Electric vs Gas Heating in Birkenhead

⭐ Introduction

Choosing between electric and gas heating is a common consideration for UK homeowners looking to heat their homes efficiently, affordably, and safely. Whether you’re moving into a new property, upgrading an old system, or replacing a faulty heater, deciding on the right heating type can have a lasting impact on your energy bills, home comfort, and environmental footprint.

Gas heating remains popular across many UK homes, thanks to the widespread gas grid and typically lower running costs. Electric heating, meanwhile, is gaining attention as a cleaner, simpler alternative, especially in areas without gas mains or where renewable electricity sources are used.

This article explains the differences between electric and gas heating, what installation or replacement involves, prices to expect, and key things to consider.

🔧 What the job involves

When asking a heating engineer to install or replace electric or gas heating, you’re generally discussing one of two main types of systems:

• Gas Heating: Usually involves fitting a gas boiler that heats water, which then flows through radiators or underfloor pipes to warm your home. The boiler is connected to the gas mains. You might also have a separate hot water cylinder or combi boiler (which provides heat and hot water on demand).

• Electric Heating: Can take various forms including electric radiators, storage heaters, or underfloor heating mats powered by electricity. Electric boilers (often called electric immersion boilers) use electricity to heat water and can be a direct replacement for gas boilers in some cases.

Key parts of the job may include:

• Surveying and assessing your home’s existing heating system.
• Deciding on the appropriate type and size of heater based on the property’s heating requirements.
• Removing old appliances safely (especially important with gas boilers, which must be disconnected by a Gas Safe registered engineer).
• Installing new heating units according to Building Regulations and manufacturer instructions.
• Testing and commissioning the system to make sure it runs safely and efficiently.
• Providing any required certification, like gas safety records or Part P electrical compliance.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

1. Initial enquiry: Contact a qualified heating engineer or company to discuss your heating needs and arrange a survey. Make sure any engineer working on gas appliances is Gas Safe registered.

2. Survey and quote: The engineer visits your property, inspects the existing heating setup, and discusses options. You’ll receive a written estimate covering parts, labour, and certification.

3. Booking the works: Arrange a convenient date for installation or replacement. Confirm any access arrangements and preparation needed.

4. Day of installation: The engineer arrives to disconnect and remove old units, install the new system, carry out necessary pipework or wiring adjustments, and test the system.

5. Completion and handover: You’ll be shown how to operate the new heating system and given any manuals or warranty paperwork. Required safety certificates and documentation will be provided.

6. Follow-up: Many companies offer servicing or maintenance plans to keep your heating running smoothly.

💷 Main costs to expect

• Labour: Typically between £150–£300 per day depending on location and complexity.
• Materials/parts:
  • Gas boiler: £600–£1,500+
  • Electric heaters: £150–£600 each
  • Additional consumables like pipework, wiring, controls, thermostats.
• Extras: Flue installation or alteration (for gas boilers), electrical upgrades for electric systems.
• Disposal: Removal and safe disposal of old boilers or heaters (£50–£150).
• Certification: Gas safety certificate (Gas Safe registration) — usually included in labour costs, electrical safety paperwork (Part P compliance if applicable).

Example itemisation (straight swap gas boiler):

• New boiler: £1,000
• Labour (2 days): £400
• Flue kit: £150
• Disposal: £100
• Gas Safe certificate: included
• Total approx.: £1,650

📊 What affects the price

• Property size and system type (number of radiators/zones)
• Accessibility and complexity of pipework or wiring
• Whether existing system can be reused (rads, pipes, controls)
• Complying with Building Regulations and certification requirements
• Need for remedial works (removing old boilers, flare replacements)
• Upgrades: flame supervision devices, ventilation, electrical supply
• Geographic location (London and SE typically higher prices)
• Urgency of work (emergency call-outs may cost more)

⏱ How long does it take?

• Simple electric heater installation: A few hours to half a day for one or two rooms.
• Gas boiler replacement (straight swap): 1–2 days, including removal, installation, testing.
• Gas boiler installation in a new location or system upgrade: 3 or more days depending on complexity.
• Full house rewiring or heating system overhaul: several days to a week or longer.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Installing or replacing gas heating systems is not a DIY job in the UK. By law, gas appliances must be installed or maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This ensures safety and legal compliance.

Electric heaters that simply plug in may be fitted by homeowners, but hardwired electric radiator or underfloor heating installations usually need a qualified electrician. This is important for safety and compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations.

If you’re unsure, or if the job involves heating systems integrated into your property, it’s best to hire a professional. Incorrect installation can damage your home or pose serious safety risks.

💰 Typical UK price range

• Gas boiler replacement: £1,200–£3,000 (including parts, labour, and certification) depending on boiler model and property size.
• Electric heating installation: £500–£2,000 for electric radiators or storage heaters in several rooms.

These prices include VAT at the current UK rate (generally 20%) but always check if VAT is included in your quote.

✅ Handy tips before you start

• Prepare a clear brief for your heating engineer, specifying preferences for system type and budget.
• Confirm the engineer’s Gas Safe or electrical qualifications before work starts.
• If upgrading from gas to electric (or vice versa), consider potential changes to insulation or controls.
• Keep all paperwork, including installation certificates and warranties, in a safe place for future reference.
• Arrange regular servicing of your heating system (annually for gas boilers) to maintain efficiency and safety.
• Check if you’re eligible for any government grants or schemes promoting low-carbon heating technologies.
• Plan to be at home during installation to liaise and ask questions.
• Ensure adequate ventilation if installing gas appliances.
• Ask for a full demonstration of the new system’s controls before the engineer leaves.

Choosing between electric and gas heating is an important decision that affects comfort, safety, running costs, and your home’s environmental impact. By understanding what’s involved and consulting qualified professionals, you can make the best choice for your home and budget.