Electric Boiler vs. Air Source Heat Pump

Air source heat pumps have significant advantages in long-term energy saving, environmental protection and versatility, and are suitable for most households and commercial scenarios; electric boilers are superior in low cost, easy installation and stability in extreme environments. The final choice needs to be made in combination with climate conditions, budget and frequency of use.

 

Comparison of core principles

Working principle
Electric boiler: directly converts electrical energy into thermal energy (such as resistance heating) through electric heating elements, with an efficiency close to 100% but no energy transfer process.
Air source heat pump: uses the reverse Carnot cycle to absorb low-grade heat from the air and transfer it to the room or water through compression and circulation.

Energy efficiency characteristics
Electric boiler: Energy efficiency ratio (COP) ≈ 1:1, that is, 1 kWh of electricity produces 1 kWh of thermal energy.
Air source heat pump: COP can reach 1:3~1:4 (heating), 1 kWh of electricity produces 3~4 kWh of thermal energy.

 

Comparison of key dimensions

1. Energy efficiency and economy

Electric boiler heating

Advantages: simple structure, low installation cost (about 2,000-5,000 yuan).

Disadvantages: low energy efficiency, high long-term electricity bills (a 100㎡ household monthly electricity bill in winter can reach more than 1,000 yuan).

Applicable scenarios: short-term, small-area heating (such as temporary heating or hot water demand).

 

Air source heat pump

Advantages: strong energy saving, operating costs are only 1/3~1/4 of electric boilers (under the same heat).

Disadvantages: high initial investment (about 15,000-30,000 yuan), and the equipment recovery cycle needs to be considered (usually 3-5 years).

Applicable scenarios: long-term use, large-area heating or hot water demand (such as family heating throughout the year).

 

2. Environmental adaptability

* Electric boiler

Not affected by outdoor temperature, can still work stably at extremely low temperatures (such as -30℃).

Suitable for cold northern regions or scenarios with high stability requirements.

 

* Air source heat pump

The heating efficiency decreases in low temperature environments (such as below -10℃), and electric auxiliary heating or ground source heat pump systems are required.

Suitable for areas with winter temperatures above -15℃ (south or some northern regions).

 

3. Functional expansion

Electric boiler: can only provide hot water or heating, with a single function.

Air source heat pump: one machine with multiple uses, can take into account summer cooling, winter heating, and year-round hot water supply (trigeneration system).

 

4. Environmental protection

Electric boiler: directly relies on high-quality electricity, with high carbon emissions (if the power grid is mainly thermal power).

Air source heat pump: indirectly uses renewable energy (air heat energy), with lower carbon emissions, and meets green building standards.

 

5. Installation and maintenance

Electric boiler: small size, no outdoor unit required, easy to install (can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted).

Air source heat pump: requires outdoor unit installation space (about 1-2㎡), ventilation requirements, and slightly higher maintenance costs.

 

Practical scenario recommendation

* Short-term/temporary heating (such as construction sites, temporary housing)
Best choice: electric boiler
Low cost, fast installation, no long-term investment required.

* Year-round heating and cooling + hot water for southern families
Best choice: air source heat pump
High energy efficiency, multi-function, suitable for mild winter areas.

* Central heating in cold northern areas
Best choice: electric boiler + gas auxiliary Air source heat pump is not efficient enough at extremely low temperatures, electric boiler can be used as a supplement.
Year-round comfort system for villas/large apartments Air source heat pump + floor heating High efficiency and energy saving, floor heating with low-temperature hot water is more comfortable.

* Commercial hot water supply (hotels, swimming pools)
Best choice: air source heat pump
Low long-term operating cost, obvious advantages when hot water demand is large

 

Comprehensive suggestions

Conditions for giving priority to air source heat pumps:

Annual use time exceeds 3 months;

Electricity price is higher than 0.6 yuan/degree;

The lowest temperature in winter is higher than -15℃;

A dual-purpose cooling and heating or multi-functional system is required.

 

Conditions for giving priority to electric boilers

Limited budget, sensitive initial investment;

Low frequency of use (such as occasional heating);

Extreme low temperature environment (below -20℃);

Limited installation space (no outdoor unit location).

 

Data reference

Operation cost comparison (taking 100㎡ household winter heating as an example):

Electric boiler: monthly electricity bill is about 1000-1500 yuan;

Air source heat pump: monthly electricity bill is about 300-500 yuan.

 

Investment payback period: The initial cost difference of air source heat pump can be recovered through electricity bill savings in 3-5 years.