Electric heater VS gas heater(Which saves money)

When choosing a suitable heater for the cold winter months, families can significantly reduce costs and expenses.

Many consumers are unsure about which type of heater to select for home use—electric heaters or gas heaters. Today, we’ll explore the differences between the two and determine which option is more cost-effective.

1. Initial Investment Costs

The initial cost of purchasing an electric heater is considerably lower than that of a gas heater. Common electric heaters can be found in the market for around a few hundred dollars, and they are very easy to install—usually requiring just a power outlet to operate, without the need for complex piping or installation procedures.

In contrast, gas heaters incur higher initial costs due to the purchasing of equipment, piping, and the complexity of installation, which often requires professional technicians.

For typical households, electric heaters generate enough heat to meet everyday needs comfortably.

2. Operating Costs

Energy Consumption: Electric heaters typically operate at power ratings between 1000 and 3000 watts. For example, a 2000-watt electric heater would consume 2 kWh of electricity per hour. If used for 8 hours a day, the monthly consumption (calculated over 30 days) would amount to 2 × 8 × 30 = 480 kWh.

Energy Costs for Gas Heaters: Gas heaters generally have an efficiency of about 80% to 90%. For instance, a gas heater with a capacity of 10 kW (equivalent to 10,000 watts) consumes approximately 1.2 cubic meters of natural gas per hour, as the calorific value of natural gas is about 35.53 MJ/m? and 1 kWh of energy equals 3.6 MJ. If used for 8 hours daily over a month, the gas consumption would be 1.2 × 8 × 30 = 288 cubic meters.

Costs: Gas and electricity prices vary by region, but consumers can use the calculations above to assess and evaluate their operating costs.

3. Flexibility and Applicable Scenarios

Electric heaters are best for localized heating, making them suitable for single rooms and providing high flexibility. They can easily be turned on or off, catering to short-term heating needs.

Gas heaters are more effective for large-scale heating concentrated in multiple rooms or entire households, particularly in regions rich in natural gas resources where operating costs are lower. While gas heaters are less flexible, they can be controlled by adjusting the gas flow and temperature settings.

Conclusion

In summary, considering the assumptions made, electric heaters generally have lower operating costs. However, actual expenses can be influenced by factors such as heater efficiency, usage duration, and fluctuating energy prices. For example, if natural gas prices are low and the gas heater has high efficiency, it could be more economical. Conversely, if the electric heater has a low power rating, is used for a short time, and operates during discounted electricity rates, the savings from using an electric heater might be more significant.