Not all fuel sources cost the same for every job, and choosing the right one for the task can make a real difference to your bills.
Match the fuel to the task
Different fuels are more cost-effective depending on what you’re using them for and how much you’re using them. For example, running your boiler just to heat water in warmer months can be inefficient, especially if it’s an older or larger system. An immersion heater can be a cheaper option for low, occasional demand, particularly if you’re on a favourable electricity tariff or have solar panels.
In winter, a boiler running consistently through colder months is usually more efficient than relying on electric heaters, which can be costly to run for sustained periods. And if only one or two rooms are in regular use, spot heating with electric heaters or a wood burner may cost less than heating the whole house via central heating.
Things to consider before switching
Before making any changes, it’s worth checking a few things. First, look at your tariff. Whether you’re on a standard, economy, or time of use electricity tariff will affect how cheap electric heating actually works out. It’s also worth thinking about system efficiency, since an old, poorly maintained boiler may cost more to run than a well-maintained one, even accounting for gas being cheaper per unit than electricity.
Occupancy patterns matter too. If you’re often out during the day, it may be worth looking into heating controls like zoned heating or smart thermostats rather than switching fuel types altogether. Solid fuel options such as wood burners or multi-fuel stoves, like the one pictured, can also be a cost-effective supplement, particularly if you have access to a cheap or free wood supply, though upfront installation costs and maintenance should be factored in.
A simple rule of thumb
Before assuming one fuel source is always cheaper, it’s worth doing a quick comparison based on your specific usage, tariff, and the task at hand. What’s cost-effective for heating a whole house in winter may not be the best choice for a single hot water top-up in summer.
