15 Differences Between Electric Boilers and Oil Boilers
The use of boilers in houses has been around for centuries, but their design has drastically changed over time. The original coal-burning furnaces were not very efficient or safe to use for homes. So they evolved into oil burners which were much more practical and had some positive gains over coal. Electric boilers are newer versions that do not need to be piped into a chimney or anything; they plug into an electrical socket instead of gas or oil to produce heat. Electric boilers are usually only found in apartment buildings because of their size. In this article, we’ll discuss electric boilers vs oil boilers.
Safety
Oil boilers are safer than electric boilers because they use gas or oil to heat water, not highly flammable like electricity. However, modern oil boilers have safety features that do help prevent problems before they happen. For example, if the pilot light on your boiler goes out, it will trigger an automatic shutdown of the boiler. You also can check the oil level on your boiler, which will help keep it working safely. Electric boilers are safe as well but may not have these safety features.
Efficiency
Because an electric boiler is powered by electricity, you do not need to fill them with any combustible fuel like oil or gas. Electric boilers can be more efficient than oil boilers because they do not produce any combustion gases that need to be vented out of your home. However, some electric boilers are less efficient than some oil boilers because an electric boiler must use electricity while the oil boiler only uses fuel for energy.
Cost-Effectiveness
An oil boiler is usually more cost-effective than electric boilers because it uses a less expensive fuel source. You can save money on an oil boiler for heating your home by using a low-cost energy source, such as propane or diesel. The only downside to this is using electricity from the power grid, which can be expensive. Check this article if you’re wondering how much energy it takes to heat a room.
Easy Installation
Many electric boilers are easy to install because they do not need any special venting, which means you can put them in just about anywhere. An oil boiler will require some venting system, usually through your roof or wall. You may need a professional boiler installer like Easy Boiler Company to help with an oil boiler if an older model does not use modern technology.
Long Service Life
Electric boilers can last for decades if they are properly cared for. You should keep up with your regular maintenance to ensure it is working effectively and will not break down during the cold winter months. Oil boilers can also last for many years if you do your regular maintenance on them as well. You should have a professional come in and service your oil boiler at least once a year to make sure it is operating safely.
Easy to Control
Because you can control an oil boiler from a remote location, such as using a smartphone app, they are easier to control than electric boilers. The ability to turn the furnace on or off from your phone will allow you to save money on energy bills. You also can control electric boilers through a thermostat, which is easy to use and access.
Noises
Oil boilers can sometimes make strange noises during use, but they are not major problems that should cause concern unless they are often happening. Electric boilers can also make some noise when operating but may not be as noisy as oil boilers. If you decide to get an electric boiler, choose one that has a soft hum when it is running, so you do not feel like you’re living in a laundromat.
Instant Heating
Oil furnaces will take much longer to heat your home than electricity because the fuel has to burn before any usable products are created. Electric boilers pass electrical energy into the heating elements in the boiler instantly, which means your house could feel warm if there was already hot water in it or if you turned on the switch just before stepping inside. This article covers very well how much oil filled radiators cost to run.
Resale Value
If you are considering upgrading your boiler, oil boilers have the best resale value. This is because most people use oil boilers to heat their homes, so they will be in high demand when it comes time to sell. Electric boilers do not have a high resale value for this very reason.
Better Air Quality
Oil furnaces could leave behind some excess gases that are dangerous to breathe into your lungs if there was an indoor leak or something went wrong with the furnace. Oil furnaces can produce carbon monoxide, which has no smell and is impossible to detect without proper equipment, making it deadly in large doses. Electric boilers also produce these harmful chemicals in trace amounts but in much smaller quantities than oil furnaces.
Maintenance
Since electric boilers are hooked up directly to your water pipes, you must add a neutralizer to the boiler periodically that will prevent any corrosion from occurring. Since oil furnaces do not directly have anything connected to them, there is nothing for them to corrode over time.
Interior
Oil furnaces are generally much larger than electric boilers, so you will have to plan for the space needed when getting one. You might need to empty rooms or move things around in your home to accommodate the oil furnace. Electric boilers are typically much smaller than oil furnaces, so they may not require as much space outside the house if you decide to put them outdoors.
Cost of Ownership
Owning an oil furnace will cost less in the long run because it is cheaper to fuel higher BTU fires throughout the winter season, which allows your home to be heated at a lower temperature setting. Electric furnaces tend to burn through batteries quickly because they have to work harder to heat your house. You may want to consider switching out your solar panel system with extra batteries when making this switch or make sure you keep plenty on hand if you decide on picking an electric boiler.
Installation Time
Electric boiler installations can take much longer than oil boilers because of the wires that need to be run through the walls. Oil furnaces are much easier to install because they do not have any pipes or hoses attached directly to them, so that it will take less time. If you do end up getting an oil furnace for your home, make sure you keep plenty of fuel on hand at all times, so you are ready when another freeze comes along this winter season.
Operation
Oil furnaces are much easier to operate because you do not have to worry about adding fuel all the time. Electric boilers require small amounts of electricity throughout the day, which can cost more if the power grid goes down for any reason. You may need a generator or extra batteries if you think this could be an issue for your home in the future.
Wrapping Up
Electric boilers are safer to have in your home because no fuel is being used, which means there is no risk of carbon monoxide. This will help keep you and your family safe from any fumes that can cause health problems or even death if inhaled into the lungs. If you have small children, an oil furnace may not be the best option for heating your home. An electric boiler, on the other hand, releases some harmful gases at much lower rates than what comes out of an oil boiler.