Electric vs gas space heaters

Electric heaters have some advantages but also some limitations over gas and other combustion space heaters. Choice depends on your heating goals and needs and also on safety considerations and issues like running costs, initial prices or climate.

Electric space heaters and gas/combustion heaters
Electric space heaters involve a large set of small heaters (ceramic, quartz, oil-filled, etc), electric panel heaters and electric thermal storage heaters.
Natural gas and propane space heaters belong to the “combustion” category; kerosene heaters are also combustion heaters, like gas stoves, gas fireplaces or pellet stoves...

Overview of the advantages and disadvantages

Electric space heaters are on average very cheap and safe units. They are most suited for occasional uses, and - in cold climates - to supplement other sources of heating. They do not demand installation or are easy to install (in the case of electric panels, or wall-mounted units). On the downside, unless for small uses, they are costly to operate…

On the other hand, portable gas space heaters are on average more expensive but have lower running costs and a higher capacity. They are largely used for outdoor winter activities, or in garages and other similar spaces. Their indoor uses are limited by safety concerns. Only gas-vented heaters (often wall mounted) involve low risks.

For Customer Reviews on Amazon.com, involving...

...Ceramic space heaters: Ceramic space heaters
...Quartz/infrared space heaters: Quartz Infrared space heaters
...Oil-filled space heaters: Oil Filled Space Heaters
...Electric panel heaters: Electric Panel Heaters
...Electric baseboard heaters: Electric baseboard heaters
... Electric fan heaters: Electric Fan Heaters
...Electric wall heaters:Electric Wall Heaters
...Radiant heaters: Radiant Heaters
...Kerosene heaters: Kerosene Heaters
...Wall gas heaters: Wall Gas Space Heaters
...Small gas space heaters:Small Gas Heaters

Electric vs. gas heaters safety

Convection Heater Direct vent Gas Furnace Safety is a top consideration when selecting a space heater.

Space heaters are a common cause of thousands of fires and burn injuries. Some small electric space heaters (ceramic, oil-filled…) are particularly safe and newer units are rarely a cause of burn injuries.

Gas heaters (namely unvented gas heaters) involve a higher risk, even when with proper controls (built-in low oxygen shut-off sensors, etc.), and portable solutions have been banned by some states in indoor uses.

See, for details: Gas space heaters: vented and ventless

Electric vs. gas heaters prices

Electric space heaters are typically inexpensive – often less than $50 and some less than $30...

Only some electric panels, the electric wall furnaces or the storage thermal electric heaters are significantly more expensive. It depends on the exact type of heater, but a good electric panel can cost you $70-$80, at least, while an electric wall furnace may cost you $1,500...

Some small portable natural gas and propane heaters are also relatively cheap, though typically more expensive than “equivalent” electric heaters. Other gas wall mounted heaters are significantly more expensive: prices between $1,000 and $1,500 are common, though it depends on the exact type of heater.

Electric vs. gas heaters running costs

Electric heaters have high running costs. They aren't economical for large uses. They are a supplemental source of heating, and are good for occasionally used rooms, not for extended use.

Electric vs. gas heaters uses

Small gas and kerosene heaters are used in outdoor activities, or in garages, basements, patios... They are also great for “large” and quick amounts of heating in emergencies. They can heat areas larger than a single room.

Choosing a "combustion" model depends largely on local availability and convenience. An example: diesel is more appropriate for a heater you can take with you outdoors.

Environmental considerations

Contrary to what many people think, gas is a more greenhouse-friendly fuel than electricity (most of it comes from coal- and other fossil-fueled power plants...).

Do not also forget that the better insulated your home, the lower your heating needs on gas or electricity…