The electric boiler is a relatively new addition to the world of heat.

Compact, quiet and economical, they are increasingly being used to replace home hot water tanks and are also being used as the heat source for radiant, in-floor heating systems.

Where Are Electric Boilers Being Used?

Electric boilers are becoming very popular in rural areas and, in particular, in new urban housing developments where environmental concerns are important. In British Columbia, low hydro-electricity rates and concern for the environment are factors that are responsible for more and more urban developments being built with an electric boiler in them.

How Are They Being Used?

Residential boilers provide either hot water or steam which can be distributed via baseboard radiators or radiant floor systems to heat homes. Typically generating between 10,000 and 40,000 btu/hour, boiler efficiency

Newer boilers achieve much higher efficiency ratings than earlier models and electric boilers have no flue loss through a chimney. The AFUE rating for an all-electric, high efficiency boiler is a perfect 100% for indoor installations. For units installed outdoors, greater jacket heat loss reduces overall efficiency to around 95%.

High-tech controls adjust the heat output by silently pulsing part of the boiler to keep the temperature stable. During warm weather, outdoor sensors limit the water temperature based on the outside temperature so you aren’t wasting energy.

Electric Boiler Facts

Installation And Maintenance

Installing an electric boiler is relatively simple although all but the smallest require heavy-gauge electric wiring and may need 240 volts. This is not an issue for most homes though, as 240 wiring is typically in place for laundry appliances or hot water tanks.

Electric boilers need very little, if any maintenance and are constructed of high-grade materials that allow manufacturers to offer very long warranties.

If you are renovating your home or building a new home, you should consider an economical, compact and silent electric boiler for heating purposes.

In the metro Vancouver area, Efficient Furnace is an excellent resource for new electric boiler installation. We can answer any questions about this marvelous new technology.

By: Andrew Lake