If you’re looking for ways to reduce your home expenses, choosing the cheapest option for heating can make a big difference. Heating accounts for about 29% of your utility bill, according to Energy Saver, the consumer resource on saving energy and using renewable energy technologies at home. One of the most cost-effective ways to heat your home is by using a boiler. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which type of boiler is the cheapest to run.
When considering the cheapest boiler to run, there are several factors to consider, including the size of your home, the type of fuel available in your area, and the efficiency of the boiler. Natural gas boilers are typically more cost-effective than electric boilers, and high-efficiency boilers can help reduce energy costs even further. While the initial cost of installing a high-efficiency boiler may be higher, the long-term savings can be significant.
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Understanding Boiler Efficiency
What is Boiler Efficiency?
Boiler efficiency is a measure of how effectively the boiler converts fuel into heat. It is expressed as a percentage and indicates the amount of useful heat generated per unit of fuel consumed. A more efficient boiler will require less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, resulting in lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions.
Factors Affecting Boiler Efficiency
There are several factors that affect the efficiency of a boiler, including:
- The age of the boiler: Older boilers tend to be less efficient than newer models, as they may not incorporate the latest technology.
- The type of fuel: Different fuels have different calorific values and combustion efficiencies. For example, natural gas is generally more efficient than oil.
- The size of the boiler: A boiler that is too small for the heating load will have to work harder to meet demand, reducing its efficiency.
- The design of the boiler: The design of the boiler can affect its efficiency, with some designs being more efficient than others.
- The maintenance of the boiler: Regular maintenance is essential to keep the boiler running efficiently. A poorly maintained boiler will be less efficient than a well-maintained one.
In addition to these factors, it is important to consider the efficiency rating of the boiler when purchasing a new one. Look for boilers with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, as this indicates that they are more efficient at converting fuel into heat.
Types of Boilers
When it comes to choosing a boiler for your home, there are several types available. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice you make will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. In this section, we will take a look at the three most common types of boilers: gas boilers, electric boilers, and oil boilers.
Gas Boilers
Gas boilers are the most common type of boiler in the UK. They are powered by natural gas and are highly efficient, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. One of the main advantages of gas boilers is that they are relatively cheap to run, especially compared to oil boilers. They are also easy to install, and there are many different models available to suit different needs and budgets.
Gas boilers work by burning natural gas to heat water, which is then circulated around your home via radiators or underfloor heating. They are available as combi boilers, system boilers, or conventional boilers, depending on your specific requirements.
Electric Boilers
Electric boilers are another option to consider. They are powered by electricity and do not require a gas supply, making them a good choice for homes that are not connected to the gas grid. Electric boilers are also highly efficient, and they are relatively easy to install.
One of the main disadvantages of electric boilers is that they can be expensive to run, especially if you use a lot of hot water. They are also less powerful than gas boilers, which means they may not be suitable for larger homes or properties with high hot water demand.
Oil Boilers
Oil boilers are powered by oil and are a good choice for homes that are not connected to the gas grid. They are also highly efficient and can be cheaper to run than electric boilers. However, one of the main disadvantages of oil boilers is that they require regular maintenance, which can be expensive.
Oil boilers work by burning oil to heat water, which is then circulated around your home via radiators or underfloor heating. They are available as combi boilers, system boilers, or conventional boilers, depending on your specific requirements.
Key Differences Between Electric vs Gas Boilers
If you’re in the market for a new boiler, you may be wondering whether to choose an electric or gas boiler. Here are the key differences between electric and gas boilers to help you make an informed decision.
Cost
One of the main differences between electric and gas boilers is the cost. While electric boilers are generally cheaper to purchase and install, gas boilers tend to be cheaper to run in the long term. This is because gas is usually cheaper than electricity, so you’ll save money on your energy bills.
Efficiency
When it comes to efficiency, electric boilers are generally more efficient than gas boilers. This is because electric boilers don’t lose heat through flues or chimneys, which means they waste less energy. Gas boilers, on the other hand, lose heat through flues and chimneys, which means they waste more energy.
Environmental Impact
Electric boilers are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than gas boilers. This is because electric boilers don’t produce any emissions, whereas gas boilers produce carbon monoxide and other pollutants.
Size and Installation
Electric boilers are generally smaller than gas boilers, which means they take up less space in your home. They’re also easier to install, as they don’t require a flue or chimney. Gas boilers, on the other hand, are usually larger and require a flue or chimney for ventilation.
Power Output
Gas boilers are generally more powerful than electric boilers, which means they’re better suited to larger homes with higher heating demands. Electric boilers are better suited to smaller homes with lower heating demands.
Boiler Running Costs
When it comes to choosing a boiler, one of the most important factors to consider is the running costs. Here, we’ll take a look at how to calculate these costs and the factors that can affect them.
Calculating Running Costs
The running costs of a boiler depend on several factors, including the type of fuel it uses, its efficiency rating, and how often it is used. To calculate the running costs, you need to know the following:
- The cost per unit of fuel (e.g. pence per kWh for electricity or pence per kWh for gas)
- The efficiency rating of the boiler (expressed as a percentage)
- The amount of fuel the boiler uses per hour (in kWh)
Once you have this information, you can use the following formula to calculate the hourly running cost:
Hourly running cost = fuel cost per unit x fuel consumption per hour x 100 / boiler efficiency rating
For example, if you have a gas boiler that uses 20 kWh of fuel per hour and has an efficiency rating of 90%, and gas costs 4p per kWh, the hourly running cost would be:
Hourly running cost = 4p x 20 kWh x 100 / 90 = 8.89p
Factors Affecting Running Costs
Several factors can affect the running costs of a boiler, including:
- The type of fuel used – some fuels are more expensive than others
- The efficiency rating of the boiler – a more efficient boiler will use less fuel and therefore cost less to run
- The age of the boiler – older boilers are generally less efficient and therefore more expensive to run
- The size of the property – larger properties require larger boilers, which can be more expensive to run
- The temperature you set the thermostat to – the higher the temperature, the more fuel the boiler will use
It’s important to consider all of these factors when choosing a boiler to ensure you get the most cost-effective option for your home.
Cheapest Boiler to Run
If you are looking for the cheapest boiler to run, there are several factors to consider. In this section, we will explore those factors and provide you with the top 5 cheapest boilers to run.
Factors to Consider
When choosing the cheapest boiler to run, there are several factors to consider:
- Fuel type: The type of fuel your boiler uses will have a significant impact on running costs. Natural gas is typically the cheapest fuel option.
- Boiler efficiency: The more efficient your boiler is, the less fuel it will use to heat your home.
- Boiler size: Choosing the right size boiler for your home is essential. A boiler that is too small will struggle to heat your home, while a boiler that is too large will waste energy.
- Installation costs: The cost of installation can vary significantly depending on the type of boiler you choose.
Top 5 Cheapest Boilers to Run
Based on the factors above, here are the top 5 cheapest boilers to run:
| Boiler | Fuel Type | Efficiency | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester Bosch Greenstar 30i | Natural Gas | 94% | £1,200 – £1,500 |
| Baxi 630 Combi | Natural Gas | 93% | £1,000 – £1,300 |
| Viessmann Vitodens 050-W | Natural Gas | 94% | £1,000 – £1,500 |
| Alpha E-Tec | Natural Gas | 93% | £900 – £1,200 |
| Intergas Compact HRE | Natural Gas | 89% | £1,000 – £1,300 |
These boilers are all highly efficient and use natural gas as their fuel source, making them the cheapest boilers to run. However, it is important to note that the cost of installation can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the installation and the location of your home.