Trystan Casey
Switching from a gas or oil boiler to an electric one can be a hassle, but it is possible. The process of decommissioning a gas boiler and removing pipes and radiators is time-consuming and costly. It involves hiring a qualified gas engineer to safely disconnect the gas supply and dismantle the unit. However, the installation of electric radiators is straightforward and only requires a connection to the mains. Electric boilers are more efficient, flexible, and environmentally friendly. They are also safer, with no risk of carbon monoxide leaks, and can be controlled individually, allowing for optimal heating in frequently used areas. The plumbing connections for electric boilers are similar to gas or oil boilers, but with fewer pipes as there is no fuel being pumped in. Electric boilers are also compact and require less space, making them ideal for smaller areas.
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What You'll Learn
Removing your old boiler system
Firstly, it is crucial to disconnect the boiler from its fuel source. For gas boilers, this involves capping off the gas line by hiring a qualified gas safe heating engineer to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Oil boilers, on the other hand, require the removal and safe disposal of the oil feed and the old oil tank. This process must be handled responsibly to avoid any environmental hazards.
The next step is to dismantle the boiler unit itself. This should be done carefully, following proper safety protocols to prevent any accidents or damage. It is highly recommended to hire a professional for this step to ensure that the unit is dismantled correctly and safely. Once the boiler is removed, you will also need to address the flue, which is used to vent combustion gases in gas and oil boiler systems. Removing the flue may leave holes in external walls or ceilings, which will need to be filled and repaired.
Additionally, if your boiler was installed after 2005, it is likely a condensing boiler with a condensation pipe running through the wall. This pipe transfers wastewater from the boiler to the sewerage system and will also need to be removed and capped off.
Before disposing of the old boiler system, make sure to check local regulations and disposal guidelines. Some components may need to be recycled or handled as hazardous waste. It is important to work with qualified professionals throughout the process to ensure that your old boiler system is removed safely and in compliance with all relevant regulations.
Overall, removing your old boiler system is a critical step in transitioning to an electric boiler, offering enhanced safety, efficiency, and environmental benefits.
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Disconnecting the gas supply
The gas safe engineer will safely disconnect the gas supply to your current boiler, which involves capping off the gas line to prevent any further gas flow to the unit. This step is crucial as it makes the system safe and prevents any potential gas-related accidents or leaks.
Once the gas supply is disconnected, the engineer will carefully dismantle the old gas boiler. This step may also involve removing the flue, which is a pipe used to vent combustion gases from the boiler to the outside. Depending on the boiler's location, removing the flue can leave holes in external walls or ceilings, which will need to be filled and repaired.
In some cases, there may also be a condensation pipe that needs to be addressed. Modern boilers, particularly those manufactured and installed after 2005, often have a condensation pipe that runs through the wall to the outside, transferring wastewater from the boiler to the sewer system. This pipe will also need to be safely disconnected and removed.
After the gas supply is disconnected and the old boiler is dismantled, the next step is to prepare the area for the installation of the new electric boiler. This includes ensuring that all necessary electrical connections are in place and that the area is safe and ready for the new boiler to be fitted.
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Installing a new electric boiler
Before installing a new electric boiler, the old gas or oil boiler must be removed safely. This process involves disconnecting the gas or oil supply and dismantling the unit, which should be done by a qualified professional to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Once the old boiler is removed, you can proceed with installing the new electric boiler.
Electric boilers have a similar plumbing design to gas or oil boilers, but with fewer pipes to connect since there is no fuel being pumped in. The plumbing connections involve a cold input (return) and a hot output (flow) to your plumbing system. If you're installing an electric combi boiler, there will also be flow and return connections for the domestic hot water plumbing circuit. Your plumber may need to modify the pipework near the boiler to fit all the connections.
When installing an electric boiler, ensure that all necessary electrical connections are in place. All supply circuits must have a suitably rated safety isolation switch near the boiler for maintenance purposes. A dedicated circuit provides power directly to the electric boiler and should have its own circuit breaker or MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) installed in the consumer unit. A qualified electrician should select and install a suitably sized cable by considering the maximum load of the boiler and installation conditions.
