sähkökattilassa

Sähkökattila, known in English as an electric boiler, is a heating device that utilizes electrical energy to produce heat for domestic or industrial purposes. It functions by passing an electric current through a heating element, typically a resistance wire, which then heats the surrounding water or other heat transfer fluid. This heated fluid is then circulated through a heating system, such as radiators or underfloor heating, to warm a building.

There are several types of electric boilers, including direct-acting boilers, which heat water instantaneously as it flows through, and storage boilers, which heat and store a volume of hot water for later use. Electric boilers are known for their simplicity of installation and operation, often requiring less maintenance than traditional fuel-burning boilers. They are also considered environmentally friendly in terms of local emissions, as they do not produce combustion byproducts.

However, the operational cost of an electric boiler is heavily dependent on electricity prices. In regions with high electricity costs, they can be more expensive to run than boilers powered by natural gas, oil, or other fossil fuels. Despite this, their efficiency in converting electrical energy to heat, often approaching 100%, makes them an attractive option where electricity is competitively priced or when paired with renewable energy sources like solar power. They are commonly used in smaller homes, apartments, or as supplementary heating systems.