The cost of running different types of heating
It is often thought that electric heating is the most expensive type of heating to run. In fact, gas and oil central heating can be more expensive to run than electric. The cost of running different types of heating will depend on the type of fuel you use, the efficiency of your heating system, and the price of the fuel.
Gas
The cost of running different types of heating
-Gas: If you have a gas central heating system, you could save money by switching to a tariff that’s linked to the wholesale gas price. This means that as the price of gas goes up or down, so does your bill.
-Electricity: The cost of electricity per kilowatt hour (kWh) is rising, but there are still some deals to be had – particularly if you live in an area where there’s a lot of competition between suppliers. It’s worth looking at fixed rate tariffs, where the price per kWh is fixed for a set period of time. This could shield you from future price rises.
-Oil: The price you pay for oil depends on the world market price, which is determined by a number of factors including global demand, weather conditions, and political stability in oil-producing countries.
-LPG: Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) is normally slightly cheaper than mains gas, but the cost can vary depending on the world market price.
Electric
Assuming an average electricity cost of 15p/kWh, below are the estimated running costs for a range of electric heating systems. These estimates are based on a three-bedroom house with gas central heating, using the low tariff for night storage heaters, and the standard tariff for other electric heating.
-Electric radiators: £2,160 per year
-Electric underfloor heating: £1,944 per year
-Storage heaters (low tariff): £1,824 per year
-Heat pumps: £1,632 per year
-Panel heaters: £780 per year
Oil
Oil-fired central heating is normally used in a ‘wet’ system, where an oil-fired boiler heats water, which provides heating through radiators and hot water through the taps in your home.
The main difference between mains gas and oil is that oil is delivered by road and stored in a tank, which you may have to buy or rent from your supplier.
Because of the price of oil, an oil-fired system can be more expensive to run than a gas-fired system. Oil prices are also subject to greater fluctuations than gas prices, so you may find yourself having to budget for increased costs in the winter months.
The most efficient type of heating
There are a few different types of heating that you can use in your home, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Some types of heating are more expensive to run than others, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when making your decision. The most efficient type of heating is infrared heating, and it’s also the cheapest to run.
Gas
Natural gas is one of the most popular choices for home heating. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, natural gas furnaces cost an average of $600 to $800 per year to operate. Propane furnaces cost about $300 per year more than natural gas furnaces.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is formed when layers of dead organisms are subjected to intense heat and pressure over millions of years. It is a nonrenewable resource, which means that it cannot be replenished in a short period of time. Natural gas is used to heat homes, power the industry, and generate electricity.
Electric
Electricity is often the most efficient way to heat your home, but there are a few things to consider before you switch to electric heat.
The first is the upfront cost. Installing an electric heating system can be expensive, especially if you need to upgrade your electrical service to accommodate the new system.
The second is the ongoing cost of electricity. Electric heat is generally more expensive to operate than other types of heating, such as natural gas or oil.
Third, you need to consider the environmental impact of electric heat. While electricity itself is a clean energy source, the way it is generated can have a significant environmental impact. If most of your electricity comes from coal-fired power plants, then your electric heater will have a larger carbon footprint than a natural gas heater.
Finally, you should consider the efficiency of different types of electric heaters. Some, such as heat pumps, are much more efficient than baseboard heaters or space heaters. This can make a big difference in your overall costs and environmental impact.
Oil
Oil is one of the most efficient types of heating. It is cheap to run and can be used to heat a large area quickly. However, it can be expensive to install and requires regular maintenance.