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Electric vs. Gas Heating: Which is Cheaper?
The question of whether electric or gas heating is cheaper is a common one, especially with fluctuating energy prices. While a simple calculation might suggest electric heaters are more expensive, the reality is far more nuanced. This article breaks down the complexities, explaining why direct comparisons can be misleading and what factors truly determine the cost of heating your home.
The Flawed Hourly Cost Comparison
A common mistake is to compare heating costs based on a simple per-kWh calculation. As of January 19, 2026, gas prices average 6.29p per kWh, while electricity costs 26.53p per kWh 1. Using this, a 2kW electric heater appears to cost 53.06p per hour to run, while a gas boiler, with its higher headline kW rating (typically 20-40kW), seems significantly more expensive –