It’s cold outside, and you’re looking for a way to keep your home warm. You’ve heard that electric heat is more efficient than natural gas, but you’re not sure what that means. Is it just about how much money you’ll spend on heating? Or is there more to it than that?
The choice between gas and electric heat is one that many homeowners have to make. The two options can seem similar on the surface, but they each have very different pros and cons. But what does it all mean?
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each type of heating system so that you can make a well-informed decision about which one is appropriate for your home.
Let’s explore.
Gas Heaters Basics
A gas heater is a device that uses natural gas as fuel to heat water and/or air. It’s a relatively simple system but can be complex in its operation and construction.
Gas heaters are an excellent option for those who want to save money on their heating bill. They work by burning natural gas, propane, or butane, which means that they don’t require electricity or batteries to operate.
Gas heaters come in various sizes and styles, which is good as it means you can find one that fits into your space in a perfect way. They also come in portable and stationary models, so you can select the most suitable model for your home.
Here are three main types of gas heaters:
Forced-Air Gas Furnace
This system uses air ducts to distribute warm air throughout the house. It’s a good option if you have a large space or live in an area where temperatures can fall below freezing during the winter months.
Gas Wall Heater
A gas wall heater is exactly what it sounds like a device that heats up your room by blowing hot air through its vents. These can be placed on the floor or mounted to the wall and have different levels of intensity so you can adjust the temperature accordingly.
Gas Space Heater
These are the most common kind of heaters. They can be utilized anywhere in your home, office, or apartment and can be easily moved around to different rooms as needed. The heat is usually distributed evenly throughout the room since it’s an open flame. However, if you have a lot of furniture blocking the area where the flame is burning, it may not be as effective.
Pros of Gas Heater
If you’re looking for a fast and efficient heat source, gas heaters are the way to go. Here are a few benefits of which heat better, gas vs electric furnace:
Cost-Efficiency
Gas heaters are more cost-efficient than other types of heaters, as they use less energy and can be run at lower temperatures. This makes them great for areas with limited space or rooms that need to be kept at a certain temperature.
Reliable Heat Source
Gas heaters are reliable and will provide consistent heat. They work well in all weather conditions and do not require much maintenance or repair costs over time.
Easy To Install And Maintain
Gas heaters are incredibly easy to install and maintain because they don’t require any special equipment or laborious setup procedures like other types of systems do! Just follow the instructions in your owner’s manual, and you’ll be good as gold!
Environmental Benefits
Gas heaters are great for the environment because they are cleaner, which means less pollution. Also, they have a lower carbon footprint than other types of heaters.
Wide Availability of Fuel
Gas is easy to find in most places and is not too expensive. You just need to ensure that your heater has enough gas before you run out of fuel since there are no refills available for most models out there right now!
More Control Over Your Heating System
With gas heaters, you can control your heating system more easily than with other types of heating systems like electric or wood stoves because they are easier to adjust so that you can get exactly what you want at any time during the day without having to spend too much time trying out different settings until you see one that works well for your needs!
Air Quality
Gas heaters emit fewer pollutants than other types of heating systems, such as oil or electric, because they don’t require combustion in order to work properly; therefore, there is less chance for them to emit carbon monoxide into the air, which can cause headaches or dizziness among other symptoms if inhaled over time.
Cons of Gas Heater
With the cold winter months upon us, it’s time how we’re going to keep our homes warm. And while there are plenty of options, one of the most famous is to install a gas heater.
But before you go out and buy one, there are a few things you should know. Here are some cons of gas heaters:
Combustion Emissions
Gas heaters are a popular choice because they are so efficient and easy to use, but the process of creating heat from a gas can cause emissions that are harmful to your health and the environment. These gases include carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide.
Safety Concerns
In addition to causing health problems, combustion emissions pose a safety risk for those using gas heaters. Carbon monoxide is one of these gases produced by burning gas, and it can be fatal if you’re exposed to it in high enough amounts over time.
Ventilation Requirements
Gas heaters require ventilation, which is an issue in many older homes that were built before the advent of modern heating systems. If your home doesn’t have an adequate ventilation system, it’s likely that you’ll need to install one before you can get a gas heater installed—and these are expensive and difficult to install.
Limited Availability of Natural Gas
If you live in an area where natural gas isn’t available, you won’t be able to use this type of heating system. The same goes if your local utility company doesn’t offer natural gas service or if they charge extra for it because they don’t have enough supply available for their customers’ needs (which happens often!).
Upfront Installation Costs
Wondering, “Which among gas vs. electric heat costs is high?” Well. Gas heaters can be expensive to install. It’s not just the cost of the unit itself—you’ll also need to factor in the cost of hiring a professional to install it and connect it to your gas line.
Electric Heaters Basics
Electric heaters are appliances that use electricity to generate heat. There are several other types of electric heaters with different ways of producing heat. They can be utilized for any type of heating application, but they are especially useful for heating small spaces.
How does it work? An electric heater has two main parts: a heating element and a fan. The heating element converts electricity into heat, which is then transferred to the air through the fan. The fan circulates the air from one end of the heater to another, creating a warm flow of air inside the heater’s casing. The amount of heat induced depends on how much electricity the heater’s electrical components use.
Types of Electric Heaters
When you think of electric heaters, you probably picture something along the lines of a fan heater. Do you know there are a few varieties of electric heaters? Here are those:
Fan Heaters
Fan heaters are the most common type of electric heater and work by blowing warm air around the room. They can be effective at heating a small space quickly, but they are generally noisy, so they aren’t ideal for use in bedrooms or other quiet areas.
Radiant Heaters
Radiant heaters use infrared radiation to generate heat, which simply means that they can provide heat to a larger area than fan heaters. They tend to be cheaper than convection heaters but less efficient at heating small spaces quickly.
