So, you’ve decided to get your hands on a new space heater. I respect that. However, now you might be presented with a dilemma, which type is better, electric or gas? What are the pros and cons of each?
Well, let’s find out.
1) Electric Heaters: The Toasty Techie
Let’s take a closer look at the electric heater first. No gas, no mess, no fuss, and not to mention the ability to work in a power outage if you’ve got a generator that’s beefy enough. But, as with all good things, it’s not all sunshine and roses.
Pros
- Easy to install: Just plug it in, and you’re good to go. Even my technophobe grandpa managed it, and he still uses a flip phone.
- Safe: No open flames or carbon monoxide to worry about. Unless you’re into that sort of thing.
- Portable: Fancy a bit of warmth in the kitchen, then in the living room, then in the bathroom? No problem.
Cons
- Expensive running costs: Like a diva, electric heaters demand a lot of energy. And they’ll make sure your electricity bill reflects it.
- Limited heat range: Great if you’re sitting right next to it. Less so if you’re on the other side of the room.
Electric heaters also come in various shapes and sizes, so you have plenty of models to choose from. Do you want to heat an entire room? You might need a big fella. Alternatively, are you looking just for an additional source of heat to warm your feet during cold nights? Compact electric heaters have you covered.
2) Gas Heaters: The Hotshot Hero
On the other hand, we’ve got gas heaters. They strut around with their impressive heat output and lower running costs, but don’t be too quick to fall under their charm. There are a few things you might want to consider.
Pros
- Powerful heat output: If electric heaters are kittens, gas heaters are lions. They can heat a large area quickly and efficiently.
- Lower running costs: They’re like the friend who insists on picking up the tab. They just love to save you money.
- Ultimate portability: You are not limited to the power cord’s length.
Cons
- Complex installation: Unless you’re a DIY guru or have a qualified professional on speed dial, installing a gas heater can be a bit of a headache.
- Safety concerns: Open flames and potential carbon monoxide poisoning can make gas heaters a little dicey. A bit of danger can be fun, but only if you’re into that sort of thing.
In my personal opinion, the biggest benefit of gas heaters is their portability. Since they do not require electricity, you can have them placed literally anywhere.
In Conclusion
As you can see, each type has both, pros and cons and there’s no definitive winner. With that being said, according to trends the interest in electric heaters peaked most in 2021 and 2022, but slowed a bit in 2023, I guess mostly because of what is going on in the world in regard to electric and gas prices. But as with everything, ultimately, the choice is yours.