Electric vs Gas Boiler

[Buckers]

A subject that's probably been done to death, but a specific question I can't seem to find an answer to:

Putting running costs to one side, is there any noticeable different in heat up times for an unvented cylinder (let's assume an indirect megaflo) between gas and electric system boilers? Assuming two "top end" domestic products.

Thank you

 

[Chalked]

Yes.
High output coil, from boiler will heat far quicker than immersion.
Plus will cost 1/3 of electric to do the same thing.

 

[Buckers]

Just so I understand, when you say immersion do you mean the little backup gadget that's stuck in the side of most cylinders, or do you mean a "proper" electric boiler like this:

EHC Fusion Comet 24KW Electric System Boiler - 3 Phase | Electric Boilers

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Depends are you planning if you go down the elec route running any rads off the system?

 

[Buckers]

Yes, I currently have 8 radiators. That said, I am having a loft conversion done so not only will there be lots of insulation in the roof, I am also going through the rest of the house and making a lot of improvements. I therefore don't envisage having them on that often or for very long.

I have recently replaced the gas hob for induction and I'm wondering if it's feasible to get rid of gas entirely (currently planning to get rid of the gas combi with 15mm service pipe for 32mm pipe and megaflo or similar so need to choose a boiler).

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Right that's fine have a look at ehc for elec heat only boilers

One thing that elec has going for it is it's more efficient at heating the water up

The down side is the cost per kw

Just a thought maybe have a word with your elec supply and maybe they could install an off peak meter (cheaper elec through the night) and use this to heat your water

But your still going to be paying more in the long run unless you go into things like solar which will sorta balance things out ish

 

[Buckers]

I'm not too concerned about the running costs (assuming they are not more than double the cost of gas). I'm attracted to the simplicity of electric only, plus I just don't "like" gas, not that that makes much sense to most people!

When you say "heat only" boilers, what does that mean exactly? Will they still run the 8 existing wet radiators and heat the unvented cylinder?

 

[snowhead]

Re the O/P
The answer is No, no noticeable difference providing you're matching the Gas kw with Electric kw.

The biggest problem is the electrical supply.
You'll need to check if 3 phase is available to your property, unless you already have it?

You wont get a good output electric boiler running of a standard single phase domestic supply.

P.S Heat only = Not a combi

 

[Buckers]

Snowhead, I wasn't aware of that to be fair...although I am about to have the house re-wired so I would have to check. Currently there's just (I'm assuming) a standard supply (it's 80A). Do you know the highest output available without 3 phase?

 

[Buckers]

I'm seeing around 15kw., which is presumably going to take a while to heat a 200 litre megaflo....I'll almost certainly be sticking with gas by the looks of it!

Thanks for the info everyone.

 

[Chalked]

Kw for kw. Electric is 3x the cost

 

[king of pipes]

Your most important consideration is how much is this type of system going to cost to run i would contact your energy provider for a expected anual cost i.e ecomomy 12 , economy 18 it gives you cheaper rate electricity within those hours , in my experience it has always been more expensive even on a low rate tariff if you are not on the gas network, dont dissmiss a form of renewables do your homework before committing. Cheers kop