Electric Heating vs Gas: What Does It Cost in 2026?
Electric heating has changed quite a bit. It no longer just means old storage heaters or portable fan heaters. Modern electric heating systems include panel heaters, electric radiators, electric boilers, underfloor heating and heat pumps.
But the question most people want answered is much simpler: is electric heating cheaper than gas?
For most homes using direct electric heating, the answer is currently no. Electricity costs considerably more per unit than gas, although the efficiency of the heating system and the type of property can change the overall picture.
A Quick Summary
Direct electric heating is generally more expensive to run than gas central heating because the cost of electricity per kWh is much higher than gas. Electric heating can still make sense in smaller homes, well-insulated properties or where installing gas heating would be impractical. Heat pumps are a separate case because they can produce several units of heat for each unit of electricity used.
Is Electric Heating Cheaper Than Gas?
On current unit prices, usually not.
From October to December 2026, the average electricity unit rate under Ofgem’s price cap is about 3.3 times the gas rate. That means 1,000kWh of electricity costs around £263.20 before standing charges, while 1,000kWh of gas costs £79.70 before standing charges.
Gas boilers do not convert every unit of gas into useful heat, whereas direct electric heaters are often described as close to 100% efficiency at the point of use. Even with that difference in energy efficiency, the higher electricity price generally leaves direct electric heating with higher running costs.
How Much Does Electric Heating Cost Per Month?
There is no useful single figure because heating costs depend on the size of your home, insulation, thermostat settings, tariff and how many rooms you heat.
A small, well-insulated flat may use relatively little electricity for heating. A large house relying entirely on direct electric radiators could use considerably more.
Your tariff matters too. Storage heaters can use cheaper off-peak electricity, while some modern tariffs offer different prices depending on the time of day. Energy Saving Trust notes that storage heaters can be cheaper to run than standard direct electric heaters where lower off-peak rates are available.
What Is Electric Central Heating?
Electric central heating is a broad term rather than one particular system.
An electric boiler can heat water for radiators in much the same way as a gas boiler, except electricity provides the heat instead of burning a fossil fuel.
Other homes use individual electric radiators or panel heaters in each room. Electric underfloor heating is another option, while heat pumps use electricity to move heat from outside into the home.
That last distinction is important. A heat pump works differently from ordinary electric resistance heating and can deliver roughly three times as much heat as the electricity it consumes.
Is Electric Heating Expensive to Run?
It can be, particularly if direct electric heating is used throughout a large or poorly insulated home.
However, installation costs can sometimes be lower because electric systems do not necessarily need gas pipework, a flue or the same type of wet central heating system. Some electric heating solutions can also be controlled room by room, which may be cost effective where only part of the property needs heating.
The right comparison is therefore not just the price of a heater. You need to consider installation, ongoing energy costs, maintenance and how the building is actually used.
Is Electric Heating Out of Date?
No. If anything, electricity is becoming more important to the way homes are heated.
As electricity generation moves towards more renewable energy, the environmental impact of electric heating can change too. Electric systems can also form part of homes using solar panels, battery storage and smart energy controls.
That does not automatically make every electric heater cheap or low-carbon, but it does mean electric heating itself is far from outdated.
Which Heating System Is Right for Your Home?
There is no single winner for every property.
Gas may still offer lower running costs for many homes, while electric heating can suit properties without gas, smaller spaces, extensions or rooms that need independent heating. Heat pumps introduce another option entirely.
If electrical work is needed for new heaters, an electric boiler or other fixed heating equipment, TS Electrical can check the existing supply, circuits and consumer unit and make sure the installation is suitable for the load.
📧 info@tselectricalservice.co.uk
FAQs
Is Electric Heating Cheaper Than Gas in 2026?
For most homes using direct electric heating, no. Electricity currently costs considerably more per kWh than gas, although electric heaters are more efficient at converting the energy they use into heat.
How Much Does Electric Heating Cost Per Month?
It depends on your tariff and energy usage. The easiest way to estimate it is to multiply the number of kWh used for heating by your electricity unit rate, then include any relevant standing charges.
Is Electric Heating Expensive?
Direct electric heating can be expensive if it is heating a large property for long periods. It can be more practical in smaller, well-insulated spaces or where individual rooms are heated separately.
Are Electric Boilers Cheaper to Run Than Gas Boilers?
Usually not at current UK energy prices. Electric boilers are highly efficient at converting electricity into heat, but electricity costs much more per unit than gas.
Are Electric Heaters 100% Efficient?
Direct electric heaters are commonly described as 100% efficient at the point of use because almost all the electricity they consume becomes heat in the room. That does not mean they are automatically cheaper to run.
Do Electric Heating Systems Need an Annual Service?
Maintenance requirements depend on the system. Many direct electric heaters need relatively little routine maintenance, while electric boilers and other more complex systems should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Is a Heat Pump the Same as Electric Heating?
It uses electricity, but it works very differently. Rather than creating heat directly, a heat pump transfers existing heat from the air or ground into the building, which allows it to deliver considerably more heat per unit of electricity used.
Can Solar Panels Make Electric Heating Cheaper?
Solar panels can offset some electricity use when they are generating power, but heating demand is usually highest during darker winter months when solar generation is lower. They should therefore be considered as part of the wider energy setup rather than a complete answer to heating costs.
Does Electric Heating Have a Lower Carbon Footprint Than Gas?
It depends on the type of electric heating and how the electricity is generated. As more renewable electricity enters the grid, the carbon emissions associated with electricity can reduce, while gas heating directly burns fossil fuel in the home.
Can TS Electrical Install Electric Heating?
TS Electrical can carry out the electrical work required for fixed electric heating systems, including suitable supplies, circuits and controls, and can check whether the existing electrical installation can handle the additional load.
