Which is cheaper, gas or electric central heating?

I am trying to decide between gas or electric central heating – which is the most efficient, and cheapest, option?

A home energy expert, from not-for-profit energy group Ebico, replies: Let’s start with the rough costs – electricity is about three times the price of gas per kWh (using standard rates) so, with an efficient modern condensing boiler, gas is the cheapest fuel to heat our homes today.  

Against this, unless you already have a gas supply, there will be a cost associated with bringing the gas pipe to your home if it is at all possible. 

In addition, installing a boiler and room radiators will cost several thousand pounds (the average charge is in the region of £2,000 - £2,500). You will also be advised to have it checked periodically to ensure it is operating well.

If you go for room electric storage heaters, you will find that purchase and installation costs are much lower and they require very little servicing. Heat is stored in electric storage heaters overnight. 

The main advantage of natural gas systems over electric storage is that of control, as the heat does not have to be stored and emitted. Also the older storage heaters tend to lose their heat later in the day which will require the use of on-peak electric (which is charged at a higher rate than that of standard charge) to top it up.

This is how electric can be much more expensive than natural gas, as gas will remain the same throughout the day.

Alternatively, you may qualify for heating and insulation improvements from the Warm Front scheme. Under this scheme, qualifying households can get improvements worth up to £3,500. However, it is a means tested scheme and requires customers to meet certain criteria.

04/08/11 - Thisismoney.co.uk 

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