Finally, set up the heating controls by syncing the boiler with your existing thermostat or installing a new one. Modern electric boilers often feature smart controls, allowing remote management of your heating system. Some heaters even offer Wi-Fi connectivity, providing convenient control even when you're away from home.
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Setting up the heating controls
ThermoSphere V4 electric boilers, for example, require a call for heat wire (or switched live) to be connected to the °C terminal. The call for heat wire can be supplied from either a room stat or the wiring centre in an S-plan or Y-plan control circuit. These boilers also have a 3 Amp supply for the controls circuit consisting of a Live out, Neutral and Earth. These terminals are located next to the call for heat terminal.
ThermoSphere V2 and V3 electric boilers, on the other hand, require a pair of control wires to be connected to the control terminals. It is possible to connect your V3 ThermoSphere electric boiler to an S-Plan central heating and hot water system, just like a gas boiler.
Connecting the valves to the boiler ensures that the boiler will fire up if any of the valves are opened (heating required by the zone). There is no direct connection between the thermostats and the boiler in an S-Plan system. It all happens via the zone valves and the wiring centre. We recommend using a room thermostat with a control circuit to control your boiler and ensure your heating and hot water system runs as energy efficiently as possible.
The switch to electric heating will also provide you with the ability to control the heaters individually, which means you can turn the heating off in rooms that are not in use, while maintaining optimal heating in the most frequented areas of your home. Many electric heaters come with a programmable wireless thermostat to control the temperature in each room effectively. They can also be controlled using Wi-Fi, making the control accessible even when you’re away from home.
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Safety and environmental benefits
Electric boilers offer enhanced safety due to their comparatively simple design and the absence of fuel combustion. The removal of a gas or oil boiler eliminates the need for a flue to vent combustion gases, reducing the risk of hazardous emissions within the home. Electric boilers do not burn fuel to generate heat, significantly reducing the chances of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning, providing peace of mind for homeowners.
The plumbing connections on electric boilers are similar to gas or oil boilers, but with fewer pipes. Electric boilers do not require gas or oil pipes, flues, or condensate pipes, simplifying the installation process and reducing potential leak points.
In terms of environmental benefits, electric boilers are a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option. They produce no emissions at the point of use, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of your home and contributing to cleaner air. This aligns with modern energy standards and the journey towards reducing carbon emissions.
Additionally, electric boilers are highly efficient, often averaging 99-100% efficiency compared to gas boilers, which typically operate at around 93% efficiency. This increased efficiency can lead to lower heating bills, making electric boilers an economically wise choice.
Furthermore, electric boilers have a longer lifespan than gas boilers due to having fewer parts, resulting in reduced maintenance and replacement needs over time. This extended lifespan contributes to the overall sustainability and cost-effectiveness of electric boilers.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric boilers are highly efficient as they convert almost all the energy they use into heat, which can lead to lower heating bills. They are also safer as they do not burn fuel to generate heat, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and gas leaks. Electric boilers are also more environmentally friendly, especially when paired with renewable energy sources, and require less maintenance.
The process of decommissioning a gas boiler and removing pipes and radiators is time-consuming and expensive. It may also cost more to heat water using electricity over oil or gas. Additionally, in places like the US, a significant portion of electricity is generated by coal-burning power plants, which have disastrous effects on the planet.
First, hire a qualified professional to safely disconnect and dismantle your old boiler system. Then, install the new electric boiler, ensuring that all necessary electrical connections are in place. Finally, set up the heating controls by syncing the boiler with your existing thermostat or installing a new one.
Ensure that your electric boiler is installed by a qualified electrician who can select and install suitably sized cables to handle the electrical load. Additionally, consider pairing your electric boiler with renewable energy sources, such as solar hot water panels, to further reduce your environmental impact.
