Electric vs Gas heater: Which is the Better Option?

When it comes to heating your home and providing hot water, heaters play a crucial role. In the United Kingdom, most homes rely on gas heaters, which are fueled by natural gas from the national gas grid. However, electric heaters have emerged as a viable alternative due to their low carbon footprint and compatibility with renewable energy sources. In this article, we will compare electric and gas heaters in terms of their advantages, disadvantages, running costs, environmental impact, and more. Let's delve into the details and help you make an informed decision for your heating needs.

Advantages of Electric heaters vs Gas heaters

Electric heaters offer several advantages over their gas counterparts. One of the key advantages is their low carbon footprint. Unlike gas heaters, electric heaters do not burn fossil fuels, making them a more environmentally-friendly option. When powered by renewable energy sources such as solar panels, electric heaters can achieve a zero-emissions performance, further reducing your home's carbon emissions. Additionally, electric heaters are highly efficient, with an average efficiency rating of 99%. This means they waste minimal energy, resulting in lower energy bills.

Another advantage of electric heaters is their suitability for smaller homes and flats with low heating and hot water demand. They are also an excellent option for properties that are disconnected from the gas network. Electric heaters are compact and don't require a flue pipe, making them easier to install and maintain. They also operate quietly, ensuring a peaceful living environment. With fewer moving parts, electric heaters have a lower risk of technical malfunctions, reducing the need for regular maintenance.

On the other hand, gas heaters offer some unique advantages. They are generally more affordable to run than electric heaters due to the lower cost of natural gas compared to electricity in the UK. Gas heaters also come in a wide range of maximum output ratings, making them suitable for homes with varying heating and hot water demands. With more options available on the market, you have a higher chance of finding a gas heater that meets your specific requirements. Gas heaters are a popular choice for larger homes with multiple bathrooms and radiators.

Let's summarize the advantages of electric heaters and gas heaters:

Disadvantages of Electric heaters vs Gas heaters

While electric heaters offer numerous advantages, they also have some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is their higher running costs compared to gas heaters. Electricity prices in the UK are generally higher than natural gas prices, leading to higher energy bills when using an electric heater. However, using an Economy 7 tariff or powering your electric heater with a solar panel system can help reduce costs.

Another drawback of electric heaters is their limited capacity to meet high heating and hot water demands. While they are suitable for smaller homes and flats, they may struggle to provide sufficient heat and hot water in larger properties. Additionally, electric heaters consume a significant amount of electricity, so running multiple electric appliances simultaneously may risk overloading your electrical system.

On the other hand, gas heaters have their own set of disadvantages. They burn natural gas, a fossil fuel, which contributes to carbon emissions. Although modern gas heaters are more efficient than older models, they still contribute to CO2 emissions. Gas heaters also have more moving parts, increasing the risk of wear and tear and the need for regular maintenance. There is also the potential risk of carbon monoxide leaks, making annual servicing essential for safety.

Let's summarize the disadvantages of electric heaters and gas heaters:

Cost Comparison: Gas vs Electric heaters

When considering the cost of running a heater, it's essential to compare the expenses associated with gas and electric heaters. While electric heaters are more efficient and waste less fuel than gas heaters, they are generally more expensive to run due to the higher cost of electricity in the UK. Gas heating, on the other hand, is cheaper than electric heating, making gas heaters the preferred choice for many homeowners.

It's worth mentioning that an Economy 7 tariff can help reduce the running costs of an electric heater. With this tariff, you benefit from lower electricity rates during off-peak hours, usually at night. Additionally, powering your electric heater with a solar panel system can significantly reduce your energy bills, especially during daylight hours.

To give you an overview of the running costs, let's take a look at the electricity and gas costs in different regions of the UK. Please note that these figures are based on data from the Energy Saving Trust and are subject to change.

As you can see, gas prices are significantly lower than electricity prices, making gas heaters the more cost-effective option. However, it's essential to consider the overall energy efficiency of your heating system when comparing costs.

Heating Performance: Electric vs Gas heaters

Both electric and gas heaters are capable of providing efficient heating for your home. However, their heating performance may vary depending on the size of your property, heating and hot water demands, and your specific requirements.

Gas heaters are generally more powerful than electric heaters, making them suitable for larger homes with higher heating and hot water demands. They come in a wide range of output ratings, allowing you to choose a model that matches your requirements. Gas heaters can efficiently heat multiple radiators and provide hot water to multiple bathrooms simultaneously. However, it's important to note that every time a gas heater operates, it releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

Electric heaters, on the other hand, offer a low carbon heating solution. When powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, they can achieve a zero-emissions performance. Electric heaters are highly efficient, wasting minimal energy. However, their output range is generally lower than that of gas heaters, which may limit their suitability for larger properties with multiple radiators and bathrooms. Nevertheless, if your home has low heating and hot water demands, an electric heater can provide efficient and eco-friendly heating.

In addition to electric and gas heaters, you may also consider renewable heating systems such as heat pumps, biomass heaters, and solar thermal panels. These systems convert natural resources into heat for your home, offering environmentally-friendly alternatives. While they tend to be more expensive upfront, various renewable energy grants can help offset the cost of switching to a renewable system.

