I'm trying to figure out the break-even point for using electric heaters versus ducted gas heating. Some folks I've talked to suggest that using about 2-4 electric heaters (around 6-8 kW) could be where it balances out. However, my interactions with ChatGPT suggest it's much higher—over 24 kW. I know the calculations can get pretty complex, especially since gas heaters often cycle on and off. While I plan to track my usage by reading the meters, I'm curious about your thoughts and experiences with this. Just for context, I pay $0.0253 per MJ for gas and $0.2112 per kWh for electricity.
3 Answers
It really depends on where you're located. In my case, a gas furnace is way more economical, especially during the cold winters in the Midwest. But if you're in a milder climate, maybe consider sticking with the electric heaters for the sake of comfort. Just beware of the costs stacking up— I've seen my electric bill shoot up to nearly $150 a month when I've tried heating with just space heaters.
Yeah, it can get really expensive. I think if you're using a mini split system, you might see better efficiency than gas, but that's not going to be the case for everyone.
You've got a lot to consider, but I think you'll find that gas generally ends up being cheaper to run overall, especially if you have a good system in place. Plus, the comfort level is often better with ducted gas since it heats larger areas more evenly.
Honestly, the break-even point is actually a bit of a myth in this case. The main thing to consider is that you might save on costs by only heating specific rooms with electric heaters, but the overall efficiency of ducted gas is usually better. Depending on your climate and how much you use the heaters, the math can get tricky, but in general, running just a few electric heaters in a small area can keep costs down a bit compared to heating the whole house with gas.
If you're focused on one or two rooms, then yes, electric heaters might be more cost-effective! You could track the run times using a smart thermostat to accurately compare both setups.
Absolutely. Plus, the total cost can really vary based on your insulation and how often you're using these heaters. Some days, even with the higher cost of electricity, it could still end up being cheaper.
Totally. Every situation is unique. If you have good insulation and only need to heat a small space, electric could work. Just keep an eye on those meter readings!