The type of boiler you have in your home can make a big difference in your family’s well-being and in your heating bills, so it is essential to make the right decision when choosing the boiler to install.
Electric boilers are a valid alternative to the more conventional gas or diesel combustion models. If natural gas is not an option for your home because it does not reach the distribution network, you do not have to worry since an electric boiler will also keep your home warm. Electric boilers also have their advantages: we tell you about them here!
How does an electric boiler work?
Like all boilers, an electric boiler heats the water, sent to a network of hot water radiators or an underfloor heating installation. The difference between an electric boiler’s heat production and one of another type is that the electric one does not use fuel (wood, gas, diesel) but electricity.
Types of electric boilers for homes
The supply of electricity with adequate power is essential when deciding to install electric water boilers in the home.
When buying and installing an electric boiler in your home, it is essential to know the different electric boiler types available on the market. Choosing one or the other will depend on the use, the type of heating available at home, and the budget. Thus, there are electric boilers for heating and hot water radiators, with sanitary water included, or electric boilers for underfloor heating.
Also, electric boilers‘ fundamental classification attends to the current necessary to put them into operation, thus distinguishing between single-phase and three-phase electric heating boilers. Differences in current, together with factors such as the home’s size, the height of ceilings, or outside temperature, will influence consumption and your electricity bill.
So, is a single-phase electric boiler or a three-phase boiler better? Are there mixed electric boilers?
Everything will depend on the type of electrical installation you have in your home, as well as the maximum power contracted.
In any case, the best way to answer these questions is to have the advice of one of our technical installers, but below you will find the differences between both types of electric boiler.
Single-phase electric boiler
A single-phase electric boiler only has an alternating voltage; that is, its circuit only works with two wires, and the current that circulates between them is always the same. They work in houses with single-phase electrical installations, which are the most common.
In this type of single-phase, installation the powers and voltages are between 220-230 volts, and it is the most suitable for domestic use.
Three-phase electric boiler
A three-phase electric boiler can only work when there is a contracted three-phase electric current in the home. Three different alternating currents divide the installation into other parts, reaching a constant power to each of them.
The maximum powers are usually in the 400 volts, and they are suitable installations for companies and industries, although many old houses still have it.
Three-phase current requires high electrification and is usually installed in homes with more than 160 square meters built.
Advantages of electric boilers
A significant advantage of having an electric boiler to heat our home is that it does not release gases into the atmosphere, so it does not require a smoke outlet, and it is small and compact enough to be stored in a kitchen cupboard. The boiler’s size to install in your home will depend on its needs, whether it is only for hot water or water and heating. Also, the installation is straightforward and has no CO2 emissions.
Another of the most outstanding advantages of electric heating boilers is their performance. According to the studies that have been carried out to date, this yield is around 95%. This optimal performance in the mechanism of an electric boiler is mainly due to the thermostat.
What is the consumption of electric boilers?
Electric boilers are appliances that require electrical power more significantly than most other devices found in a house.
In homes where an electric one replaces a gas boiler, the power term increase must be considered since this type of appliance is permanently connected to the electrical network and requires a higher power for its correct operation.
Otherwise, the switch controlling the power (ICP) will trip. It will be necessary to present an electrical bulletin in which the energy that we want to order or a higher one appears. It may not be older than 20 years.
We can advise you when choosing the electric boiler that best suits your circumstances. Also, we have an installation system not to have any problems when starting the boiler.
Is it a good option?
A boiler is a system that can generate heat and is used for heating water and as a heating system. Today the electric boiler has become popular compared to the traditional gas ones. But are they a suitable option? The electric boiler is characterized by using electricity as a form of supply. In other words, through the current, it generates heat and becomes both a heating system and a water heating system. By using electric boilers for homes, we ensure that all energy costs are included in electricity consumption.