Which Is Cheaper - Gas Or Electric Central Heating?

​We all want state of the art heating solutions in our homes, but let’s face it – money is an issue. When it comes to central heating, you have a few options. Gas is a common central heating fuel, as well as electricity. A common question we’re asked is, “which is cheaper?” 

So, which is it really? Let’s take a quick peek on how each one works.

​Gas Central Heating vs. Electric Central Heating

​The idea of gas central heating is using gas to heat a boiler full of water. The hot water travels to hot-water radiators that give off heat in each room. As the water circulates around your home, it it needs to be heated again by moving through the boiler.

Ducted Central Heating on the other hand just uses electricity. A large heat pump transfers the warmer air from outside your home and transfers it through ducts into each room of your house.

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​Central Heating Pros and Cons

​You might think that all we have to do is compare the cost of piped natural gas with electricity, but it’s not that simple. Plenty of other factors are at play such as fixed charges, capital and maintenance costs.

If gas is used for both your hot water and central heating because that can help lower the cost since the fixed charge covers both. You also need to consider the cost of connecting the household’s gas mains, which can be upwards of $1500. You’ll also never find yourself ‘caught short’ with gas cylinders running out, leaving high and dry until you can get some delivered.

With electric central heating, you’ll need to consider the efficiency of your electricity consumption. If your house is already getting electricity from the grid, you won’t face any extra connection charges. 

​The Costs of Central Heating

According to Consumer NZ, the average of fixed daily charge for piped natural gas was $1.45, but had a big range, from 8c to $1.89. With LPG, the annual rental fee for two 45kg LPG cylinders was $118. 

Consumer NZ also found that heat pumps had the lowest national median running costs for space heating, followed by natural gas, then night store or underfloor electric heating. Next were wood pellet burners, then wood burners, followed by LPG fluid heaters and electricity resistance heaters.
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The beauty of electric central heating is that the amount of heat produced is greater than the amount of electricity used. The running costs are lower compared to the alternatives. If you are switching from gas, you will get to save a lot!

Interested in central heating? Contact Heat Pumps NOW on 03 377 7393 to find out how our central heating solutions can help you save more energy and money. Book your free, in-home consultation today and find the right central heating solution for you!