Convection Heaters
Convection heaters use fans to circulate warm air throughout the room, which means that they can be effective at warming larger spaces more quickly than radiant heaters – especially if you don’t have any obstructions blocking the flow of air!
Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic heaters are the most basic type of electric heater. They work by heating an element with a current from an electric current, which then heats up the ceramic plate. The plate is then able to radiate heat into the room.
Panel Heaters
Panel heaters are a kind of electric heater that can be installed on walls. They are often used in new construction but can also be used in older homes. Panel heaters are generally more expensive than other types of electric heaters, but they also work better at maintaining a steady temperature in a room.
Heat Pumps!
Heat pumps are great if you want to save money on your heating bill. They’re efficient, so they use less energy than other heaters. And since they don’t use much electricity, they can even help to save you some dollars on your electric bill.
Pros of Electric Heater
There are numerous benefits to using an electric heater. Some of the top benefits include:
Safety
You won’t have to stress about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning when you use an electric heater. Plus, there’s no risk of your house burning down!
Ease of Installation
Electric heaters are easy to install and get up and running in no seconds at all. They’re also easier to maintain and clean than a fireplace or wood stove, which means you won’t have to stress about maintenance costs or keeping up with repairs.
Environmental Impact
An electric heater has zero environmental impact, which is great for those who want their house to be as energy efficient and feasible.
Cost-Effective
Electric heaters are also more cost-effective than other heating options because they use less energy than gas or oil-powered devices (and they don’t need as much maintenance). Electric heaters are a wonderful option if you wish to save some dollars on heating bills without sacrificing comfort!
Wide Availability
Electric heaters are easy to find because they are so popular. They are available in any appliance store; you can even get them from the grocery store or gas station if you’re in a pinch.
Silent Operation
Electric heaters do not produce any noise when turned on, making them ideal for use in rooms where you need quiet, such as a bedroom or an office, with many people working in it at once.
Control Options
With an electric heater, you can manage the temperature from a remote-control device or a computer. This is amazing for those who are sensitive to cold temperatures and don’t want to need to go to the stairs when they want to adjust their thermostat.
Portability
Electric heaters are portable, allowing you to take them with you on your travels. This can be particularly useful if you don’t want to leave your home empty while you’re away.
Cons of Electric Heater
Although electric heaters offer many benefits, you should know a few cons.
- Higher operating costs compared to other heating methods.
- Limited heating capacity for larger spaces.
- Dependence on electricity makes them unusable during power outages.
- Slower heating response time compared to gas or oil heaters.
- It may require additional electrical wiring or circuit upgrades for higher-powered models.
Quick Comparison Chart For Gas Heat Vs Electric Heat
| Criteria | Gas Heat | Electric Heat |
| Cost Efficiency | Generally more cost-effective | It can be more expensive to operate |
| Heating Capacity | Suitable for both small and large spaces | Ideal for smaller areas or spot heating |
| Installation | Requires gas line connection and ventilation | Easy installation with electrical outlet |
| Energy Source | Natural gas or propane | Electricity |
| Safety | Potential fire hazards and carbon monoxide risks | Safer with no combustion or emissions |
| Reliability | Operates during power outages | Dependent on electricity availability |
| Environmental Impact | It emits greenhouse gases and air pollutants | Zero emissions at the point of use |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance and safety inspections | Generally low maintenance requirements |
| Heating Speed | Rapid heating response time | Slower heating response time |
| Portability | Limited portability due to gas connection | Portable options available |
How to Determine Which is Right for You – Gas or Electric Heat?
There are multiple factors to consider when deciding between an electric heater & a gas heater.
An electric heater is great for those who like to save some dollars on their energy bills, but it can be dangerous for kids and pets and more expensive than gas.
A gas heater is much safer for children and pets but is more expensive than an electric one.
So what’s the best choice? It depends on your needs!
When deciding between gas heat and electric heat, asking suitable questions can help you make an informed decision. Here are a couple of vital questions to consider:
- What are my heating needs and the size of the space to be heated?
- What is the electric heat vs. gas heat costs associated with each option?
- What are the installation requirements and costs? How much more expensive is electric heat vs gas heat?
- What are the safety considerations for each heating method?
- What are the environmental implications and my sustainability goals?
- How much does electric heat cost vs. gas heat?
Get Help From Experienced Heat Pump & Geothermal Experts In London, KY!
We know what it’s like to be in a situation where you’re just not sure what to do. If you are still confused between Electric Heater and a gas heater, then Get Help From Experienced Heat Pump & Geothermal Experts In London, KY!
Kentucky Climate Control has been providing heat pump and geothermal expertise in London, KY, for many years now. We know everyone’s needs are different, so we’re happy to answer your questions and help you find the right solution for your home—no matter how complex it may seem!
We offer a broad range of services designed to keep your system running smoothly, including:
- HVAC Systems repair & replacement
- Furnace Repair
- Heat Pump Installation & Repair
- Air Conditioner Repair & Maintenance
- Maintenance agreements
As a leading HVAC Solutions company in London, KY, we know how to help our customers get the best possible solution for their needs. We offer free consultations so that we can meet with you and understand your situation. We want to ensure you are getting the most out of your investment by ensuring it is working properly and efficiently.
Our knowledgeable staff members are happy to assist you in finding the perfect product for your needs by offering expert advice on how to properly size your system and how many BTUs or watts per hour would be best suited for your home’s size and square footage.
So if you’re still confused about which one is right for your home, let us know—we’ll help you pick an option that will keep you warm no matter what kind of winter we end up having this year!
Call us today at (855) 482-2522 for more info or to schedule an appointment!
