Curious about which heating method you should use for your home? The gas vs. electric heating debate has gone on for years, and we’re here to help you choose the right one for your home.
Considering Americans spend hundreds to thousands of dollars each year on electricity, the difference between gas vs. electric heating can be huge. From comfort to cost, understanding the details between the two before buying is key.
If you have the opportunity to replace your current heating system, do it right the first time; choosing your home’s best option is imperative since you’ll likely be stuck with your choice for years to come.
You’ll see, however, that the “best” heating option for one household might not be the same for the next. There are too many details to consider–such as location and climate, budget, eco-friendliness, and the size of the space being heated.
To help you make the wisest and most cost-efficient decision, we’ve put together a quick rundown of the two most popular home heating options below.
Gas vs. Electric Heating: What’s the Difference?
Both forms of heating have their pros and cons that differ from home-to-home, and there can be a wrong choice. Discovering the chosen system can’t perform as well in your area or is way more expensive with time can be a recipe for disaster.
Read on to determine whether gas or electric heating is the more practical option for your home’s heating needs!
Electric Heating
Electric heating can pull energy from ground wires and generators that run other everyday household items. This type of heating can be used to heat specific elements such as floor tiles and blankets or the air itself.
Regardless of the difference in cost to reach the same amount of BTU (British Thermal Unit), here you pay in electric bills versus the cost of gas or oil.
Without hitting any other major details, electric heating is more suited for warming up small, individual spaces.
Gas Heating
Heating a large space is a lot easier to accomplish with gas. As soon as the gas begins combustion, maximum heat is reached and can be used to circulate warm air throughout a great area.
Instead of waiting for electric sources to heat up, gas combustion will create an immediate airflow that pulls in cool air and releases warm air. This energy form, however, releases other gases that may harm the environment.
Which Heating Option is Best for You?
Consider the various elements involved:
Space
First, let’s consider the size of the space you’re trying to heat: if you’re attempting to heat up a room or a living space under 1000 sq. ft. you’ll likely find a quick solution in an electric heater (such as a space heater).
This option means you won’t have to take up even more room by installing a flume or chimney in the process.
A large house, however, doesn’t get as much benefit from a bunch of space heaters. The caveat is all that the oil being burned is toxic to breathe in, and so it will have to be moved away through a chimney.
With a space that large, installing a flume or chimney isn’t as much of a headache as, say, trying to cram one into a studio apartment.
Location
Not every home needs heat as often or for as prolonged of periods as others; the closer you are to the equator, the more likely it is that you’ll need a heater less often.
A home in Florida, for instance, can benefit from warm sea drafts and extended periods of heat and light. A home in Maine or Washington state, however, can’t keep as warm during winters, which tend to be longer in these places.
During winter, southern homes may only truly have heating needs for a couple of days at a time spread sporadically over a handful of months. Space heaters would do well to heat the individual rooms where people are until the cold passes.
If your home is in a location that experiences harsh winters and periods of snow, it’s likely that a gas heating system will benefit you best.
Gas heat moves throughout a house and warms air quicker, which may be imperative in a snowstorm but not so much for a small cold front.
Considering how often you use it, purchasing gas may cost a lot less than running electricity in these areas. But we’ll move onto costs in a minute.
Environmental Impact
To protect the environment without harming your safety or comfort you should determine how often the heater will be used and how efficient the product is.
Electric heaters tend to be less efficient in terms of heating a house or large space. Running them for long periods of time to accomplish this task can be costly and just as impactful on the environment.
Gas heaters are known for their greenhouse emissions. As fuel is burned, hazardous byproducts are created that are extremely dangerous to breathe in. Toxins are funneled into the clouds and gradually contribute to excess greenhouse gas.
If gas is the route you’ll take, then you’ll need to find a local fuel supplier that offers convenient service. Look to model companies like Oil4Wales for quality and reliable fuel replenishing.
Electrical heat seems the immediate answer to lowering greenhouse gases and curbing climate change, but don’t be fooled. If you do choose electric, then you should at least research which products offer the most efficient heat output.
Cost
Cost of Installation:
Electric heaters and small space heaters don’t require any installation. The cost you pay for the product is final, and moving it from room to room is the owner’s responsibility.
Installing a gas system is much more costly (ignoring other installation factors) as it requires a flume or chimney to be installed. That manpower is unavoidable, and the cost of labor tends to be high.
If installing through a contractor, make sure to understand the contract () and look for hidden fees being tacked on to the bill.
Cost of Running:
Once you actually have the systems running, the story begins to change. The cost of gas vs. electric heat boils down to how often you run the heat and how much space is expected to keep warm.
Gas heaters are required to have (and naturally have) higher efficiency rates, something like 80% or higher. Electric systems are something more in the ballpark of 30-40%.
Each home and it’s various operating details will ultimately determine the cost.
Heating Systems: Where to Begin?
Now that you’re a little more educated on gas vs. electric heat, where can you look to get the ball rolling? Do a quick Google search for heating products or try out our to locate reputable professionals.
Make sure to do your research and consider all factors when determining which type of heating system will bring you the most peace and satisfaction. You and your heating system will be together a long time!
