Comparing Heating Costs – Electric, Gas, and Heat Pump

Heating a home is a crucial element affecting user comfort and building maintenance costs. The choice between electric, gas, and heat pump heating depends on many factors, such as installation costs, operating costs, and energy efficiency. Below, we present a reliable comparison of these three heating systems, which will help understand the differences and choose the optimal solution.

Installation Costs

Electric heating (using TERMOFOL heating films as an example):

The cost of installing electric underfloor heating is significantly less complicated and costly compared to other solutions. The installation of heating films does not require a system of pipes, a boiler room, or a chimney, which significantly reduces initial costs. In a house with an area of 120 m², the installation of electric underfloor heating can be completed within 1-2 days, which also saves on the labor time of installation teams.

Gas Heating

The cost of installing a gas boiler is on average about 13,000 PLN, plus you need to add the cost of the hydraulic installation (around 180 PLN/m²), the construction of a flue gas system (about 8,000 PLN), and the cost of the gas connection, which averages 3,500 PLN. Additionally, additional projects and internal gas installation tightness tests are necessary, which can further increase the initial cost.

Heat Pump

The average cost of installing a heat pump for a single-family home is around 35,000 PLN, and the additional cost of hydraulic installation is about 180 PLN/m². A heat pump also requires the distribution of hydraulic installation, which affects the total installation cost.

Operating Costs

Electric Heating:

The operation of electric heating is relatively expensive due to the higher price of electricity. However, costs can be optimized through a temperature control system that allows precise management of heat in individual rooms. Such systems work well with photovoltaic installations, allowing for additional savings, especially when using night tariffs or hybrid heating solutions.

Expanding the heating system with hybrid components, such as a combination of underfloor heating and an air conditioner operating in heat pump mode, allows for savings and comfort throughout the year. Such a hybrid heating system utilizes two energy sources – electricity (through TERMOFOL heating films) and air (through an air conditioner with heating function). With the proper combination of these technologies, operational costs can be significantly reduced, especially during periods of moderate temperatures.

Gas Heating:

Natural gas is currently one of the more economical energy sources in Poland, especially when using condensing boilers that allow for more efficient heat utilization. However, the cost of operation may increase in the future due to fluctuating gas prices and the need for regular inspections and maintenance of heating devices. The initial investment cost for the boiler and heat distribution system is also high.

Heat Pump:

Although the heat pump has many undeniable advantages, it also has several significant limitations. One of the main challenges is its efficiency, which strongly depends on weather conditions. As the air temperature decreases, the efficiency of the entire system decreases, lowering the COP coefficient. When the temperature drops below the bivalence level, the electric heater activates, increasing electricity consumption. This is particularly concerning for new users of such systems, as under such conditions, the heat pump can significantly raise electricity consumption – and its level can be difficult to predict.

Service Costs and System Durability

Electric Heating:

Heating films, such as TERMOFOL, practically require no servicing, which reduces maintenance costs. The absence of moving parts and the high quality of the heating films in accordance with European standards make the system resistant to failures and reliable for many years. It is worth noting the long warranty period of up to 15 years when installed by a certified installer.

Gas Heating:

The gas installation requires regular safety inspections, which incurs additional operating costs. Gas boilers are also more prone to wear, especially with intensive use. Replacing the boiler after several to several dozen years also constitutes a significant operating cost.

Heat Pump:

The service cost of a heat pump is higher than that of electric heating. The devices are durable and robust but require regular servicing and technical inspections. The warranty period is also shorter than for underfloor heating systems. Costs associated with the daily use of the device can vary greatly depending on external conditions. In the case of prolonged low temperatures, they can be very high.

Heating in the Home – What to Choose?

The choice of the appropriate heating system depends on the initial budget, preferred energy source, and expected operating costs. For investors with a limited initial budget, electric heating (using TERMOFOL films as an example) can be beneficial due to lower installation costs and the lack of need for extensive infrastructure. Gas heating is still cost-competitive but requires additional, costly infrastructure and servicing. Gas prices remain uncertain, but trends suggest expecting increases in the cost of this raw material. Heat pumps, on the other hand, offer high energy efficiency but require a high initial investment, and later operating costs can be very surprising, especially in the case of prolonged periods of frost at several degrees below zero.

When choosing a system, it is also worth considering the possibility of integrating heating with photovoltaics or using hybrid systems that allow for additional savings in operation.

Hybrid Heating System – A Successful Compromise?

Hybrid heating operates depending on the outside temperature:

• At positive temperatures – The air conditioner operating as a heat pump effectively heats the rooms, using outside air. This device is highly energy-efficient at moderate temperatures, minimizing electricity demand and generating lower heating bills.
• At temperatures below -5°C – As the temperature drops, the efficiency of the heat pump begins to decrease, causing TERMOFOL heating films to supplement heating deficiencies, providing heat evenly distributed throughout the house. Heating films can also be activated selectively, allowing for precise temperature control in selected rooms, such as the bathroom or bedroom.

Benefits of the Hybrid Heating System

1. Lower operating costs – By combining two different technologies, the system operates more efficiently depending on weather conditions. This system can provide heat at lower costs compared to conventional gas heating or purely electric heating.
2. Flexibility and comfort – The hybrid heating system adapts to user needs, allowing for easy temperature adjustments in individual zones of the house and saving energy in unused rooms.
3. Ecological approach – Hybrid systems reduce CO₂ emissions as they rely on renewable energy in the form of a heat pump, supported by electric heating films that can work with a photovoltaic installation.
4. Better air quality and humidity – When using an air conditioner with heating function, the air can be additionally filtered, positively affecting indoor air quality. The lack of convection in the case of heating with heating films prevents dust and allergens from rising, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.

Costs and Return on Investment

Investing in a hybrid system is initially more expensive, but it allows for significant savings through the intelligent use of available energy sources. The possibility of integrating the system with a photovoltaic installation further enhances its efficiency and potential return on costs, which can occur after just a few heating seasons.

For installers and builders, such a system is an opportunity to increase the energy efficiency of the building and offer clients a versatile, modern solution. The hybrid heating system is a forward-looking choice that meets both user needs and challenges related to energy efficiency and environmental protection. You can read more about this solution in the dedicated blog post.