Waht is best for climate: boiling water for washing up via gas boiler vs electric kettle

Richtwotwo

While not an issue of personal cost I wonder if the kettle is better for the planet (CO2 wise) as I am trying to use less energy.
Our combi boiler is in the garage 9 metres from the hot water tank which is then some 8 metres from the kitchen sink (which is next to the electric kettle)
It takes 3 litres of cold water before the hot water comes through to my tap so for small amounts say a mugfull for a saucepan this seems a no brainer.
Any scientific views would be much appreciated

Rodders53

Combi boiler installs usually don't have hot water tanks so I'm confused.

Do your own research - use Google - and you will find out how to do the scientific sums and let us know your conclusion.

It has been covered in MSE and may other forums in the past.

CO2 wise electricity from nuclear, solar or wind turbine is zero if you ignore the manufacturing CO2 costs. Burning any fossil fuel will emit CO2 whether in your home to heat the water or to generate the electricity you use (not all electric is "green").

Afourteen

Running Hot water was always a Luxury in the house I was brought up in. I'm used to using a kettle for hot water.  
The house I moved to had the (Electrically heated) hot water tank 4 or 5 litres (on a water meter) away from the kitchen hot tap. That certainly meant what I was used to - boiling a kettle - saved me money when costing in water and energy.  

A_Lert

Assuming you don't overheat the water, I expect it'll be the electric kettle thanks to, on average, over half our electricity generation being nuclear and renewables.

Yes, a domestic gas boiler is more efficient than a combined cycle gas turbine, because the latter must convert heat to motion. But I don't think it's enough to offset the generation mix.

And then there's the factor the boiler probably will lead to some waste of hot water.

Of course because electricity costs several times what gas does per unit, the boiler is nearly always the moneysaving option.