Gas Vs Electric Heating – Which Is Better For My Home? 

gas vs electric symbols

When it comes to gas vs electric. The game is almost up for fossil fuels.

With the rise of renewables, old outdated heating systems are on the way out. The age of gas is coming to an end.

Whilst it’s a gradual change, it’s important to understand the differences between modern electric heating systems, what they are replacing and why the earlier the transition is made, the better.

 

chart showing the difference between gas and electric heating

In a head-to-head – electric heating is streets ahead

 

What is Gas Heating?

Gas heating is any type of heating that uses a gas boiler to provide heat and hot water. Because gas heating uses a central boiler as its fuel source, it’s often referred to as central heating

Central heating works by a boiler burning fuel to create heat. This process is known as combustion.

This then heats water, and circulates it around the radiators and taps in the home, providing warmth to the home, this process is also known as convection.

Gas is the most popular form of heating in the UK, with over 78% heating their homes this way. Around 23 million gas boilers! 

 

What is Electric Heating?

Electric heating is any heating that uses electricity as its main energy source to heat a home. In contrast to gas, there is no central fuel source, and zero emissions are produced at the point of use.

Rather than using combustion, electric heating usually works by charging an element and releasing the heat

Electric heating systems can come in many different forms, from radiators to electric boilers, heat pumps and water heating.

 

electric radiator on green wall electric radiator on gray wall

 

Gas Vs Electric Heating: Why do we need to move away from gas?

Burning gas releases harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Home heating is responsible for around 14% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. From 2025 newly built properties won’t be allowed to install gas boilers and with a further gas boiler ban looming on the horizon, it’s better to switch sooner rather than later. 

If we’re to help the UK reach its net zero carbon emissions target by 2050, all properties will eventually need to switch to alternative ways of heating.

 

Reducing the Contribution of Home Heating to Global Warming

The UK is legally bound to reach net zero by 2050. Net zero is the point at which no new emissions are being released into the atmosphere, with any remaining emissions off-set by carbon capture projects like planting more trees or carbon sinks, where the emissions are captured and buried underground.

If the UK is to hit its net zero targets and not cause irreversible damage to the environment, this needs to change. Quickly.

By switching to electric heating, you are reducing your contribution to climate change.

 

Gas Vs Electric Heating: What are the benefits of electric heating?

When you convert your home to electric heating you are taking the first steps to creating an emissions-free world. In addition to this, electric heating also provides a multitude of additional benefits unavailable to gas, which can help keep you comfortable in the home and also help manage your energy usage.

 

Room by Room Control

Electric radiators can be equipped with wireless thermostats or have integrated thermostats on the side of the unit that provide complete and individual control of your heating.

Using the wireless thermostat gives you the power to heat your home on a room-by-room basis, as you like it. Resulting in saved energy from not heating empty, unused rooms and only heating the one you are in. Making uneven home heating a thing of the past.

Fischer’s HeatCore radiators, all come equipped with exclusive wireless thermostats as standard, and have the ability to be WiFi enabled. opening up the ability to programme your heating away from home.

image of wireless thermostat on a wall

 

 

Emissions

For the majority, the move to electric is largely because of the environmental factor. Electric heating produces zero emissions at the point of use. We’ve already mentioned the importance of lowering our collective emissions and moving towards an electric future, Fischer’s range of electric heating solutions will help us do just that.

Efficiency

Electric heaters are essentially 100% efficient. In other words, all the electricity they use is turned into heat. The same isn’t true of a gas or oil-fired central heating system. Even an A-rated boiler wastes about 10% of the energy it burns. Additional heat can also be lost from the pipework or older wet radiators. Electric heaters don’t suffer these energy losses or from the yearly degradation that gas boilers suffer from.

By taking advantage of time of use tariffs, such as Economy 7, you can charge up electric heaters when the price of electricity is lower. 

Flexibility

It’s not just about the emissions and efficiency, being fully electric also means flexiblity.  Fischer’s HeatCore Radiator can be placed in any room, all that’s required is a standard 13 amp plug socket.

Not requiring pipework allows for a swift and clean installation. There’s no need for long drawn out rearranging of pipes, or messy and lengthy home renovations.

Electric heating isn’t just limited to space heating, products like Fischer’s Aquaficcient can provide direct water heating and Electric Boilers can hook up to your existing wet radiators for a seamless transition.

Maintenance

Electric heating systems are known for their simplicity and ease of installation. Unlike gas heating systems that require intricate piping and ventilation systems, electric heaters can be installed quickly and without the need for extensive modifications to your home. Additionally, electric heating systems generally require less maintenance as they contain no moving parts, reducing the time and money spent on routine service and plumber call outs.

Gas boilers on average have a lifespan of around 15 years and require annual servicing. Electric heating does away with the need for annual service, and boasts a longer lifespan, but it’s advised to give your system a once-over every now and then, just to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Safety

Electric heating systems eliminate the risks associated with gas leaks, combustion, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas heating systems, if not properly maintained, can pose safety hazards. On the other hand, electric heating systems are inherently safer, without the need for combustion processes and open flames.

 

stacked cubes with question marks on

 

Why should you choose electric heating over gas heating?

 

The three E’s: Efficient, Effective, Environment

By choosing electric, you will have taken the first major step in reducing your carbon footprint, paving the road towards a cleaner, greener world and embracing the future.

Moving away from gas isn’t just the environmentally friendly choice. You cannot forget about the other key advantage electric heating holds: It’s efficiency.

Unlike using fossil fuels, there is no wastage when it comes to utilizing electric heating. Every watt consumed is converted into heat. Making electric heating 100% efficient at the point of use.

 

 

In the final showdown of electric heating vs gas heating – there is a clear winner. For both your home and the planet. Choose electric today!

 

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