Gas is usually considered the lower-cost option because its unit price is lower than that of electricity. However, in our experience, real heating costs depend on more than fuel price alone. Installation costs, system efficiency, heat loss, ongoing maintenance, insulation levels, and how individual rooms are heated all affect what households pay over time.
In this guide, we examine whether electric heating can be cheaper than gas central heating in real-world conditions, not just in theory. By comparing running costs, efficiency losses, long-term maintenance, and everyday usage patterns, we aim to provide a balanced, evidence-led assessment to help homeowners understand when electric heating may reduce overall costs—and when gas may still remain the more economical choice.
Why you should consider Electric Heating
You may not have thought about this type of heating system before, because traditionally, electric heating generally referred to those 1970’s portable heaters or plug-in appliances that looked unsightly and ungainly! However, if you look at the range of products on available nowadays, it’s clear that the advances in electric heating over the years have been tremendous. You can expect energy-efficient, stylish, modern-looking designs that are easily fixable to the walls in your home. In fact, more and more people choose this type of heating system over gas central heating because it delivers remarkable heating efficiency. Often cheaper to run than old-fashioned gas central heating we’re going to show you why it’s time to get on-board with the benefits of electric radiators and why they’re often better than gas central heating.
What are The Differences Between Gas and Electric Heating Systems?
Besides the clear distinction that gas heating uses gas and electric heating uses electricity, there are other important differences. Below, we’ll explore everything in more detail, including costs, features, efficiency, and more.
Comparing Energy Costs: Is Electric Heating Cheaper Than Gas Heating
When picking the right heating system for your kitchen, it’s essential to grasp the cost differences between electric radiators and gas central heating. In the UK, where winters can be cold, and energy bills are a concern, making the smart choice can save you money.
Electric Radiators
Electricity costs more than gas, but modern electric radiators are designed to use energy efficiently, reducing overall consumption. Unlike older electric heaters that run continuously, they operate intelligently—only drawing power when needed to maintain the set room temperature.
For example, an electric radiator in a well-insulated room can typically operate for just 25% of the time, using electricity only when necessary. This means that while electricity rates may be higher, the actual energy used is significantly lower, making electric radiators a cost-effective and energy-efficient heating solution.
Unlike gas central heating, which runs on a single thermostat and often heats unused spaces, electric radiators operate independently. This means you can schedule heating room by room, reducing unnecessary energy use while maintaining comfort.
Gas Central Heating
Gas heating has long been a common choice for UK households due to the widespread availability of gas infrastructure. While gas boilers can provide effective heating, they are not 100% efficient—even modern A-rated boilers typically reach around 90% efficiency, meaning some energy is lost through flues and pipework.
Additionally, gas central heating systems require a boiler, pipework, and radiators, which can make installation more expensive and disruptive. While gas is often perceived as a lower-cost fuel, the overall efficiency of a heating system depends on factors such as insulation, heat retention, and ongoing maintenance costs. Unlike electric radiators, which convert 100% of the energy used into heat, gas heating systems experience losses, making them less efficient in real-world conditions.
Tariff Matters
Electric Radiators
Energy tariffs greatly affect how much you pay to run electric radiators. The type of tariff you’re using, whether a standard variable rate or a fixed-rate plan, can significantly affect your monthly expenses. Considering off-peak electricity tariffs is a good idea, which can result in significant savings.
Gas Central Heating
Gas tariffs are usually more stable, but your choice of tariff can still make a difference. It’s worth exploring different gas providers and tariff options to find the most cost-effective one for how you use your heating.
Usage Patterns
Electric Radiators
How you use heating with electric radiators is vital. Using them sparingly during off-peak hours can significantly reduce costs.Modern electric radiators often include programmable features, allowing you to heat rooms only when necessary.
Our electric radiators feature an Intelligent Control System that accurately monitors and adjusts your room temperature. In simpler terms, they lower their heat output as soon as your room reaches the desired temperature.
This typically happens within minutes of turning them on, resulting in significantly lower running costs than traditional central heating.
Gas Central Heating
Gas central heating systems are typically designed for continuous use. Frequently turning them on and off can be less efficient. It’s essential to balance maintaining a comfortable temperature and minimising energy consumption.
