Is it cheaper to put heating on or electric fire?

When it comes to keeping a home warm, many people weigh up the options between central heating and using an electric fire. The short answer is: it depends on several factors, including the size of the space, how well the home is insulated, the efficiency of the heating system, and the cost of electricity versus gas in your area. In this post, we’ll explore the key considerations to help you decide whether to rely on heating or an electric fire for comfort and cost savings.

Understanding the basics: heating systems versus electric fires

Before diving into costs, it’s useful to clarify what we mean by central heating and electric fires. Central heating typically involves a gas or electric boiler that heats water, which then circulates through radiators or underfloor systems to warm the whole house. An electric fire, on the other hand, is a localised heating appliance designed to radiate warmth into a single room. Electric fires are often used as supplementary heat or for atmosphere, rather than as a primary heating source.

Cost factors to consider

Several variables influence the ongoing cost of heating a home versus running an electric fire:

• Energy prices: The price of gas and electricity fluctuates, and regional differences in the UK can be significant. In recent years, electricity has tended to be more expensive per kilowatt-hour (kWh) than gas, but efficiency and usage patterns matter a lot.
• Efficiency: Modern condensing boilers and high-efficiency electric heaters can change the maths. A highly efficient boiler with well-insulated spaces can be cheaper to run than turning on a portable heater repeatedly.
• Space size and insulation: Larger spaces require more energy to heat. Poor insulation leads to heat loss, making any heating option more expensive over time.
• Heat demand: If you only need to heat a small area or a single room, an electric fire with a heat output suitable for that space can be economical, especially when used intermittently.
• Comfort and settings: The way you set temperatures, thermostat usage, and the duration you run heating all influence the overall cost.
• Supplementary vs primary heating: An electric fire is typically supplementary. Relying on it as the main heat source in a larger home will usually be more expensive.

Comparing running costs: central heating versus electric fire

To illustrate the cost comparison, consider a few scenarios:

• Scenario A: Small living room, well-insulated, modest heating needs.

  • Central heating: If your boiler serves the whole house but the living room is well-insulated, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature may not require the entire system to run constantly. The cost per hour could be modest, but the system is designed to heat more than one room.
  • Electric fire: A well-chosen electric fire with a heat output around 1.5 kW can quickly warm a small space. If you only need to heat that room, using the electric fire for a few hours could be cheaper than running the entire central heating for the same period, depending on electricity prices.

• Scenario B: Large hallway or open-plan area, poor insulation.

  • Central heating: A modern system with a programmable thermostat can manage heat more efficiently across zones. If the space has significant heat loss, relying on a single electric fire to cover the area would be impractical and likely more expensive over time.
  • Electric fire: In this case, an electric fire would be unlikely to cover the whole area effectively and could incur high electricity costs if used extensively.

• Scenario C: Entire home with average insulation, gas heating accessible.

  • Central heating: If you have gas-fired central heating, it is often cheaper per kWh than electricity. Running the boiler to maintain comfort throughout the home is typically more cost-effective than using multiple electric heaters.
  • Electric fire: Using electric fires in addition to central heating can provide zone heating for rooms you occupy most, potentially reducing the need to heat unoccupied spaces. However, relying on electric fire as the primary heat source is generally not the best value in a whole-home context.

Efficiency and technology considerations

• Boiler efficiency: Modern gas boilers can be highly efficient (gas condensing boilers often exceed 90% efficiency). Pair this with good insulation, and your overall heating costs can be reasonable.
• Electric heating efficiency: Electric heaters convert nearly all consumed electricity into heat (often 100% efficient in terms of conversion). However, electricity’s higher price per kWh compared to gas means that, for the same heat output, electric heating can be more expensive unless used judiciously or in a small space.
• Electric fire design: Electric fires vary in heat output, flame realism, and heat distribution. Some units include heat stores or timers, which can help manage costs by heating the room as needed rather than continuously.

Practical tips to minimise costs

• Improve insulation: Draft-proofing doors and windows, loft insulation, and cavity wall insulation reduce heat loss and lower overall heating needs.
• Use zoning: If your home has a zoned heating system, heat only the rooms you use. Close doors to unoccupied areas and use thermostats to maintain comfortable temperatures where needed.
• Programmable controls: Use timers and smart thermostats to reduce heating when you’re out or asleep.
• Supplementary warmth strategy: In mild weather, a portable electric fire can provide incidental warmth without running the central system, but monitor usage to avoid excessive costs.
• Regular maintenance: Servicing your boiler or heat pump (if applicable) ensures peak efficiency. Clean filters on electric heaters also help them run efficiently.

Environmental and long-term considerations

Beyond immediate costs, consider the environmental impact and long-term financial implications. Gas consumption emits carbon, while electricity can be generated from renewable sources. If your electricity comes from a greener mix, using electric fire or electric heating during peak times might align with environmental goals. Conversely, an efficient gas heating system with good insulation remains a reliable and often cheaper option in many parts of the UK.

Final thoughts

Choosing between turning on central heating or relying on an electric fire depends on the specifics of your home, your energy prices, and your comfort preferences. In many cases, central heating powered by gas remains the cost-effective option for whole-home warmth, especially in larger or poorly insulated spaces. In smaller, well-insulated rooms, an electric fire can provide economical, rapid warmth for the moments you need it, without warming the entire house.

To optimise costs, focus on improving insulation, use smart controls to zone heat, and compare the running costs of your current system with the price of electricity in your area. With thoughtful management, you can stay warm while keeping energy bills in check. If you’re weighing a standby electric fire for occasional use or considering upgrades, talk to a heating professional to assess your home’s needs and get a tailored cost analysis.