Are you tired of worrying about gas leaks or inefficient heating? You aren’t alone. As homeowners across the UK look for cleaner, greener heating solutions, electric combi boilers are becoming a popular choice. However, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is always: How much is an electric combi boiler installation going to cost me?
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what goes into the price, helping you budget confidently for your upgrade. From unit prices to labour costs, we’ll cover everything you need to know about switching to electric.
What is an Electric Combi Boiler?
Before we dive into the costs, it’s worth understanding exactly what you’re paying for. An electric combination (combi) boiler works very similarly to a gas combi boiler, but with one key difference: it uses electricity rather than gas to heat your water and radiators.
Because they don’t burn fuel, they are 99-100% efficient. There is no waste pipe, no flue, and crucially, no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. For many of our customers in Birmingham and West Bridgford, this peace of mind is invaluable.
Average Electric Combi Boiler Installation Costs
Let’s get straight to the numbers. The cost of installing an electric combi boiler generally falls into two categories: the cost of the unit itself and the cost of the labour/installation materials.
On average, you can expect to pay between £1,500 and £4,500 for a complete installation. Here is how that breaks down:
- The Boiler Unit: Prices for the boiler itself range from £900 to £2,500, depending on the brand, output (kW), and warranty.
- Installation Labour: A straightforward swap might cost between £600 and £1,500. If you are switching from gas to electric, this may be higher as the gas supply needs to be capped and new cabling installed.
Note: These are estimates. For an accurate price tailored to your specific home, we always recommend getting a professional quote.
Factors That Influence the Price
Why is there such a big range in price? Several factors will dictate the final figure on your invoice.
1. Boiler Output (kW)
Just like gas boilers, electric boilers come in different power outputs. A small flat might only need a 6kW or 9kW boiler, while a larger family home might require 12kW or 14kW. Naturally, more powerful units cost more to buy.
2. Complexity of Installation
If you are simply replacing an old electric boiler with a new one, the job is relatively quick. However, if you are removing a gas boiler, we need to:
- Safely cap off the gas supply.
- Remove the old flue and brick up the hole.
- Run heavy-duty electrical cabling to the new boiler location.
This additional work takes time and materials, which influences the installation cost.
3. Fuse Box Upgrades
Electric boilers draw a lot of power. We often need to assess your consumer unit (fuse box) to ensure it can handle the load. In some older properties, this might require an upgrade or a new dedicated circuit, which will be an additional cost.
Why Choose an Electric Combi Boiler?
While electricity can be more expensive per unit than gas, the installation and maintenance savings often balance the books.
- Cheaper Installation: Because there is no flue or gas pipework required, installation is often faster and cheaper than fitting a new gas system.
- Lower Maintenance: With fewer moving parts and no combustion, electric boilers are less prone to breaking down.
- No Annual Gas Safety Check: While we recommend regular check-ups, you aren’t legally required to have a gas safety certificate for an electric boiler (though landlords still have electrical safety obligations).
- Silent Operation: Electric boilers are virtually silent, making them perfect for flats or installation inside kitchen cupboards.
Running Costs: The Elephant in the Room
It is important to be transparent: electricity currently costs more per unit than gas. However, because electric boilers are 100% efficient (compared to 89-93% for gas), you waste zero energy.
To keep running costs down, many of our customers pair their electric boiler with:
- Solar panels (PV) to generate free electricity.
- Smart thermostats like Nest or Hive to optimise heating schedules.
- Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs to heat water during cheaper off-peak hours.
Is an Electric Boiler Right for Your Home?
Electric combi boilers are an ideal solution for:
- Properties with no mains gas supply.
- Smaller homes and flats where space is at a premium.
- Homeowners looking to lower their carbon footprint.
- Landlords who want to eliminate the risk of gas leaks.
If you have a large 4-5 bedroom home with high hot water demand, a standalone electric combi might struggle to keep up without a hot water storage cylinder. In these cases, we can advise on system boilers or alternative setups.
Trust the Experts at Celmeng Plumbing and Heating
Choosing the right heating system is a big decision, and you shouldn’t have to make it alone. At Celmeng Plumbing and Heating, we have over 25 years of experience helping homeowners in Birmingham and West Bridgford stay warm. We don’t just install boilers; we help you find the most efficient solution for your specific needs.
Ready to see how much an electric boiler installation would cost for your home?
Get a Free Quote Today or call our friendly team on 0121 608 0460 to arrange a survey.
