As commercial buildings look for ways to reduce carbon emissions, electric boilers are proving to be a simple, familiar and practical low-carbon retrofit option. With straightforward installation, a compact footprint and compatibility with many existing heating systems, they can be an easy fit for a wide range of commercial buildings. Their familiar technology and straightforward system sizing also make them a good practical choice for heating engineers. Let’s take a look at why electric boilers are becoming so popular.

Simple & cost-effective to install

One of the main advantages of electric boilers is their straightforward and flexible installation. With no flue or gas supply needed, and only minimum ventilation required, electric boilers can be cost-effectively and simply installed almost anywhere inside a building, even on an inside wall. This makes them a particularly attractive option for specific building types where the installation of other heating products may be unsuitable. The range of outputs (9-259kW) and different build options (wall hung E Tech W or floor standing E Tech P) means that there is an option to meet all plant room layouts, heating load requirements and building types.

Space saving

Electric boilers can help to free up valuable floor space; for instance, E Tech P offers up to 259kW of heating from one single floor-standing unit and measures only 1495mm high and 542mm wide.  This can be particularly useful in busy city centre developments, where plant room space is often at a premium.

Some electric combi boilers can save even more space by providing heating and domestic hot water from a single unit, while a standard electric boiler can also be paired with a hot water cylinder to provide a low-carbon indirect DHW system. 

As electric boilers don't require external units, they can also help simplify planning considerations in conservation areas or projects where additional restrictions to the exterior of a building apply. 

Easy to integrate

Another key benefit of electric boilers is their ability to work with existing heating systems. In older commercial buildings, where systems might be designed for higher flow temperatures, electric boilers can often work with existing pipework and heat emitters. This can help reduce or eliminate the need for additional building modifications.

Quiet operation

With no combustion process or external fan units, electric boilers operate exceptionally quietly. As a result, they are well suited to commercial environments where noise levels might be a consideration, such as offices, hotels and healthcare facilities, as well as multi-residential sites, such as student accommodation and care homes.

Lower capital investment

Compared with many other low-carbon heating technologies, electric boilers typically have a lower upfront cost, which makes them a practical option for projects with tighter budgets or shorter payback periods. Additionally, as they can often be installed without major building works or extensive upgrades, overall project costs can also be reduced. However, operational costs must always be considered when assessing the lifetime investment cost. 

Low maintenance

Electric boilers also have fewer moving parts. This means fewer components need replacing compared to other heat generation products. Also, with no combustion processes, flues or external components exposed to the weather, servicing requirements are also typically straightforward.

Flexible hybrid heating 

Electric boilers can operate alongside heat pumps to create flexible hybrid heating systems. While the heat pump provides most of the building’s heating demand, an electric boiler can provide additional heat during periods of peak demand or when higher flow temperatures are required. A hybrid system containing gas will reduce emissions up to a point, whilst a fully electric-driven hybrid system is truly low emission. 

Supports low carbon heating strategies

With zero direct emissions at the point of use, electric boilers provide a practical option for replacing fossil fuel systems where gas is no longer preferred. This can help commercial buildings transition towards lower carbon heating solutions. They also offer an economical alternative to LPG or oil for off-grid locations.

Choosing the right solution

For many commercial buildings, electric boilers offer a combination of ease of installation, flexibility, reliability and lower upfront investment. Whether installed as a standalone solution or as part of a hybrid system, they can provide a practical and cost-effective way to support the transition towards lower carbon heating, while working within the constraints of existing buildings.

For more information on electric boilers, sign up to our CIBSE-approved CPD course here. Structured into easy-to-follow segments, the module examines the shift towards electrifying hot water and heating systems, highlights how electric boilers can provide a practical, efficient alternative in non-domestic settings and the role of electric boilers in hybrid and bi-valent systems.