Key Takeaways
- Electric boilers cost $1,500–$6,500 installed but have higher monthly operating costs than gas boilers.
- These are best for small homes under 1,500 square feet or properties without gas access.
- They require professional installation and usually need dedicated 240-volt electrical circuits.
The price to install a new electric boiler ranges from $1,500 to $6,500, depending on factors such as home size and job complexity. This price covers both equipment and professional installation, positioning electric boilers as a middle-tier heating system choice. Rather than burning fossil fuels like traditional gas boilers or oil units, electric boilers heat water through heating elements that circulate warmth throughout your home’s radiators or hydronic heating systems.
Electric boilers shine with near-perfect energy efficiency — they convert almost every bit of electricity into heat, while gas heating units waste energy through venting. Smaller homes and properties lacking natural gas connections benefit most from this electric system. Homes under 1,500 square feet, or properties where gas line installation would cost you thousands, make ideal candidates. Homeowners seeking compact, silent central heating without flue systems or outdoor venting also find electric boilers appealing.
The downside of electric boilers is the U.S. average electricity rate of 17 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). This makes electric boilers pricier to run than gas heating in most areas. Monthly heating bills range from $100 to $200, based on the 600–1,200 kWh of energy it takes to heat the average home during winter months with an electric boiler.
This guide breaks down the cost of electric boilers, including installation costs, monthly bills, and boiler replacement cost factors, to help you determine whether electric heating suits your situation and budget.
Unless otherwise noted, costs in this article are sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi and HomeAdvisor.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Average Electric Boiler Costs
Electric boiler installation pricing ranges from $1,500 to $6,500, with an average cost of $4,000. Cost differences reflect home dimensions, required heating output, and job complexity. Compact 6 kW units for 600-square-foot homes run about $2,500 installed, while powerful 15 kW models for larger homes can cost $7,000 or more.
The electric boiler itself ranges from $1,200 to $5,500. Add another $300–$1,000+ for professional installation, depending on your home’s electrical setup. You’ll have to pay around $700 more to have your boiler installed if you don’t already have adequate plumbing. HVAC contractors typically charge between $75 and $125 per hour, depending on your area.
The table below shows the average costs of electric boilers (including labor) based on home size and boiler size. The pricing information is from retailers eComfort and AC Wholesalers.
| Home Size (Sq. Ft.) | Electric Boiler Size (kW) | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|---|
| 600–1,000 | 6–9 | $1,500–$4,000 |
| 1,000–1,500 | 9–12 | $4,000–$5,000 |
| 1,500–2,000 | 12–15 | $5,000–$6,500 |
Electric boilers cost less upfront than traditional gas boilers due to their straightforward installation. They have no venting, gas piping, or combustion equipment (fewer things to manufacture and install). Gas or propane boilers cost between $3,700 and $10,000, oil boilers cost between $4,800 and $6,700, and wood boilers cost between $6,000 and $20,000 to install.
However, steep operating costs make electric units practical only for smaller homes in mild climates. Swapping out an existing boiler in the same spot keeps expenses minimal. Moving the unit or starting fresh drives up costs through extra plumbing and electrical modifications.
For residential use, electric boilers typically top out at 15 kW, offering less heating capacity than gas units, which can reach 40 kW or more. For reference, a 15 kW system can work in homes up to 2,000 square feet in size, assuming the home is tightly sealed.
What Affects the Cost of an Electric Boiler?
Multiple factors influence final installation pricing. Understanding these variables prevents budget surprises and enables accurate planning.
System Size (kW)
Power output affects both equipment price and installation difficulty. Post-1990 homes need approximately 1.5 kW per radiator. Six radiators in a 1,000-square-foot house call for 9 kW capacity, while homes with 10–12 radiators need 15 kW units. Standard single-phase 230-volt electrical service requires enough amps for boilers up to 12 kW. Beyond that, you’ll need three-phase 400-volt power, a costly upgrade.
Bigger boilers mean bigger price tags. A 6 kW model costs approximately $2,000, while a 15 kW version costs around $4,500 before installation. Electrical requirements grow alongside capacity. Smaller units often work with current panels, but larger models frequently require expensive upgrades.
Home Heating Load
Actual heating requirements extend beyond square footage calculations. Climate zones create significant differences — cold regions require 40–60 British thermal units (BTUs) per square foot, whereas moderate areas require 30–40 BTUs. A poorly insulated 1,500-square-foot Minnesota home might need 15 kW capacity, while a same-size house in North Carolina could need only 9 kW.
Insulation quality, window efficiency, and ceiling height affect heating loads. Older homes with single-pane windows and poor insulation need considerably more capacity. Improving insulation before boiler sizing often allows for smaller, less expensive units to be installed.
Installation Complexity
Electric boilers require dedicated circuits and installation by a licensed electrician. Straightforward replacements cost less, but relocating equipment or upgrading your electrical panel adds thousands. Gas-to-electric conversions include gas line disconnection fees plus new electrical work.
Panel upgrades range from $800 to $4,000 based on your current infrastructure. Older 100-amp panels typically need 200-amp upgrades. The distance between panels and boiler locations affects wiring costs — longer runs increase installation expenses.
Radiators or Underfloor Heating
Electric boilers can be integrated with existing radiators without requiring system-wide replacements, unlike heat pump systems. However, new heating distribution systems increase costs quickly. Radiator installations run $100–$2,500 per unit, with radiant floor heating costing $4–$25 per square foot.
Existing plumbing may require modifications to ensure proper boiler connections. Electric units share similar water connections with gas boilers, although pipe routing sometimes requires adjustments that can increase labor costs.