Installation Costs: Electric vs Gas heaters

When it comes to the cost of installing a heater, both electric and gas heaters have similar prices for the heater unit itself. However, the installation costs can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the installation, heater size, and installer rates. As a general estimate, heater installation costs range from £500 to £1,000.

In terms of installation convenience, electric heaters have an advantage over gas heaters. Electric heaters do not require a flue or condensate pipes, making the installation process faster and easier. They can be installed in various locations within your home, providing flexibility. Gas heaters, on the other hand, require a flue for ventilation and the removal of combustion gases, which can complicate the installation process.

It's important to compare multiple quotes from different installers to get the best deal for your heater installation. By doing so, you can ensure that you find a reputable installer who offers competitive rates. GreenMatch can assist you in this process by providing up to three free and no-obligation quotes from trusted heating engineers in your area.

Electric vs Gas heaters: Reviews of Top Brands

If you're considering purchasing an electric or gas heater, there are several reputable brands to choose from. Let's take a look at some of the top brands and models available in the market.

Electric heaters:

1. Heatrae Sadia - Electromax Electric heater:

• Suitable for smaller homes and flats
• Fuel: Electricity
• Type: Combi
• Available Central Heating (CH) outputs: 6kW, 9kW
• Efficiency: 99.8%
• ErP rating: D for heat and C for hot water
• Floor-standing or Wall-mounted? Floor-standing
• Standard warranty: 2 years (10 years on the cylinder)
• Typical total cost range (including VAT and installation): £2,675 - £3,300

1. Electric Heating Company - Comet Electric Combi heater:

• Suitable for smaller homes and flats
• Fuel: Electricity
• Type: Combi
• Available Central Heating (CH) outputs: 9kW, 12kW, 14.4kW
• Efficiency: 100%
• ErP rating: D
• Floor-standing or Wall-mounted? Floor-standing
• Standard warranty: 2 years (10 years on the cylinder)
• Typical total cost range (including VAT and installation): £3,200 - £3,800

1. ELNUR - Mattira Combi Electric heater:

• Suitable for various property sizes
• Fuel: Electricity
• Type: Combi
• Available Central Heating (CH) outputs: 3kW - 15kW
• Efficiency: 100%
• ErP rating: D
• Floor-standing or Wall-mounted? Wall-mounted
• Standard warranty: 2 years (5 years on the cylinder)
• Typical total cost range (including VAT and installation): £3,170 - £3,670

1. THERMAFlow - TH M3 Electric Combi heater:

• Suitable for smaller homes to 4-bedroom houses
• Fuel: Electricity
• Type: Combi
• Available Central Heating (CH) outputs: 6kW - 15kW
• Efficiency: 99.9%
• ErP rating: B, C, or D (depending on the model)
• Floor-standing or Wall-mounted? Floor-standing
• Standard warranty: 1 year (2 years for parts subject to annual service)
• Typical cost: around £3,300

1. Electric Combi heaters Company - Elektra EKC 12kW Electric Combi heater:

• Suitable for smaller properties and flats with 1 bathroom
• Fuel: Electricity
• Type: Combi
• Available Central Heating (CH) outputs: 12kW (modulates from 2kW to 12kW)
• Efficiency: 99.9%
• ErP rating: A for heat and hot water
• Floor-standing or Wall-mounted? Wall-mounted
• Standard warranty: 2 years
• Typical cost: around £1,650 (Inc. VAT)

Gas heaters:

1. Worcester Bosch - Greenstar 4000 Series:

• Suitable for small to medium-sized homes with one bathroom
• Fuel: Gas / LPG model available
• Type: Combi & System
• Available Central Heating (CH) outputs: 24kW (combi models) / 12kW - 24kW (system models)
• Available Domestic Hot Water (DHW) outputs (only combi models): 25kW, 32kW
• Efficiency: 94%
• ErP rating: A for heat and A for hot water (combi models)
• Floor-standing or Wall-mounted? Wall-mounted
• Standard warranty: Up to 10 years
• Typical total cost range (including VAT and installation): £1,775 - £2,500

1. Vaillant - ecoTEC Plus Series:

• Suitable for properties with up to 10 radiators and 1 bathroom to large properties with high heating demands
• Fuel: Gas / some models are LPG compatible
• Type: Combi, System & Regular
• Available Central Heating (CH) outputs: 20.4kW - 32.2kW (combi models) / 12.2kW - 64kW (system models) / 12.3kW - 35.1kW (regular models)
• Available Domestic Hot Water (DHW) outputs (only combi models): 25.4kW - 38.7kW
• Efficiency: 92%, 93%, or 94% (depending on the model)
• ErP rating: A or A+ (depending on the model) for heat and A for hot water (combi models)
• Floor-standing or Wall-mounted? Wall-mounted
• Standard warranty: 5 years (can be extended to 10 years)
• Cost range (including VAT and installation): £1,605 - £4,000

