Gas vs Electric: What Costs More To Run?

Most people will take one look at the initial costs of investing in a new heating system and go for the cheapest one. However, it’s the running costs where heating drains most of our bank accounts!

Gas is the most common central heating used in the UK, with 73% of households using it in 2024. 8% were using electric, and 5% were using oil. With the UK’s 2050 net-zero goal quickly approaching, it’s about time we learned that electric heating doesn’t have to be expensive and start replacing those gas boilers that are destroying the planet. So in this blog, we’re going to compare the running costs of gas boilers and electric radiators, enabling you to make an informed decision before you invest in a system that could change your entire home.

Gas Heating

The initial cost of buying a gas boiler and having it installed, along with all the pipework, is between £3000 and £6000 (on average). This is dependent on the size and nature of the home, the boiler type, and how much labor needs to be paid for. The required pipework can also be extensive so this costs also needs to be considered.

Gas heating can also incur a variety of other ‘hidden’ costs, including the following:

• Servicing: £80 - £120 per year. If a service is missed, the warranty can be invalid, and extensive repairs may be required unexpectedly.

• Repairs: Typically £80 - £120 for a repair, or £2000 - £4000 for a new boiler. Boilers usually have a 10-15 year life span but parts tend to fail much sooner.

• Gas Safety Certificate: Legally required if in a rental property, and costs £60 - £100 per year.

• Cleaning: Powerflush system is recommended every 5-10 years to remove sludge and build-up. This is typically £300 - £600, depending on system size.

• Bleeding radiators: This doesn’t directly incur a cost but is a faff and one of the first signs of an inefficient system.

• Water-filled pipes: Leaks and frozen pipes are common with the use of gas systems as the pipes require occasional maintenance or replacement.

• Potential Regulation Costs: Gas is a fossil fuel so the government may introduce green levies or carbon fees in the near future, in a bid to meet net-zero.

• Efficiency Losses: As gas systems get older, they become less efficient so could be costing you more money than you think.

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Generally £20 - £40 but also needs regular checks. 

Electric Radiators

The initial cost of electric radiators and the installation are dependent on the property and how many radiators are required. Here at Trust, our radiators cost around £860 per unit, plus installation of around £300. 

Electricity rates are known to be more expensive than gas rates, so electric heating is automatically more expensive per kWh. However, with smart tariffs like the Cosy Tariff from Octopus Energy, users can make use of lower-cost energy rates to heat their homes for less.

Octopus’ Cosy Tariff provides 8 ‘cosy’ hours per day, when electricity rates are 51% lower than the Day rate. Within our NEOS electric radiator, we have a soapstone core which stores heat and emits it for 20-40 minutes after the electricity has been switched off. By making efficient use of our smart thermostats AND the Octopus Cosy Tariff, customers can heat their homes and the core of their radiators while the rates are low, and then the soapstone will keep the desired temperature for slightly longer when the rates begin to peak again. Click here to find out more about Octopus Energy and the NEOS.
The following will summarise 10 years’ worth of these costs associated with gas heating and electric heating to create a clear comparison between the two. This shows how gas may seem cheaper based on the upfront cost, but after 10 years of hidden costs, it may become the more expensive option. (Please note that these are average costs and not 100% accurate)

So the initial cost of electric radiators may seem high, but it is worth it for the minimal costs over time. Here at Trust Electric Heating, ALL of our radiators come with a 25-year guarantee, proving that they’re built to last. We also encourage people to gradually swap their system to split the initial cost. For example, convert the downstairs rooms to electric radiators and move on to do the upstairs after a few months of getting used to them. For more information on this ‘hybrid hero’ approach, click here.  

So, if you’re looking for a safer, greener and efficient system to heat your home, don’t be scared of the upfront costs of electric radiators - they ARE worthwhile. 

For more information on anything in blog, or if you have any questions about heating in general, please give us a call or email us at [email protected].

Tags: General Guides, Comparisons.