With gas prices fluctuating and pressure to reduce carbon emissions growing, is an electric boiler the right fit for a commercial setting?
Here is an honest, straightforward look at what electric boilers offer businesses, where they fall short, and what you should consider before making the switch.
How Do Electric Boilers Work?
Unlike gas boilers, electric boilers do not burn fuel to generate heat. Instead, they use electrical elements to heat water, which is then circulated through your heating system as normal. There is no flue, no gas supply needed, and no combustion taking place.
This simplicity is one of their biggest selling points.
What Are the Benefits of Electric Boilers for Commercial Use?
Electric boilers have some genuine advantages, particularly for certain types of business premises.
No gas connection required: Ideal for buildings that are off the gas grid or where installing a gas supply would be costly
Compact and quiet: They take up less space than gas boilers and run silently
Lower upfront installation cost: No flue or gas pipework means simpler installation
Virtually 100% efficient: Almost all the electricity used is converted directly into heat, with no flue losses
Lower maintenance demands: Fewer moving parts and no annual Gas Safe inspection required
Reduced carbon footprint: As the UK electricity grid becomes greener, electric heating becomes cleaner by default
For smaller commercial premises such as offices, studios, or retail units with modest heating demands, these benefits can add up to a genuinely attractive option.
If you would like to understand what system might suit your building, get in touch with the ROMA Heating team and we can talk it through with you.
What Are the Drawbacks?
The biggest practical concern for most businesses is running cost. Electricity currently costs significantly more per unit than gas in the UK. For a large premises with heavy heating demands, this difference adds up quickly over a year.
Running costs: Electricity costs significantly more per kWh than gas in the UK, making electric boilers more expensive to run day to day, particularly in larger premises
Output capacity: Electric boilers are better suited to smaller premises and can struggle to meet the demands of larger commercial buildings
Heating speed: They are slower to heat large spaces compared to gas boilers, which can be an issue for buildings that need to warm up quickly
Grid dependency: Electric boilers are entirely reliant on your electricity supply, whereas gas boilers operate independently of the grid
Carbon emissions: Currently, emissions depend on the makeup of the national grid. Gas boilers produce direct CO2 from combustion, but electric boilers are only as clean as the electricity powering them
| Factor | Electric Boiler | Gas Boiler |
|---|---|---|
| Running costs | Higher (electricity is more expensive per kWh than gas) | Lower day-to-day cost |
| Output capacity | Better suited to smaller premises | Can handle large, high-demand buildings |
| Heating speed | Slower to heat large spaces | Faster heat output at scale |
| Grid dependency | Fully reliant on electricity supply | Independent of electricity |
| Carbon emissions | Depends on grid mix | Direct CO2 emissions from combustion |
Are Electric Boilers Suitable for All Business Types?
Not always. The honest answer is that it depends on the size of your premises and your heating load.
Electric boilers tend to work well for:
Small offices or co-working spaces
Retail units and salons
Studios, workshops, or outbuildings
Premises with no existing gas supply
They are less well suited to:
Large commercial buildings with high hot water demand
Industrial units or warehouses
Businesses running commercial catering equipment alongside heating
Premises where heating needs to recover quickly after being off overnight
If your business falls into the second category, a commercial gas boiler or an alternative like a heat pump may serve you better. Our team can help you assess which option makes the most sense for your specific setup.
What About the Future? Are Electric Boilers a Safer Long-Term Investment?
This is where things get more interesting. The UK government has set targets to decarbonise heating over the coming decades. Gas boilers are not being banned outright, but the direction of travel is clear. New gas boiler installations in new-build commercial properties are already being phased out.
Electric boilers do not produce direct carbon emissions. As the national grid continues to shift towards renewable energy sources, the carbon footprint of electric heating will continue to fall without you needing to change anything.
For businesses with sustainability goals or those looking to future-proof their premises, this matters.
How Much Do Commercial Electric Boilers Cost?
Costs vary depending on the size of the unit and the complexity of installation. As a rough guide:
Smaller commercial electric boilers typically start from around £1,500 to £3,000 for the unit
Installation is generally lower cost than gas due to the absence of flue and gas pipework
Running costs will depend heavily on your electricity tariff and usage
It is worth getting a proper assessment rather than relying on rough figures. Every building is different. Fill out our online enquiry form and one of our engineers can give you an accurate picture for your premises.
You can also explore our finance options if upfront costs are a concern.
Is It Worth Making the Switch?
If your business is in a smaller premises, off the gas grid, or has a strong focus on sustainability, an electric boiler is well worth serious consideration. The lower maintenance requirements and simpler installation can offset the higher running costs for the right type of building.
For larger commercial premises with high heating demands, the running costs are likely to make gas or alternative low-carbon options more practical for now.
The key is getting advice based on your actual building and usage, not a one-size-fits-all answer. ROMA Heating has over 30 years of experience working with commercial clients across Milton Keynes and the surrounding area. We install, service, and repair commercial heating systems of all types. Take a look at our commercial heating services to see how we can help.
