Difference between Electric Heating and Gas Heating

When it comes to heating, the winter season instantly clicks the mind. Heat, attained through either from electricity or gas, becomes a need of every person when winters are about to come. Some people use electric heater if gas is not available, and some use a gas heater, depend mainly upon availability. Gas is a natural substance, whereas electricity is produced artificially by using coal. Now before seeing the difference between electric heating and gas heating, let’s first know them better.

Electric Heating

It is a process, which indicates the change of electrical energy into heat. An electric heater is a piece of equipment that transforms the current into heat. Radioactive heaters, convection heaters, fan heaters are different types of heating that work under the primary function that is converting energy into heat.

Gas Heating

It is a procedure for producing heat using natural gas. A gas heater is an appliance that generates heat by using natural gas. Its working is entirely based on the burning of gases. The type of heaters that use natural gas to produce heat includes flued heaters and non-flued heaters.

Electric Heating Vs. Gas Heating

Did you ever think about the differences between Electric Heating and Gas Heating? Let’s have a look.

Area of Heating 

Undoubtedly, both kinds of heating differ in their zone of heating. So, an electric heater occupies limited space and requires a circuit that should be of high ampere. It mainly covers a zonal area in which heat spreads quickly as it transfers its heat only to a small space.

Whereas, gas heaters require complete access to pipelines, so a supply of natural gas is needed in gas heating. As compared to an electric heater, it can warm up a large area and is mainly used to heat a full house or hospital.

Differ in Speed 

Speed varies according to the appliance when it comes to heaters. Electric heaters demand more time to produce heat. Electrical resistance coils take much time to build up heat, which defines its slow speed. Its function is to generate enormous heat but at a slow rate.

Whereas, the speed of producing heat by the gas heater is faster as compared to the electric heater.  So it quickly burns all the gases which produce direct heat that warm up your home faster. Irrespective of the speed of a gas heater, these burning gases are also causing Global warming.

Installation Issues 

No installation is required in Electric Heater, only a socket and electricity is needed for using it. And it can be easily portable because it is easy to carry and can be used anywhere, where there is electricity.

When it comes to gas heaters, installation is required. In this modern era, we do not have chimneys for the exit of the gas; instead, the current set up itself throws the gases in the open air. It generally requires the vents in homes to eradicate the gases.

Switch to Cost

When we see heating a home with electricity as compared to natural gas, it looks so expensive. Well, in markets, electric heaters cost up to $32, and gas heater costs up to $18. Microwave ovens work with electricity and are more expensive than gas ovens.

While a gas heater is not costly and can be afforded by the middle class easily.  It is economical to use a gas heater instead of an electric heater.

 Safety measures

Using a gas heater is a dangerous option if you do not have chimneys or proper ventilation in your place. It discharges carbon monoxide gas that is fatal for health. So with proper maintenance and installation of carbon monoxide detector, we can keep ourselves safe.

Since there is no harmful gas produced by an electric heater, the high voltage electrical equipment has a risk of setting fire and malfunctioning. To avoid any danger, we need to look over its maintenance on a weekly or monthly basis.

Final Thought

An electric heater and gas heater have advantages and disadvantages as well. It depends on the needs and preferences of a person, which leads him to choose the specific heater. Let’s make it easier for the customer to make a quick decision. An electric heater is the best option when you have a smaller home or if there is the unavailability of natural gas. It is more efficient in working and has no installation cost like a gas heater. A gas heater will be the right choice if you have a larger house or live in a cold area. If there is no issue of gas unavailability and have a proper ventilation system, then you can go for the gas heater. If heaters are maintained with care and provided with services, it will boost up the efficiency of the unit and reduces the amount of monthly bills. Make it sure to use the heaters in the hours you need and avoid the unnecessary usage of it to save energy in the form of gas and electricity.