ost residences use either gas or electricity to run their heating system. However, many homeowners find it hard to choose between the two. Definitely, each option has its advantages and disadvantages. This article will present to you the pros and cons of each option to help you choose which one fits you best.
GAS BOILERS
When it comes to price, gas is cheaper compared to electricity. A kWh of gas costs around £4 in UK. Whereas, a unit of electricity costs around £15 per kWh. Basing on this comparison, gas is around three to four times cheaper compared to electricity. In cases where main gas is not available, heating oil costs £6 per kWh while LPG costs £7.6 kWh.
Unfortunately, gas boilers are not that efficient. Although gas is cheaper than electricity, a kWh of gas will not convert to one unit of heat. The most a gas boiler can do is to be 90% efficient even with brand new units.
Another disadvantage of gas boilers is the availability of main gas in some areas. There are places where it is not available, so instead of using main gas, homeowners opt for LPG or heating oil. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is compressed gas turned into liquid. Due to its compressed state, more gas can be packed in just a small tank. Therefore, having an LPG storage tank is space saving. You can even have the option to bury the tank in the ground for aesthetic purposes. LPG works very similar to boilers running on main gas so you do not have to worry about its functionality.
ELECTRICAL HEATERS
Electrical heaters are more expensive than gas boilers. However, they are more efficient compared to gas boilers. Every kWh of electricity translates to a unit of heat. Electric heat pumps are more economical because a kWh of electricity can produce as much as three kWh of heat. Electrical heaters are way cheaper compared to gas boilers. They also cost less to maintain than their gas fueled counterparts.
Electrical wet central heating is deemed economical since it has the capacity to heat up more than 300 liters of water overnight. This is particularly true if you do not have flat rate electricity and the rate is significantly lower at night compared to daytime.
CONCLUSION
If you have main gas connection in your home, it would be wise to get a gas fueled boiler. Although it has reduced efficiency compared to electrical units, it would still be cheaper to run gas boilers and electrical ones. The only disadvantage with gas fueled heaters is that you need to allot a bigger budget to purchase one. Unfortunately, what you save in running it, you have to spend on maintaining it.
If you need assistance with heating installation, repair or maintenance, contact First Class HVAC now. We service Delaware and some parts of Maryland. You can call any of these numbers – Maryland (410) 713-4099; Bethany / Fenwick (302) 316-0523; Lewes / Rehoboth (302) 316-0523; Seaford / Bridgeville (302) 604-5510; Dover /Milford / Milton (302) 213-8396; Salisbury / Ocean City (410) 713-4099 or Middletown (302) 307-4530.
We offer a wide range of heating services such as Lewes heating maintenance, Fenwick heating maintenance, Fenwick Island heating maintenance, Bethany heating maintenance, Berlin heating maintenance, Lewes Beach heating maintenance, Rehoboth Beach heating maintenance, Bethany Beach heating maintenance, Dover heating maintenance, Milton heating maintenance, Bear heating maintenance, Milford heating maintenance, and Middletown heating maintenance.