Room Insulation
Electric Radiators
The quality of insulation in your rooms plays a significant role when using electric radiators. Good insulation traps heat within your living spaces, preventing it from escaping through walls, windows, and roofs.
This means that the heat generated by your electric radiators stays put, reducing the need for constant heating. If your home isn’t well-insulated, it might be worth investing in insulation upgrades. This can make a notable difference in energy efficiency, keeping your home warm without excessive heating.
Gas Central Heating
Proper insulation is equally important for gas central heating. Well-insulated rooms can retain heat for longer periods, which eases the workload on the central heating system.
When rooms are well-insulated, the heat produced by the gas central heating system doesn’t dissipate quickly, allowing it to maintain a comfortable temperature with less frequent cycling.
This translates to reduced energy consumption and, subsequently, lower heating costs.
Aspect | Electric Radiators | Gas Central Heating |
|
Cost |
Operates efficiently, using energy only when needed, reducing overall electricity consumption. Lower installation costs and minimal maintenance. |
Requires a boiler, pipework, and radiators, leading to higher setup costs. Boiler maintenance adds ongoing expenses. |
|
Tariff Impact |
Sensitive to tariffs; consider off-peak electricity for savings. |
Gas tariffs are stable; explore providers for cost-effectiveness. |
|
Usage Efficiency |
Use wisely during off-peak; programmable for precision. |
Works well continuously; frequent on/off reduces efficiency. |
|
Room Insulation |
Highly-efficient in insulated rooms, using energy only when needed reducing constant use. |
Insulation helps reduce heat loss but doesn’t eliminate inefficiencies. |
|
Overall Efficiency |
Efficient with insulation and smart use; targeted warmth. |
Keeps comfort efficiently with insulation despite higher initial cost. |
The best choice depends on your home’s insulation, energy tariffs, and heating needs. If you live in a well-insulated home and can take advantage of off-peak tariffs, electric radiators could be a smart choice.
Installation Costs: Electric vs Gas Central Heating
Knowing how much it costs to set up your heating system is essential when planning. Let’s compare how expensive it is to install electric radiators and gas central heating and see if there’s any help available.
The average cost to install central heating from scratch in a 3-bed home is around £3,235–£4,200.
Electric Radiator
Setting up is usually less expensive. They’re simple to install and often only need a few changes to your place. This simplicity can save you money, which is great if you want a budget-friendly heating choice.
Our popular 500W slimline radiators cost £199 each and are so easy to install that you can do it yourself. All you need is a plug socket nearby and some basic DIY in fitting the brackets to the wall. A rough estimate of 8 radiators needed (3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, dining room, hall and kitchen) would cost £2500.
Gas Central Heating
Setting up gas central heating can cost more upfront. It involves putting in gas pipes, a boiler, radiators, etc. It might seem costly initially, but it can save money on running costs in the long run.
Even if you hire a tradesperson to help fit the radiators, an average day rate of £200 (used in the gas central heating quote above) leaves electric heating much cheaper to install.
| Aspect | Electric Radiators | Gas Central Heating |
| Installation Costs | Less expensive, simple setup. | Higher upfront costs due to gas pipes, boiler, and radiators. |
| Grants and Assistance | Grants are available for energy-efficient electric heating. | Programs exist for financial help with energy-efficient gas central heating. |
With extremely low installation costs and no plumbing work required, electric radiators are the modern heating solution of choice for extensions, loft conversions and anyone renovating a house where the old central heating system needs an overhaul.
When deciding between electric radiators and gas central heating, consider how much it costs to install them and if any help is available. This can help you choose what’s right for your budget and how you want to heat your place.
Tips on How Can You Save on Electric Heating?
Want to reduce your energy consumption and save money with electric heating? Here are a few tips:
- Smart Thermostats: With a programmable thermostat, you can set your heating to match your daily routine. This means your system only works when you need it to, preventing wasted energy.
- Boost Your Insulation: Proper insulation is key to maintaining warmth inside your home. If your insulation is up to par, you’ll require less heating overall, which means more savings.
- Select the Suitable Heating System: Choose a heating system that matches your needs and is known for its energy efficiency. Our selection of energy-efficient electric radiators is a good place to start.
