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Is Electric Heating Cheaper Than Gas? Uncover The Shocking Truth!

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • The cost of electric heating and gas heating can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the climate you live in, and the efficiency of your heating system.
  • The COP of a heating system is the ratio of the heat output of the system to the electrical energy input.
  • However, the cost of each type of heating can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of your home, the climate you live in, and the efficiency of your heating system.

Electric heating and gas heating are two of the most common ways to heat homes in the United States. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Cost of Electric vs. Gas Heating

The cost of electric heating and gas heating can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the climate you live in, and the efficiency of your heating system. However, in general, electric heating is more expensive than gas heating.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average cost of heating a home with electricity is $1,268 per year, while the average cost of heating a home with gas is $931 per year. This means that electric heating can cost up to 36% more than gas heating.

Efficiency of Electric vs. Gas Heating

The efficiency of an electric heating system is measured by its coefficient of performance (COP). The COP of a heating system is the ratio of the heat output of the system to the electrical energy input. The higher the COP, the more efficient the heating system.

Gas heating systems typically have a higher COP than electric heating systems. This means that gas heating systems can produce more heat for the same amount of energy.

Environmental Impact of Electric vs. Gas Heating

Electric heating systems do not produce any emissions, while gas heating systems produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. This means that electric heating systems have a lower environmental impact than gas heating systems.

Safety of Electric vs. Gas Heating

Electric heating systems are generally considered to be safer than gas heating systems. This is because electric heating systems do not produce any flames or open flames, which can be a fire hazard.

Which Is Right for You?

The best way to decide whether electric heating or gas heating is right for you is to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Consider the cost, efficiency, environmental impact, and safety of each system. You should also consider your specific needs and budget.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things you may want to consider when choosing between electric and gas heating. These include:

  • The availability of natural gas in your area. If natural gas is not available in your area, you will not be able to use a gas heating system.
  • The size of your home. A larger home will require a more powerful heating system, which will be more expensive to operate.
  • The climate you live in. If you live in a cold climate, you will need a heating system that can produce a lot of heat.
  • Your budget. The cost of installing and operating an electric or gas heating system can vary significantly.

The Bottom Line

Electric heating and gas heating are both viable options for heating your home. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Top Questions Asked

  • Is electric heating cheaper than gas heating?

In general, electric heating is more expensive than gas heating. However, the cost of each type of heating can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of your home, the climate you live in, and the efficiency of your heating system.

  • Which is more efficient, electric or gas heating?

Gas heating systems typically have a higher COP than electric heating systems. This means that gas heating systems can produce more heat for the same amount of energy.

  • Which is safer, electric or gas heating?

Electric heating systems are generally considered to be safer than gas heating systems. This is because electric heating systems do not produce any flames or open flames, which can be a fire hazard.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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