Many UK homes are looking for ways to save money as the nation is hit by the cost of living crisis.
Energy bills have seen a staggering 54% increase recently as the price cap rapidly rose. Many have been fearful about the beginning of this new financial year national insurance tax has also shot up and interest rates are sky high.
With this in mind, many households are trying to save as much money as possible by taking simple actions such as turning unused appliances off and other various money saving hacks.
READ MORE: Help available for those struggling to pay energy bills
However, heating your home could be costing more than it needs to. We take a look at which is the cheapest option - gas or electricity.
Is gas or electric cheaper to heat your home with?
Most central heating models use gas radiators pumping hot warmer from a boiler to heat several rooms at once. Naturally, this can prove expensive as it uses gas over a wide area for several hours a day, reported The Mirror.
The alternative is to heat only the room you're using or need to heat with an electric appliance that works independently. Electric heating units take their power from wall sockets rather than one central system, but this isn't necessarily cheaper upfront.
While market chaos has made it near impossible to estimate accurate electricity and gas prices, tradespeople estimate the former is more expensive, The Express reports. Data reported by checkatrade.com from the last time prices were stable - in December 2021 - show gas heating costs approximately 4.65p per kWh.
Electric heating is almost four times more expensive at 16p per kWh. But using electricity creates savings elsewhere, such as in installation.
Gas central heating systems require the hand of a specially trained tradesperson and cost up to £5,250 on average. Electric central heating systems cost markedly less, averaging out at £3,790.
Heaters not hardwired to the mains usually require a single plug socket, with no electrician necessary. But there are other factors to consider when considering whether to use electric heating.
One such consideration is efficiency, as gas won't convert to heat at a 1:1 rate. Most research shows that, at peak efficiency, gas boilers are roughly 90 percent effective.
Electric heaters generate one unit of heat per hour of operation. In the long run, electricity can give people more bang for their buck.
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