Gas Heating or Electric Heating, what’s best for my home?
Electric vs. Gas Heating: Which Costs Less?
Choosing between electric heating or gas heating can significantly impact your energy bills. While natural gas is generally the more affordable option, factors such as energy prices, system efficiency, and climate will help determine which heating system is best for your home. Air Care’s Home Heating pros are always available to answer your questions about furnaces, electric heating systems & other types of heating units.
Comparing Energy Costs
Heating costs vary based on local utility rates, system performance, and energy demand. Typically, natural gas heating is cheaper than electric, but in areas with lower electricity rates or highly efficient electric heat pumps, the difference may be minimal.
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Key Cost Factors for Home Heating in Shreveport
- ✔ Local Utility Prices – Natural Gas is often cheaper but fluctuates more than electricity.
- ✔ System Efficiency – Modern electric heat pumps can rival gas in cost-effectiveness.
- ✔ Climate Impact – Warmer regions may benefit more from electric heating.
Efficiency: Electric Heaters vs. Gas Furnaces
Electric heating systems (furnaces, baseboard heaters, and heat pumps) convert 100% of their energy into heat, making them highly efficient. However, electricity prices are generally higher, driving up heating costs.
Gas heating systems, such as furnaces and boilers, are usually 70–90% efficient, meaning some energy is lost in combustion. Despite the lower efficiency, the lower cost of natural gas often makes it the more economical choice when compared to the cost of electric heat.
How Much Does Heating Cost Per Month?
Electric Heating Costs
- US National Average Electric Heat Cost:approximately **$840 per year
- Heating Cost in Warmer Areas: As low as $300 per year, good news for Shreveport residents
- Colder climates or large homes: Costs can reach the higher end, greater than $1000 per year
Natural Gas Heating Costs
- Recent price increases (~28% in 2022-2023) still kept gas cheaper than electric
- Average savings of up to 63% compared to electric heating
- Efficiency varies, with most gas systems running at 70–90% efficiency
Heating Energy Measurement: kWh vs. BTU
To compare costs, understanding energy conversion is useful:
- 1 BTU = 0.000293 kWh
- 3,412 BTUs = 1 kWh
If you’re calculating heating efficiency, multiplying BTUs by 0.000293 will give you the equivalent kWh.
Air Conditioner Financing
Need to upgrade your HVAC, but you're in need of funding? Air Care can provide financing with approved credit through Wells Fargo Home Projects Financing.
Is Your Heating System Electric or Gas?
If you’re unsure about your heating type, look for these signs:
- 🔥 **Gas systems** have a visible pilot light or burner flame.
- ⚡ **Electric systems** lack a flame and rely on heating elements.
- 📄 **Utility bills** will list whether you’re paying for gas.
Bottom Line: What’s the Most Affordable Way to Heat a Home?
For the majority of homeowners, natural gas remains the cheaper heating option. Electricity is more stable in pricing and cleaner, but it typically costs more overall, to heat a home with electric heating coils.
Making the Right Heating Unit Choice:
- ✔ Lower bills? Gas is usually more affordable.
- ✔ Eco-friendly option? Electric is cleaner and pollutant-free.
- ✔ Better for mild climates? Electric heating can be efficient in warm areas.
- ✔ Consistent pricing? Electricity is less prone to market swings.
At Air Care Heating & Cooling, we help homeowners choose the best heating solutions for their needs. Whether you have **electric or gas**, our team provides expert installation, repairs, and maintenance to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Schedule Today! 318-525-7923
At Air Care Shreveport, we'd love to earn your business & trust. We offer expert HVAC service, AC repair & HVAC Sales. Our goal is to ensure that you have a comfortable home, year round. Contact Us for all your HVAC needs.