Implementing these tips could lead to substantial savings on your heating costs and make your home cosier too.
Maintenance: Electric vs Gas Central Heating
Maintaining your heating system is essential to keep it running smoothly. Let’s compare the maintenance requirements of electric radiators and gas central heating systems, discuss their typical lifespan, and discuss potential issues you might encounter.
Electric Radiators
Electric radiators are straightforward to maintain and require minimal attention. Keeping them clean and ensuring they are properly connected is usually sufficient. Regularly removing dust and dirt ensures they function efficiently.
Gas Central Heating
Gas central heating systems are more complex and demand a yearly checkup by a professional to ensure everything is in good working order.
This annual maintenance includes thoroughly inspecting and cleaning the boiler, checking for potential gas leaks, and ensuring overall safety. Additionally, central heating systems may contain more components like pumps and controls that require periodic examination.
| Aspect | Electric Radiators | Gas Central Heating |
| Maintenance Effort | Minimal effort, mostly cleaning | Requires professional annual check-up |
| Cleaning | Regular dust and dirt removal | Boiler and system cleaning, more extensive |
| Professional Inspection | Not typically needed | Yearly inspection essential |
| Safety Check | Basic safety checks | Comprehensive safety checks, including gas leak detection |
| Lifespan | Typically durable | Durable with proper maintenance |
| Complexity | Straightforward and simple | More complex system with multiple components |
| Maintenance Cost | Lower maintenance costs | Higher maintenance costs |
Depreciation: Lifespan and Value
Understanding how heating systems depreciate over time and their typical lifespan is essential for informed decision-making.
Let’s explore how electric radiators and gas central heating systems depreciate and how long they typically remain operational.
Electric Radiators
Electric radiators tend to hold their value well over time. They are robust and straightforward, which contributes to their durability. However, like any technology, their value may decrease as more efficient models become available.
Gas Central Heating
Gas central heating systems can experience a faster depreciation due to their more intricate components, such as the boiler. Nonetheless, you can extend their operational lifespan with regular maintenance and care.
Having insights into the expected lifespan and depreciation of heating systems can guide you in making the right choice, whether you’re considering transitioning from gas central heating to electric radiators or deciding between the two options.
| Aspect | Electric Radiators | Gas Central Heating |
| Depreciation Rate | Slow | Faster due to complex parts |
| Lifespan | Long-lasting | With maintenance, extended |
| Value Retention | Holds value reasonably well | May depreciate more quickly |
| Maintenance Requirements | Minimal maintenance needed | Yearly checkup recommended |
| Potential Efficiency Upgrades | Upgradable with new models | Limited upgrades available |
6 Benefits of Electric Radiators Vs Gas Central Heating
1. Boiler Breakdowns Won’t Affect Your Electric Heating
Don’t forget that gas central heating runs from your boiler. A boiler needs to heat up to temperature in order to penetrate the water inside radiators and in turn, make them hot. Now, with electric radiators you don’t have the interaction with your boiler. That means there’s no risk of going without a warm, comfortable home if your boiler breaks down. You’ve probably experienced boiler breakdown before, if not, then count yourself lucky! Did you know that 18% of UK homes experienced boiler-breakdowns last year, this piece shows you how many homes went without heating in 2016/17? If you were one of these people, you know how cold it gets without heating, you wouldn’t go without heating with electric radiators.
2. The Sound of Silence!
Then there’s the noise of gas central heating! How many of you have been disturbed early in the morning during the winter months as your gas radiators kick into gear? It’s that annoying churning and banging of water as your boiler and radiators start to heat up. The huge advantage of an electric radiator system is the silence. There’s no background noise, no clicking, clunking or thumping through pipes under the floor and that means extra sleep for you too.
3. Electric Radiators Mean No Plumbing Fees and No Servicing Costs
Installing a gas central heating system definitely needs professional installation and don’t forget the boiler system needs servicing once a year (service cost anything from £50 to £150) as well as an annual certificate. Pipework and central heating radiators are prone to leaks. Not only do these issues impact on heating efficiency, they’re potentially costly to rectify. One of the biggest plus points with electric radiators is that they don’t need servicing at all, because they are powered through the mains. So, they’re maintenance-free, no plumber call-outs, no annual servicing and no flushing through of systems either.
