What to choose: A gas heater or an electric heater?

What to choose: A gas heater or an electric heater?

With winter approaching, many of us will be dusting off our heaters to keep warm. But what about the electricity bill and which is better: a gas heater or an electric heater?

Pros of a gas heater

Gas heaters are powerful and can quickly heat up a room. The main benefits of gas heaters are that they give quick heating and high efficiency.

Cost-wise, a gas heater is typically cheaper to run than an electric heater because it uses significantly less energy. Gas is also a low-cost, convenient fuel, making the operating costs of a gas heater generally lower and more affordable than using electricity.

Another benefit, especially in South Africa, is that gas heaters are not dependent on electricity, so there is no need to worry about loadshedding leaving you cold.

Cons of a gas heater

Although gas heaters are generally more efficient than electric heaters, they have a few significant drawbacks.

• They produce partially combusted gas, which can be harmful if not properly vented.
• Gas heaters have a shorter service lifespan compared to electric heaters.
• Carbon monoxide is a safety concern with any gas appliance. It is crucial to ensure that the heater is adequately ventilated to the outside.
• Gas heaters require regular professional maintenance for safety inspections​.

Pros of an electric heater

Forbes lists the following advantages of using an electric heater in your home:

• They require a fuel source that nearly all homes already have – electricity.
• Electric heaters do not require special venting.
• They typically cost less to purchase, install, and to maintain.

Cons of an electric heater

Some models of electric heaters can dry out the air. Because cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air, the air in winter is already drier overall. Dry air can cause discomfort and because it pulls moisture from your body, it dries out your skin. In addition to your skin, it also dries out the mucus membranes inside your nose, throat, and eyes, according to The Guardian.

Dr William Checkley, a physician and professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University, says that dry mucus membranes make people more susceptible to illness from airborne particles, including allergens, viruses, and bacteria.

Other disadvantages of electric heaters are:

• They have lower efficiency than gas heaters.
• Electric heaters are generally more expensive to operate because they require electricity.
• They take longer to heat up and produce heat in comparison to gas heaters.

What is the bottom line?

The choice between a gas heater and an electric heater largely depends on your specific needs and circumstances. While gas heaters offer quick heating and high efficiency, they require proper ventilation and regular maintenance for safety. Electric heaters are safer and come with convenient features but may be more expensive to operate.