With ongoing energy price fluctuations and rising interest in home efficiency, many households are re-evaluating whether gas or electric heating is the cheaper option in 2026. The answer is no longer as straightforward as it once was. Tariffs have changed, boiler standards have improved, and electric heating technology is evolving rapidly.
In this guide, we compare gas vs electric heating costs in 2026, explain the real-world factors that influence your bill, and show you how to calculate the running cost of your own heating system with simple formulas or instantly using our calculators.
If you want quick, personalised results, try our free Boiler Running Cost Calculator or Electricity Running Cost Calculator to compare real heating scenarios.
Why Heating Costs Matter More Than Ever in 2026
Heating is the largest single contributor to household energy bills, typically accounting for 50–70% of total annual consumption. With both gas and electricity prices shifting over the last two years, many people are reconsidering whether to rely on a gas boiler, electric heaters, heat pumps, or a hybrid setup.
Understanding the cost difference helps you:
- Reduce monthly energy bills
- Choose the cheapest heating method
- Plan future home upgrades
- Improve energy efficiency
- Identify cost-effective alternatives
With updated tariffs, emission targets, and efficiency standards in place, the comparison between gas and electric heating has never been more relevant.
Gas vs Electric Heating in 2026: Quick Overview
Before diving deeper, here is the broad comparison for the 2026 UK average tariffs:
Gas vs Electric Heating Cost Comparison (2026)
| Heating Type | Cost per kWh (2026 Average) | Typical Efficiency | Cost to Produce 1kWh of Heat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler (Condensing) | 7–9p | 85–94% | 8–11p |
| Electric Heater (Standard) | 28–34p | 100% | 28–34p |
| Electric Heat Pump | 28–34p | 250–400% (COP 2.5–4.0) | 7–12p |
Immediate takeaway:
- Gas is cheaper than electric heating when comparing standard gas boilers to electric heaters.
- Electric heat pumps can match or beat gas in cost per kWh because they are far more efficient.
But the real answer depends heavily on your home setup, insulation, boiler age, and daily usage.
Gas Heating: Costs, Pros, and Considerations
Gas boilers remain the most common heating method in UK homes. A modern condensing boiler converts a large portion of fuel into usable heat, keeping running costs low.
Running Cost Formula for Gas Heating
Cost per hour = (Boiler kW × Efficiency %) × Gas price per kWh
You can calculate this automatically with our Boiler Running Cost Calculator.
Typical Example (2026)
24kW boiler at 90% efficiency, heating for 4 hours/day at 8p/kWh:
- Cost per hour: ~£1.73
- Cost per day: ~£6.91
- Cost per month: ~£207
Pros of Gas Heating
- Lower cost per kWh
- Heats rooms quickly
- Works well for entire homes
- Efficient modern condensing boilers
- Widely available and reliable
Cons
- Higher upfront installation cost
- Requires annual servicing
- Carbon emissions are still significant
- Not ideal for homes with no gas access
Electric Heating: Costs, Pros, and Considerations
Electric heating comes in several forms: panel heaters, storage heaters, infrared heaters, and heat pumps. Each has very different cost implications.
Running Cost Formula for Electric Heaters
Cost per hour = Heater wattage ÷ 1000 × Electricity price per kWh
Example: A 2kW electric heater at 30p/kWh:
- Cost per hour: £0.60
- Cost per day (4 hours): £2.40
- Cost per month: £72
Pros of Electric Heating
- 100% efficient (every kWh becomes heat)
- No boiler, pipework, or flues needed
- Fast installation, low maintenance
- Ideal for small rooms or occasional heating
Cons
- Electricity is far more expensive than gas
- Heating large homes becomes costly
- Some heaters create uneven heat
- Can overload circuits if used heavily
Electric Heat Pumps in 2026: A Game-Changer?
Heat pumps deliver 2.5–4 times more heat per kWh of electricity, thanks to their high efficiency (Coefficient of Performance).
Cost to Produce 1 kWh of Heat (2026)
At 30p/kWh electricity:
- COP 2.5 → 12p per kWh of heat
- COP 3.0 → 10p per kWh of heat
- COP 4.0 → 7.5p per kWh of heat
This puts heat pumps directly in line with, or even cheaper than, gas heating, depending on conditions.
Pros
- Extremely efficient
- Lower running costs than standard electric heaters
- Lower carbon emissions
- Good for well-insulated homes
Cons
- High installation cost
- Works best with underfloor heating / low-temp systems
- Not ideal for poorly insulated properties
Real-World Comparison: Gas vs Electric Heating Costs in 2026
Below is a simplified cost comparison assuming typical UK tariffs in 2026 and 4 hours of heating per day.
Real-World Heating Cost Comparison (2026)
| System Type | Cost per Day | Cost per Month (30 Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler (24kW, 90% eff.) | ~£6.91 | ~£207 |
| 2kW Electric Heater | ~£2.40 | ~£72 |
| Whole Home Electric Heating (8kW total) | ~£9.60 | ~£288 |
| Heat Pump (efficient home) | £1.20–£1.80 | £36–£54 |
Interpretation:
- For whole-home heating, Gas is cheaper than electric heaters.
- For small rooms or occasional use, Electric heaters may be cheaper upfront.
- For energy-efficient homes: Heat pumps can be the cheapest long-term option.
Which Is Cheaper in 2026? Final Answer
Cheapest for Whole Home Heating:
Gas Boiler or Electric Heat Pump (depending on insulation and COP).
Cheapest for Individual Rooms or Occasional Use:
Electric Heaters
Cheapest in Highly Insulated Modern Homes:
Electric Heat Pump
Most Expensive Overall:
Standard Electric Heaters, due to high electricity prices.
How to Calculate Your Own Heating Costs
Every home is different, so the best way to know your actual heating costs is to calculate them.
Use these free tools:
- Boiler Running Cost Calculator
- Electricity Running Cost Calculator
- Appliance Energy Comparison Calculator
These give instant, accurate running costs for:
- Boilers
- Electric heaters
- Heat pumps
- Any electrical appliance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is electric heating cheaper than gas in 2026?
Generally, no electricity is still far more expensive per kWh than gas. Heat pumps are the exception.
Do heat pumps save money?
Yes. With a COP of 2.5–4.0, heat pumps can provide heat at a cost similar to or lower than gas.
Are gas boilers being banned?
No existing gas boilers are being banned, but new-build installation rules may change depending on government policy.
Why is electric heating so expensive?
Electricity prices are significantly higher than gas prices because they include infrastructure, distribution, and environmental charges.
Is a gas boiler cheaper to run than electric radiators?
For heating an entire home, yes. Electric radiators are only cost-effective for small spaces or occasional use.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, the cheapest heating option depends heavily on your home, usage patterns, insulation, and existing system. For most households, gas remains the cheapest heating method, while electric heaters are the most expensive for whole-home heating.
However, electric heat pumps offer the best long-term savings for well-insulated homes.
To find your exact cost, use our calculators to model your real data and compare heating options instantly.