Electric Heaters vs Gas Central Heating

The debate between central heating vs electric heaters has been going on for years, and it's not likely to stop anytime soon. When it comes to heating your home, gas is an excellent option. Around 95% of UK homes have gas central heating and with good reason: it's incredibly cost-effective, easy to operate, and reliable. But as the world moves forward, we're seeing more and more people turning to modern electric heating options.

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of electric and gas heating for your home.

What is gas central heating and how does it work?

A gas central heating system is powered by a boiler which burns fuel to heat up water. That water then circulates through pipes to your radiators to warm the different rooms in your home. Central heating systems are also designed to provide a steady supply of hot water to sinks, baths and showers too. The most common boiler type is a combi boiler due to their compact size and efficiency.

The pros and cons of gas central heating

Pros

1. Energy efficiency: Modern boilers must be over 90% more efficient than old boilers and they must be labelled as A-rated (or 92-94% efficient). This means that almost all of the fuel is converted into heat, minimising wasted energy. The efficiency of a boiler is determined by how much fuel the boiler is able to turn into usable energy at any given time. Higher efficiency means more savings for you over time and less money spent on operating costs. For those that want to reduce their energy bills, natural gases typically cost less than electricity or oil long-term.

2. Consistent control over temperature: Smart controls mean you can adjust temperatures in each room during the coldest hours of the day. You can set up a smart thermostat to automatically keep your home or workplace at a comfortable temperature. A digital programmable thermostat will enable you to adjust the temperature in each room on a timer - this is the most convenient way to heat a home efficiently.

3. Long lasting: In general, modern gas central heating systems can last anywhere between 20-30 years. They are easy to maintain and can be checked annually by a licensed technician for any faults or breakdowns. This is particularly important to ensure that there is no risk of gas leaks. 

Cons

1. High upfront costs: Although gas prices are generally lower than electric, the upfront costs of buying a boiler and paying for professional installation are high. There are also costly charges for any work that may need to be carried out such as installing gas lines, pipework and radiators. 

2. Safety hazards: Carbon monoxide leaks can occur from gas heating, which is why regular checks and installing alarms are advised. Incorrect use or improper boiler maintenance can cause a heater to catch fire.

3. Carbon net zero: By 2050, the UK aims to reach Net Zero carbon emissions. As part of this plan, gas boilers will likely not be allowed in new properties starting in 2025 in order to reach an 80% carbon reduction target. It will eventually be necessary to phase out and replace the old gas heating systems in older homes too. This makes swapping gas heating for electric heating beneficial and ensures your home is helping to reduce our carbon footprint.

What are electric heaters and how do they work?

In comparison to gas central heating, portable electric heaters use the mains power to provide warmth without relying on fossil fuels like coal, gas, or oil. In order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, heat energy is transferred from the element to the core and then to the casing.

The pros and cons of electric heaters

Pros

1. Cheap and effective: If you only need to heat one or two rooms in your home, electric radiators can be cost-effective. In comparison to other heating methods like gas, oil or biomass, electric heating is significantly easier and cheaper to install. Installation of pipes and lifting of flooring is not required. Electric heaters can often be plugged in without having to be wired. 

2. Smart features: Modern electric heaters include a range of smart features to maximise usage. Some features include flexible programming for automated heat whenever it suits you best and energy monitors to give you visibility of energy consumption and save costs.

3. Safety: Electric heaters do not produce carbon monoxide like gas heaters do and are generally cleaner for the environment. They are also safer to use indoors, as they do not require a venting system or a pilot light, which can be dangerous if improperly maintained or operated.

Cons

1. Can be inefficient: Electric heaters are a great option for heating small spaces, but they can be less efficient for whole-building heating. Electric heaters use a lot more energy than gas or oil furnaces, and they don't provide the same kind of continuous heat that you get from other types of heating.

2. Energy costs: In the UK, electricity costs more than three times the cost of gas. This means that you could end up paying more on energy bills if you rely on electric heaters too often. 

3. Time-consuming: Most electric heaters take a significant amount of time to power up and begin heating a room, this can consume more energy than central heating which quite quickly begins to radiate heat.

Electric heaters vs central heating: Which is best?

There are many variables to consider in order to work out the most cost-effective option.

• Historically, electric radiators were regarded as inefficient. However, innovations in technology ensure that contemporary models are extremely energy efficient with some models including advanced features to maximise efficiency. Today's electric radiators are capable of heating rooms up to 150 square metres in size and can be used for both space heating and domestic hot water systems. If you are looking to heat a large space that is occupied regularly, then gas central heating might be more economical.
  
  
• Electric heaters are cheaper to buy upfront, while gas heaters are cheaper to run so if you only use your heater a few times during the winter months, an electric may be the better choice.
  
  
• As energy prices increase and more homeowners and businesses look for ways to save money, combining central heating systems with supplementary or backup heating from plug-in radiators could be the best way to keep energy costs low.
  

Regardless of the type of heater you choose to purchase or hire, make sure yours has a high energy star rating, is easy to control and is the right size for the space you wish to heat.

Hire high-quality heating for your home or site here at HSS

HSS ProService is here to provide you with the best heating solutions when the cold weather hits. We offer a range of heaters that are suitable for multi spaces, whether it's a living room, office space, a warehouse or a marquee event.

For any questions and queries regarding heaters, get in touch with our live chat experts who are happy to help or visit your local HSS branch.