4. Old Boilers Mean Inefficient Heating
If you haven’t yet replaced your old boiler, you are potentially running an inefficient heating system. The older your boiler is, the harder it will be working to heat up your home. Leaving a boiler without servicing means that you’re putting it at risk of breakdown and the bigger the malfunction, the more expensive it will be to resolve. Boilers need to be replaced every 15 years and the average cost is anything from £2500 to £5000+ depending on the size of the boiler needed and your home. Then there’s insurance on top, this could cost approximately £100 per year. There’s some interesting guidance here on when you should replace your boiler. Of course, we know you need a boiler for hot water but at least with electric radiators you can feel confident you will never be without heating and if you switch to electric heating, you might not need a large boiler – saving you money.
5. No Bleeding and No Leaking Problems
Gas central heating upkeep costs relate to the corresponding radiators too. When they burst or leak, you likely have to buy new ones, very similar in cost to electric radiators but remember, new gas central heating radiators won’t be guaranteed leak-free and you need to pay a plumber for installation. Electric radiators are an easy DIY installation. Don’t forget, you need to regularly bleed gas central heating radiators too which sometimes requires a plumber. You don’t need to bleed electric radiators!
6. You Don’t Lose Heat Through Pipes Using Electric Radiators
As mentioned, with a gas central heating system, heated water travels underneath your floors through pipes into your radiators and during this time, quite a lot of the heat is reduced, especially if your pipes aren’t insulated. If there’s no insulation then bet you didn’t know that up to 50% of heat is lost along the way to your radiators. That’s why you need to heat your home for longer and often crank up the temperature – because of that costly heat loss. With an electric radiator system you don’t need a central heating system laid through pipes and if you want to replace your central heating system it’s quicker and easier to decide to use electric radiators instead. In fact, it’s so easy; you can actually do it yourself! No need to call in a plumbing firm with often huge call-out fees and inflated hourly rates.
Is Gas Really Cheaper? A Closer Look at Long-Term Costs
At first glance, gas heating seems like the more affordable option. With gas costing around 4p per kWh and electricity at about 15p per kWh, it’s easy to assume that gas is the clear winner. However, the reality is more complex.
Efficiency Matters
Gas boilers aren’t 100% efficient—even a brand-new, A-rated gas boiler operates at around 90% efficiency. This means that for every unit of gas consumed, 10% of the energy is lost through heat dissipation, mainly via underfloor piping and flues.
As gas boilers age, their efficiency drops significantly.
• A 10-year-old gas boiler might only be 70-80% efficient.
• An older, unserviced boiler can fall to 50% efficiency or lower.
In contrast, electric radiators are 100% efficient—every unit of electricity consumed is fully converted into heat, without any loss.
Maintenance and Long-Term Costs
Unlike gas boilers, electric heating systems require little to no maintenance. Gas boilers, on the other hand, require:
• Annual servicing, which can cost between £80-£150 per year.
• Repairs and part replacements, which can be expensive as the system ages.
When you consider installation costs, maintenance expenses, and system lifespan, electric heating starts to close the cost gap with gas heating.
The Changing Energy Market
As electricity generation becomes greener and more renewable energy sources are added to the grid, we’re seeing falling electricity prices. Meanwhile, gas prices have been rising, making the long-term affordability of gas heating uncertain.
So while gas heating appears cheaper today, the bigger picture suggests that electric heating may offer better value over time—especially when factoring in efficiency, maintenance, and the shift toward sustainable energy.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between gas and electric heating comes down to your personal needs, location, and priorities. While gas heating might suit some, the safety, efficiency, and environmental benefits of electric heating systems make them a fantastic choice for many UK homeowners. With a range of electric heating options available, from electric radiators to storage heaters and alternative heating systems, there’s sure to be a solution that’s right for your home.
And there you have it! Hopefully, this blog post has illuminated the electric vs gas heating debate and provided some useful insights to help you make the right decision for your home. As always, feel free to explore our other blogs for more heating advice and insights!
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