Home Heating Upgrades: How To Choose Between Electric And Gas Boilers During Renovation
Thinking about renovating your kitchen or basement? While you’re at it, consider upgrading your boiler too. If your current heating system shows poor efficiency, breaks down frequently, or is more than 15 years old, it may be time to get a new one, especially if you have abnormally high energy bills. According to the Centre for Sustainable Energy, installing a new boiler could save you around £320 each year on heating bills as it’s more energy-efficient. Newer models are also more reliable, allowing you to save money on costly repairs. But should you get a gas boiler, or switch to an electric heating system for your home?
There are several factors that need to be considered before upgrading your heating solutions. To keep your home warm and cosy in the most efficient way, here’s what you need to know when choosing between an electric and gas boiler during a kitchen or basement remodel.
Gas Boiler for High-Demand Heating
If you live in a large home or a poorly insulated building and have multiple bathrooms in your property, then replacing your old gas boiler with a new one may be the best option. Gas boilers are ideal for high-demand heating since it enables you and your loved ones to use multiple water fixtures simultaneously, so one can enjoy a hot shower while another family member runs the dishwasher. Although gas prices are soaring these days, recent data indicates that it’s still cheaper to heat your home with a gas boiler if you live in the UK. As of April 2026, the average gas price is 5.74p per kWhwith an average standing charge of 29.09p per day, compared to electricity price which is 24.67p per kWh with an average standing charge of 57.21p per day.
On the downside, gas boilers, both old and new, contribute significantly to residential greenhouse gas emissions, which can hinder the country’s goal of becoming carbon neutral. However, new boilers are designed to function with 20 percent hydrogen blend gas, and this ensures that your new heating system won’t become obsolete once the UK switches to greener gases. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have the unit serviced every year since gas boilers pose a risk of carbon monoxide leaks if not properly maintained. With nearly 75 percent of UK homes using gas boilers, finding aprofessional heating engineer to perform boiler installation and maintenance is easy, so call an expert to do the installation before starting your kitchen or basement renovation.
Electric Boiler for Eco-Friendly Heating
If you’re looking to reduce your household’s carbon footprint, then an electric boiler could be the right choice. This heating solution is ideal for smaller homes, apartments, or houses that are not connected to the main gas grid, and it’s extremely efficient since it converts all electricity into heat. It’s also simpler and cheaper to install since it doesn’t require a flue or a gas connection. What’s more, electric boilers have a compact, modern design, and smaller units can even be mounted on the wall or hidden inside a kitchen cupboard. Another advantage is that they operate much more quietly than gas boilers, and they produce zero emissions. This makes them an eco-friendly choice, especially if you combine them with a renewable energy source like solar panels.
As for the key cons of an electric boiler, it’s important to note that it has limited capacity, so this type of heating system may not be suitable for large homes. You may also need to install a three-phase power supply to handle the added electricity load, and this can cost anywhere between £3,500 to £15,000, depending on the size of your home. Compared to a gas boiler though, it’s clear that an electric boiler is the safer and more sustainable option. If the power supply price and electricity costs are making you think twice about this heating solution, note that these may be offset by lower maintenance requirements, and having an electric boiler may eveb help you avoid future penalties as environmental regulations become stricter over time.
The right heating system should provide consistent, efficient warmth to keep your home cosy and comfortable. Whether you choose to have an electric or gas boiler, make sure to call a professional to install it for you. Have the installation done before the plastering and painting process of your renovation to avoid damaging new finishes, and save you money and time on your home refresh.
