integration

• Electric boilers align with the decarbonisation of the grid. As the UK's grid becomes greener (more powered by wind and solar), electric boilers effectively become carbon neutral in operation.

6. Quiet, Compact, and Zero Emissions at Point of Use

• Electric boilers produce no onsite emissions, no combustion gases, and are silent in operation, unlike gas boilers.

• This makes them ideal for landlords and housing associations concerned with indoor air quality and compliance.

7. Increased Interest from Developers and Councils

• Many UK councils and developers are prioritising electric heating solutions to meet EPC targets, Part L Building Regs, and avoid costly retrofitting.

8. Technological Advancements

• New models like the ECA Arceus offer OpenTherm compatibility, WRAS approval, range rating, and hot water delivery at 38–50°C far exceeding the performance of most competing electric boilers.

UK Electric Boiler Market Snapshot

While exact figures can vary, industry analysis suggests:

  • The electric boiler market in the UK is projected to exceed £200 million annually by 2028.
  • Domestic ‘paid-for’ installations (private consumers) make up roughly 45–55% of that, with strong growth driven by:

1. Off-grid homes

2. Flats without gas infrastructure

3. Low-carbon retrofits

4. Homes adopting solar PV + electric heating systems

Our Arceus range is uniquely positioned due to its price point, WRAS compliance, combi functionality, and reliability many competing models either require a cylinder or are imported without certification. Please also take a look at our social media page instagram where you can see feedbacks from engineers: @ecaboiler_ukdist 

Here are the insights into the running costs of the ECA Arceus electric boilers, both for homes with and without a solar/battery setup and gas boilers.

1. Standard Electricity Tariff (No Solar/Battery):

• A typical 2–3-bedroom home using an ECA Arceus electric boiler (e.g., 12kW combi) for both heating and hot water may see annual electricity costs of £1,200 – £1,800, depending on usage habits, insulation, and tariff rates (based on approx. 25p - 30p/kWh).

• Compared to a gas boiler, this can be higher due to gas’s lower unit cost but there are no servicing, flue, or gas safety check requirements, reducing ongoing maintenance expenses. gas safety check requirements, reducing ongoing maintenance expenses.

2. With Solar PV and Battery Storage:

• When paired with a well sized solar and battery system, running costs can reduce significantly often by 40% to 60%, depending on solar production and battery storage capacity.

• For many households, this could mean heating and hot water costs as low as £600 – £1,000 per year.

• Our Arceus electric boiler is fully compatible with renewable systems and performs exceptionally well with smart controls to optimise usage during off-peak or surplus solar generation times.

3. Gas Boiler Comparison:

• A modern gas combi boiler in a similar sized home typically costs £900 – £1,300 annually to run at current gas prices. Current UK Gas energy prices (April-June 2025) unit rate 6.99 p/kWh and standing charge of 32.67 p/day (£119/year).

• However, electric boilers are 100% efficient at the point of use, and when combined with renewables, offer a zero carbon heating solution with long term savings potential as electricity becomes greener and cheaper.

4. Typical Annual Heating Demand for UK Households:

The UK Government’s SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) and Ofgem usage profiles provide the following reference points:

• Electric boilers like the ECA Arceus are 100% efficient at point of use, so energy input ≈ energy output.

• Gas boilers have typical seasonal efficiencies around 89–94%, meaning they require slightly more input energy for the same heat output.

• These figures assume average insulation and occupancy new builds, or well-insulated homes will be on the lower end, older properties on the higher end.