Electric heaters may not always be cheaper than central heating.

Gas central heating remains commonly cheaper to run for many UK homes, while electric systems are nearly 100% efficient at the point of use and can suit smaller or well‑insulated properties and off‑grid homes.

For decades in the UK, gas central heating has been the default for most homes. That is changing as electricity powers more heating systems, from electric boilers and storage heaters to low‑carbon options, and as households pay more attention to when and how they use energy. Choosing between gas and electric heating now involves running costs, installation, efficiency and how well a system fits a property and lifestyle. The article compares how the two approaches generate and distribute heat and how that affects bills and emissions. Key facts: - Gas has historically been cheaper per unit of energy than electricity, which often leads to lower day‑to‑day bills in larger or less well‑insulated homes. - Modern condensing gas boilers commonly reach efficiency ratings of around 90% or more, while electric heaters are close to 100% efficient at the point of use. - Installation costs reported in the article: like‑for‑like gas boiler replacements around £1,800 to £3,500; electric boilers often from about £1,500 to £3,000 installed; individual storage or panel heaters can cost a few hundred pounds per room. - Electric systems can offer finer room‑by‑room control and work well with time‑of‑use electricity tariffs; the article mentions suppliers such as Octopus Energy offering tariffs that reward flexible usage. - Gas systems commonly heat whole homes and suit larger or older houses with existing radiator networks, while electric heating often suits smaller, well‑insulated homes, flats and properties off the gas grid. Summary: The economic and environmental outcomes differ by property: gas still often gives lower running costs for many homes, while electric heating reduces on‑site energy losses and can lower emissions as the grid decarbonises. The article reports that which option is most economical depends on factors such as insulation, home size, existing connections and the tariff structure, and that many households look to incremental changes—improving insulation, upgrading controls or electrifying parts of the home—rather than an immediate full replacement.