[Rp61973]

Electric boilers are (in some respects) better than ASHPs because:

1. They are cheaper to buy and install and are compatible with the existing heating layout and controls.
2. They are cheaper to service.
3. They are 100% efficient.
4. They do not struggle to meet the hot water and heating demand when the external temperature drops.
5. They are not noisy like ASHPs.

But the problem is, on a comparable with a traditional boiler they are extremely expensive to operate given that the unit rate cost of electric (p/kWh) is around 5-6 times more expensive than that of gas. ASHPs have a better coefficient of performance than gas and electric boilers and therefore CO2 emissions are reduced significantly.

If the country could produce electricity cheaper with a much lower carbon footprint then electric boilers would be the answer. As it is they are suitable only for flats and bedsits.