The Battle of the Heaters: Gas Heater vs Electric Heater

When it comes to space heating both gas heaters and electric heaters are popular options available. While electric heaters have been most common, gas heaters are also one of the effective options for heating. Both gas heaters and electric heaters have continued to evolve throughout the years.

Choosing between gas heaters and electric heaters is quite confusing as they have their ideal use. Wait, are you also confused about choosing between a gas heater and an electric heater? If so is the case then, you don’t need to worry anymore. This is because this blog will be about gas heater vs electric heater which will help you be clear about which one will best suit your needs.

The Basics of Gas Heaters and Electric Heaters

Before we directly jump into the differences between gas heaters and electric heaters, let’s first know in detail about them and their working. 

Gas Heaters and It’s Working

As the name suggests, gas heaters are the types of heaters that utilise natural gases or propane to generate heat. The heaters are common for space heatings such as homes, commercial buildings, and outdoor settings. 

Gas heaters work on the combustion principle to produce heat around the surroundings. A gas heater operates by burning natural gas or propane to create heat. Inside a gas heater, there is a burner assembly in which the natural gas or propane is mixed in the correct proportions. Then the burners ignite the mixture initiating combustion that results in the production of heat.

Electric Heaters and It’s Working 

Electric heaters on the other hand are heaters that use electric current to produce heat. These can be differentiated into different types based on the heat transfer mechanism. Popular types of electric heaters include fan heaters, halogen heaters as well as convection heaters.

Heating elements are the main components in electric heaters that are responsible for the production of heat. When an electric heater is plugged into a power source the heating element gets heated up and turns electric energy into heat energy and produces heat due to its resistance properties.

Gas Heater vs Electric Heater

Now that we have discussed the basics of gas heaters and electric heaters, it’s time for us to move ahead. So, the next thing we will be discussing is the difference between gas heaters and electric heaters. While the primary goal of both heaters is to produce heat and keep their surroundings warm, the following are the grounds, gas heaters and electric heaters differ,

Source of Energy 

The primary difference between gas heaters and electric heaters lies in the source of energy they use. 

As we discussed earlier, gas heaters work in the combustion principle. They burn natural gas or propane to produce heat therefore use natural gas or propane as their energy source.

On the other hand electric heaters produce heat by converting electric energy into heat energy. The heating element in the electric heaters is responsible for the production of heat. It uses electricity as a source of energy.

Efficiency

When it comes to heating large spaces gas heaters are more energy-efficient and cost effective. However, the efficiency might differ according to the gas used and also the design of the heater.

Electric heaters are 100% efficient in converting electric energy into heat energy. However electric heaters might be less efficient when heating larger spaces. 

Safety 

As gas heaters involve combustion for the production of heat, there are chances that it might involve the buildup of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. This makes it necessary for ventilations to be in place. In addition, if the gas heaters are not maintained properly they might have safety concerns.  

In contrast, electric heaters are usually safe for health as they do not involve combustion and do not emit carbon monoxide. However, there might be safety concerns related to overheating.

But modern electric heaters such as electric heaters from Better Home Appliances come up with overheat protection making it safe for use.

Portability

The other difference between gas heaters and electric heaters comes in their portability. As gas heaters requires installation of gas along with the heater, it makes it difficult to easily carry gas heater from one place to the other.

In contrast, electric heaters are designed to be portable and can be carried from one place to the other. You’ll only need a power source at the place where you think of keeping the heater. Also, they come in various sizes making it easier to use them according to your personal preference.

Which is better: an electric heater or a gas heater? 

After going through the basics and the gas heater vs electric heater a question might arise in your mind about which one you should choose. However, the answer to the question of which is the better heater depends upon your needs.

If you are looking for a portable heater with less safety concern to heat small spaces then an electric heater will best serve your need. Conversely, if you are looking to heat a larger space and looking for cost-effective options then a gas heater would match your requirements.

Wrapping Up!

Both electric heaters and gas heaters are popular heating options. Gas heaters work on the combustion principle to produce heat around the surroundings. Electric heaters are the ones that convert electric energy into heat energy and generate heat.

The main differences between electric and gas heaters lie in energy source, safety, efficiency as well as portability. Gas heaters use natural gas or propane as energy sources, and are highly efficient for heating larger space. On the other hand, electric heaters use electricity to produce heat, are safer for use, and are also portable. 

Wait, which heater did you find most suitable for yourselves going through this blog? In case an electric heater serves best of your needs, make sure you visit Better Home Appliances, which has electric heaters of high quality and durability.