20/10/2021

Running Cost of the Electric Boiler Explained

Grasping the running costs of an electric boiler can be as tricky as planning a budget-friendly holiday. It’s not just about looking at the big picture; you have to zoom in on the details to truly understand where your money goes each month. At Electric Combi Boilers Company, we strip away the complexity to deliver straightforward, easy-to-understand information that helps you manage your heating expenses more effectively.

An electric boiler’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness hinge on various factors, including its size, the insulation of your home, your family’s heating needs, your local climate and the big factor being the electricity tariff.

Central Heating:

Heating is of the same output for all 12kW EK.C, EK.BPL and EK.BPC boilers. The boiler is capable of heating up to 14-16 radiators.

Maximum spend in 1 hour is 12kW. (Running cost @ full capacity – £0.15p per kWh x 12kW = £1.80 per hour)

However, the boiler will not run flat out at 12kW on heating.

When you start the heating, the boiler will use 6kW to build up temperature, once the left-hand temperature on the boiler screen reached 30C, the pump will start the heating circulation.

When the temperature is close to and reached the set temperature on the boiler, it will start modulating from 12kW to 0kW.

On average the boiler will run at 2kW or 4kW per hour on heating. (Subject to heat loss factor & number of radiators)

(This depends on various factors like, number of radiators, insulation at the property, heat loss, programmed room thermostat, others)

Therefore, the running cost per hour will be around £0.30p – £0.60p per hour. (Heating) (Unit rate @ 0.15p per kWh)

*Please note: The unit rate of electricity for the study is an example. Kindly check with your energy supplier to find out your tarrif.

Hot water:

The difference in the performance is on the hot water side between EK.C and EK.BPL or EK.BPC boilers.

The only difference between the Elektra C and Elektra BPL or BPC model is the in-built tank (Elektra BPL or BPC only).

Elektra BPL or BPC holds 37.5 Litres in the tank at 65C maximum. This boiler runs in 2 modes on the hot water side: Eco or Comfort.

Eco mode: The boiler uses 2kW to heat the tank water and once the tank water is cold you will have to wait for the water to heat up, which will take 30-45 minutes to reach 65C. The tank water will run for 6-8 minutes shower.

Comfort mode: The boiler uses 2kW to heat the tank and 12kW during the use of hot water. This mode gives you continuous running of hot water.

Elektra C has no storage tank on the hot water side and gives you instantaneous hot water at 45C-55C. The boiler runs at 12kW when the hot water is in use.

Heating & Hot water efficiency:
Elektra by Fiamma is the first and only boiler in the UK & Europe with A rating for both heating & hot water.

How Much Electricity Does an Electric Combi Boiler Use?

The amount of electricity your boiler consumes hinges on several factors, such as size, heating requirements, and insulation. An average electric combi boiler typically uses about 2-6 kilowatts per hour to heat a medium-sized home. This translates to roughly 24-72 kilowatt-hours for a 12-hour day of heating during the colder months.

Let’s break it down with some math. With the average cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour at around 30 pence, operating your boiler could cost about £7.20-£21.60 for a full day. Over a month, assuming daily use, the cost sits around £216-£648. However, this is a high-end estimate, and your costs might be lower with efficient usage and good home insulation.

What is the Optimal Temperature Setting for an Electric Boiler to Maximise Energy Efficiency?

Finding the sweet spot for your boiler’s temperature setting is a bit like finding the perfect temperature for your morning cuppa – not too hot, not too cold, just right. Setting your boiler around 65 to 70 degrees Celsius is generally considered efficient for both your comfort and your wallet.

Why this range? Well setting the temperature higher than necessary can lead to unnecessary energy consumption, much like boiling a full kettle for a single tea bag. On the flip side, setting it too low might not meet your heating needs, prompting your system to work harder and use more energy, which is as counterproductive as a chocolate teapot.

Conclusion

Navigating the costs and settings of your electric combi boiler doesn’t have to be a complex affair. It’s about making informed decisions, understanding your household needs, and adjusting settings to suit your lifestyle. Think of your electric boiler as a team player in your home’s energy squad, working efficiently behind the scenes to keep you cosy.

Remember, a stitch in time saves nine. Regular maintenance and sensible settings can significantly reduce your electric bills and environmental impact. So, while the initial figures might seem a bit steep, the long-term savings and benefits of an electric boiler are well worth considering. Keep these tips in mind, and your boiler will not just be a heating element but a wise investment in your sustainable living strategy.