When winter hits, all you want is comfort and warmth. So when it comes to deciding which heater is the best for your home, you can run into some obstacles around which to choose. Gas and electric heaters are two of the most common types of heaters used in homes but how do they match up against one another?
This Canstar Blue guide breaks down everything you need to know about gas and electric heaters.
What is a gas heater?
A gas heater is fuelled by butane, propane, liquified petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas. The heater is connected to a source of gas, gas flow is controlled through a valve and heat is ignited via an electric filament or pilot light.
Gas heaters come in many shapes and sizes. They are used to warm up inside and outside space and are generally better suited to larger areas. LPG heaters are either flued or unflued. Flued gas heaters are fitted with an exhaust pipe that carries fumes outside, while unflued gas heaters expel exhaust fumes in front of the heater as it combusts the oxygen from inside the room that it is heating.
What is an electric heater?
An electric heater passes electricity through different materials to create heat. Electric heaters are generally portable and better at heating smaller, indoor spaces. They simply need an electrical outlet to plug into and they don’t need ventilation like a gas heater.
There are a number of different types of electric heaters including:
- Oil-filled column heaters
- Panel heaters
- Radiant heaters
- Fan heaters
- Ceramic heaters
- Reverse-cycle air conditioners
- Electric fire heaters.
Compare electricity deals
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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11% Less than reference price |
$1,614 Price/year (estimated) |
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18% Less than reference price |
$1,491 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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10% Less than VDO |
$1,304 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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4% Less than reference price |
$1,990 Price/year (estimated) |
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Are gas heaters cheaper to run than electric heaters?
While electric heaters are generally cheaper to buy upfront, they may cost more to run than a gas heater. It will also depend on whether your gas heater is flued or unflued, how often and how long you run it and how large the space is that you’re heating. To get a better idea of the running costs of gas heaters and electric heaters, see Canstar Blue’s winter heating costs guide below.
Winter Heating Costs Explained
How much do gas heaters cost?
Gas heaters are a more expensive appliance to purchase upfront, varying in price from $180 to $2,000 or more. Costs will depend on whether you choose a flued or unflued heater, the size of the model and whether it runs on LPG or natural gas.
How much do electric heaters cost?
Electric heaters offer a variety of types and prices with smaller, portable heaters retailing for around $25 or more and premium models hitting the top end of the price range at about $1,000. The type of electric heater that you choose will impact the price. For example, electric fan heaters predominantly come in smaller, portable sizes and electric panel heaters come in larger sizes, which end up costing more.
Gas heater pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheaper to run | More expensive to buy |
| More energy efficient | May require installation |
| Can warm large indoor and outdoor spaces | Requires ventilation |
| Better for the environment | Can create air pollution |
| Can run without electricity |
Electric heater pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheaper to buy | More expensive to run |
| Can be much cheaper to run with access to solar power | Only able to heat small spaces |
| Can be plugged into any electrical socket | Less energy efficient |
| Doesn’t require ventilation | Unable to function during power blackouts |
| Safe and easy to use | Slow to heat spaces |
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Features to consider when buying a gas or electric heater
When looking to buy an electric or gas heater, there are a number of factors to consider:
Safety features: Safety features play a vital role when it comes to using appliances, particularly gas and electric heaters. Unserviced or poorly maintained gas heaters may pose a gas-leak risk. Electric heaters may pose risks associated with exposed elements or heated surfaces that could cause burns. If you have children or pets, consider which type of heater may be better suited to your home.
Energy rating: An appliance’s energy rating could help reduce your power bill. While different types of heaters – both gas and electric – have their individual energy ratings it’s best to consider which level of rating best suits your needs.
Size of the space to heat: If you’re someone who lives in a small apartment or is only looking to heat a single room, then buying a large gas heater may not be the right choice. Always consider how big the space is and how the power of each heater type will heat that space.
Installation and portability: If you’re looking for a more permanent heating solution, installing a fixed gas or electric heater could be the right choice. However, if you only need a heater for a short period of time or want to be able to move it around the home, then a smaller portable unit may be a better choice.
Which heater should you buy?
Once you have weighed up these factors, choosing the right heater for your home comes down to personal preference. If you like a heater close by that can be moved around, then a smaller electric heater could be the right choice. Or if you’re someone who needs to heat their entire home or larger spaces, gas heating might be for you.
Compare portable heaters with Canstar Blue’s Best-Rated Portable Heaters guide below.
Image Credit: Hodoimg/Shutterstock
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