Commercial Gas Heater vs Electric Heater: Which is More Energy Efficient?

When choosing the right heating solution for your property, one of the most important considerations nowadays is energy efficiency. Whether you run a warehouse, office, hospitality venue, or another type of commercial property, heating makes up a significant portion of your operational costs. The choice between commercial gas heating and an electric heater can have a huge impact on both your long-term expenses and your environmental footprint. Let’s take a look at the difference between a commercial gas and an electric heater to help you decide which is the best option for you.

How Do Commercial Gas Heaters Work?

A commercial heater gas system usually operates using either natural gas or liquid petroleum gas. Gas is burned to create heat, which is then distributed throughout your building using radiators and warm air units. When comparing electric heaters vs gas heaters, businesses often choose gas heating because gas is generally cheaper per unit of energy compared to electricity. Gas boilers and heaters provide quick but powerful heat, making commercial gas heating perfect for large spaces. By comparing the different types of commercial heating systems, you can work to find the solution that best fits the size of your building and your property’s unique needs. With proper commercial gas servicing and routine maintenance, gas systems can last many years, making this a great investment for your property.

How Do Electric Heaters Work?

To continue our comparison of gas heaters vs electric heaters, let’s look at how electric heaters work. Electric heaters convert electrical energy directly into heat using resistive heating elements. They are chosen for use in some properties as installation is simple, and they can provide heat instantly. Electric heaters are sometimes considered safer due to the lack of flames or the risk of gas leaks and require little maintenance in most cases. Electric heating can be a good option for smaller commercial spaces or where gas infrastructure is unavailable.

Electric vs Gas Boilers: Which Is More Energy Efficient?

One of the biggest considerations for business owners today when making changes to their property is the impact their choices will have on the environment. When discussing electric heaters vs gas heaters, energy efficiency can be reviewed by comparing both efficiency at the point of use and overall operating efficiency. Electric heaters are technically 100% efficient at the point of use, meaning all the electricity they consume is converted into heat. On the other hand, a commercial gas heater achieves around 85% to 95% efficiency, depending on the model and age of your unit.

However, while electric heaters waste no energy during operation, electricity is often more expensive per kilowatt-hour than when using commercial gas services. As a result of this, electric heaters are more efficient in many cases, but gas heaters are usually cheaper to run. In large commercial properties where heating demands are high, gas remains the more eco-friendly option. Electric systems are expensive when used extensively or in properties with poor insulation.

Environmental Considerations

Modern commercial gas heaters are cleaner and more efficient than older models. However, natural gas is still a fossil fuel, and combustion produces carbon emissions. Electric systems may seem more environmentally friendly, especially when they are powered by renewable energy sources like Solar Thermal and Solar PV. Keep in mind that the environmental benefits depend heavily on the electricity grid mix.

As the UK continues to transition toward using more renewable energy, electric heating may become a more sustainable long-term option. At the current time, gas remains the more efficient choice for most commercial environments which have high demands when it comes to their heating systems.

Heating Power and Performance

Gas generally provides stronger and more consistent heat output. For large areas, such as warehouses, factories, and retail spaces, gas heaters are more effective and economical. Electric heaters may struggle to heat large spaces quickly and may lead to higher operating bills, but they can be an efficient option for smaller commercial properties. For electric heaters to be a good option for your property, you’ll need to make sure your space is well insulated.

Maintenance and Safety

Gas heaters require regular inspections from certified engineers to ensure they can safely operate. Understanding the importance of boiler maintenance helps businesses avoid costly breakdowns and ensures optimal performance year-round. Electric heaters require minimal maintenance and have fewer safety risks, but this is offset by higher energy costs. We usually recommend that you choose gas heating if you have a large space with high heat demand and want lower long-term operating costs.