1. Ideal - Vogue Max Series:

• Suitable for homes with around 10 radiators and 1 bathroom to properties with around 20 radiators and multiple bathrooms
• Fuel: Gas / LPG compatible
• Type: Combi & System
• Available Central Heating (CH) outputs: 18kW, 26kW, 32kW (combi models) / 15kW - 32kW (system models)
• Available Domestic Hot Water (DHW) outputs (only combi models): 26kW, 32kW, 40kW
• Efficiency: 92% or 93% (depending on the model)
• ErP rating: A for heat and A for hot water (combi models)
• Floor-standing or Wall-mounted? Wall-mounted
• Standard warranty: 10 years (can be extended to 12 years)
• Typical total cost range (including VAT and installation): £1,830 - £2,623

1. Baxi - 800 Series:

• Suitable for smaller homes with 1 bathroom to larger properties with around 20 radiators and 2+ bathrooms
• Fuel: Gas
• Type: Combi, System & Regular
• Available Central Heating (CH) outputs: 21.2kW - 34.4kW (combi models) / 18kW, 24kW (system models) / 16kW - 30kW (regular models)
• Available Domestic Hot Water (DHW) outputs (only combi models): 25kW - 40kW
• Efficiency: 93%
• ErP rating: A for heat and A for hot water (combi models)
• Floor-standing or Wall-mounted? Wall-mounted
• Standard warranty: 10 years
• Typical cost range (including VAT and installation): £1,587 - £2,607

1. Viessmann - Vitodens 200-W Series:

• Suitable for smaller homes with up to 10 radiators to larger properties with up to 20 radiators and multiple bathrooms
• Fuel: Gas / LPG compatible
• Type: Combi & System
• Available Central Heating (CH) outputs: 25.4kW, 32kW (combi models) / 11kW - 32kW (system models)
• Available Domestic Hot Water (DHW) outputs (only combi models): 30.5kW, 34kW
• Efficiency: 92%, 93%, or 94% (depending on the model)
• ErP rating: A for heat and A for hot water (combi models)
• Floor-standing or Wall-mounted? Wall-mounted
• Standard warranty: 3 years (can be extended to 5 or 10 years)
• Typical total cost range (including VAT and installation): £2,144 - £2,950

Please note that these reviews are based on the information available at the time of writing, and it's always recommended to consult with an experienced heating engineer to determine the most suitable heater for your specific needs.

Should You Switch From Gas to Electric?

Switching from a gas heater to an electric heater is a possibility worth considering. It can help reduce your carbon footprint, especially if the electricity powering the electric heater comes from renewable sources. However, before making the switch, there are several factors to consider, including your property type, overall energy consumption, and the main energy source in your area.

It's important to note that while electric heaters themselves have a low carbon footprint, the environmental impact depends on the energy source used to generate the electricity. In the UK, fossil fuels still dominate the electricity generation sector, although renewable energy sources have been growing steadily. Considering the share of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources in the UK's electricity generation can provide insights into the environmental impact of electric heaters.

According to the latest statistical release on Energy Trends from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), renewable electricity generation in the UK decreased in 2021, while electricity generation from fossil fuels increased. However, the renewable energy sector is continually evolving, and the share of renewable energy is expected to increase in the future.

To make a greener choice, it's worth exploring low-carbon alternatives such as heat pumps, biomass heaters, and solar thermal panels. These renewable heating systems harness natural resources to provide heat for your home. While they may have higher upfront costs, various renewable energy grants and incentives can help offset the initial investment.

Can You Replace a Gas heater With an Electric heater?

Replacing a gas heater with an electric heater is a feasible option, and professional engineers can handle the installation process. The time required for the replacement depends on the type of gas heater being replaced and any additional components that need to be removed. It's recommended to consult with a qualified heating engineer to ensure a smooth transition and to determine the most suitable heating solution for your home.

If you're considering replacing your heater, it's essential to compare prices and suppliers to find the best deal. GreenMatch can assist you by providing up to three free and no-obligation quotes from trusted heating engineers in your area. By gathering multiple quotes, you can make an informed decision and select the offer that best meets your needs.

Conclusion

In summary, both electric and gas heaters have their advantages and disadvantages. Electric heaters offer a low carbon heating option, high efficiency, and suitability for smaller homes. Gas heaters, on the other hand, offer affordability, a wide range of output ratings, and suitability for larger properties. It's important to consider the running costs, heating performance, installation requirements, and environmental impact when choosing between electric and gas heaters.

By comparing multiple quotes from reputable installers and considering your specific heating and hot water demands, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and budget. Whether you choose an electric or gas heater, it's essential to prioritize energy efficiency and consider low-carbon alternatives to contribute to a greener future.

If you're ready to explore your options and receive free quotes from trusted heating engineers, GreenMatch is here to assist you. Simply fill out the form and get up to three quotes tailored to your requirements. Make the switch to a more efficient and sustainable heating solution today!

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Additional Information: It's important to consider your specific heating needs, property size, and energy consumption when choosing between electric and gas heaters. Consulting with a qualified heating engineer will provide personalized advice and ensure the best solution for your home.