How Much Does It Cost To Run an Electric Boiler?
Monthly operating costs for electric boilers can come as a shock if you’re accustomed to gas heating bills. Electric boilers consume approximately 10 kWh per hour when running, and a five- to seven-month heating season can result in substantial energy costs.
A 6 kW boiler running six hours daily uses 1,080 kWh monthly (6 kW × 6 hours × 30 days). At the national average electricity cost of 17 cents per kWh, heating alone could cost $184 monthly. Larger 12 kW systems in cold climates running eight to 10 hours daily push energy costs to $500–$600 during peak winter.
Local electricity rates result in significant cost variations. For example, Montana has monthly electricity rates of 12 cents per kWh, while Alaska has rates of 26 cents. Hawaii and California, with rates of over 30 cents, make electric heating prohibitively expensive.
Smart strategies reduce energy use and running costs. Time-of-use utility rates offer cheaper nighttime electricity, which is ideal for thermal mass heating, such as concrete floors (they can retain heat for several hours). Solar panel integration can cut your daytime operating costs. Improved insulation reduces runtime hours, directly lowering electricity bills.
Compare current heating expenses before switching. Natural gas costs of $80 per month mean your electric bills will likely double or triple if you switch from gas to electricity.
Pros and Cons of Electric Boilers
Electric boilers present clear trade-offs versus gas alternatives. You should weigh the installation savings against their operating costs, along with your home’s heating needs and your local utility rates.
Pros
- Near-perfect energy efficiency: Electric units convert 99%–100% of electricity to heat, compared to a gas boiler’s 90%–95% efficiency.
- Reduced installation costs: You don’t need to install any gas lines, flue systems, or combustion components.
- Zero emissions and lower safety risks: Electric boilers eliminate carbon monoxide dangers and produce no on-site pollution.
- Quiet, space-saving design: These feature silent operation without moving parts, and fit in compact spaces like kitchen cabinets.
- No fuel management: You’ll never have to rely on propane/oil deliveries and storage tanks or worry about supply interruptions.
- Longer equipment life: They last for 15–25 years, compared to 10–15 years for gas units, due to their simpler construction.
Cons
- High operating costs: Electricity can cost three to four times more per heat unit than gas, resulting in steep utility bills.
- Limited home compatibility: These are best suited for small, well-insulated properties due to operating expenses.
- Electrical upgrades often required: Most units need dedicated 240-volt circuits and adequate panel capacity.
- Fewer rebate opportunities: Utility programs typically favor gas appliances or heat pumps over electric resistance.
- Slower heating response: Gas units heat water faster through higher output and direct combustion.
Next Steps
Electric boilers offer energy efficiency and low maintenance, but they carry steep operating costs in most regions. Compare your local electricity rates with current fuel expenses before deciding. If your natural gas bills are currently around $120, then your electric costs would likely be double or even triple for an electric boiler system.
Get quotes from HVAC contractors who can properly size equipment for your home. Professional heat loss calculations often reveal oversize existing boilers, allowing smaller replacement units. Verify that your electrical panel and wiring are capable of handling the 240-volt requirement for an electric boiler.
You should also prioritize energy efficiency improvements like insulation before new heating system installation. Better insulation can dramatically reduce the boiler capacity you need, cutting equipment and energy costs. Solar panel integration makes electric boilers much more attractive by offsetting heating expenses during sunny periods.
FAQs About Electric Boiler Cost
Are electric boilers expensive to run?
Electric boilers cost about two to three times more to run than gas heating units. This is because electricity costs more per BTU than natural gas. For example, your monthly heating bills may range from $150 to $400 for electricity, compared to $80 to $150 for gas heating in identical homes.
Your actual costs depend on local electricity rates, home size, and insulation quality. Homeowners in areas with cheap electricity or those using expensive propane can find electric boilers to be a competitive option. If your current oil or propane bills exceed $300 monthly, an electric system could potentially save you money while providing cleaner, quieter operation.
What size electric boiler do I need?
Most homes require a 1.5 kW capacity per radiator, so homes with eight radiators need a 12 kW electric boiler. This guideline applies to newer, well-insulated homes. Older construction or a very cold climate requires more capacity.
Actual heating loads depend on your home’s insulation quality, window types, ceiling height, and your climate zone. Professional heat loss calculations will provide you with accurate sizing, rather than relying on square footage estimates.
How long do electric boilers last?
Electric boilers typically operate for 15–25 years, outlasting gas heating units due to their fewer moving parts and lack of combustion wear. Since you’re not burning fossil fuels, this eliminates corrosion from combustion byproducts and thermal cycling stress that affects gas heating equipment.
Electric boiler maintenance involves checking electrical connections and descaling areas affected by hard water. Most manufacturers offer warranties ranging from five to 10 years, with minimal repair needs throughout the equipment’s lifespan.
Can I install an electric boiler myself?
No. Electric boiler installation requires licensed professionals due to the complexity of both electrical and plumbing systems. Licensed electricians must handle dedicated 240-volt circuits and proper grounding. Plumbers manage hot water connections and heating system integration.
DIY installation could void your warranty and violate building codes. Professional installation typically takes one to two days and ensures safe and efficient operation. Installation cost savings don’t justify the safety risks and code violations.
Is it cheaper to heat with gas or electricity?
Gas heating costs significantly less across most U.S. markets. Natural gas costs 30%–50% less per heat unit, despite electric boilers’ higher energy efficiency. Electricity becomes competitive in low-rate areas or where gas prices are high.
Propane or heating oil users may find electric heating more cost-effective on a monthly basis. You should compare local utility rates, heating requirements, and fuel availability rather than national averages.
