Electric VS Gas VS Heat pump: The Best Heating system in 2025!
Choosing a heating system can be complex, between performance, cost and environmental impact.
Here is a detailed analysis of the three main solutions: electric, gas, and heat pump, to help you make the best choice.
Electric heating
Wat is elektrische verwarming?
Electric heating is a heating system that uses electricity as an energy source to produce heat. uses electricity as an energy source to produce heat.
These different types:
- The electric convector heater:
This is the simplest and most common type of electric heating system. It works by heating the ambient air using a heating element. Cold air enters the bottom of the unit, is heated by the heating element, and then exits as warm air from the top.
- The inertia radiator:
The radiator with inertia stores the heat in a solid material (cast iron, ceramic) or in a fluid heat transfer medium, then diffuses it gradually, even after having been turned off.
- The radiant panel:
Also known as a radiant heater, this device heats primarily through radiation. It emits direct heat, similar to that of the sun, which warms objects and people in the room rather than the ambient air.
- The electric heating board:
This invisible system relies on the installation of heating cables under the floor covering. It distributes heat evenly throughout the room, from the bottom up.
- Centralized electric heating:
In some homes, particularly new or renovated ones, electric heating can be centralized using a control system and interconnected radiators. This type of installation can also include a heat pump to improve energy efficiency.
Gas heating:
What is gas heating?
Gas heating is a system that uses natural gas or propane gas as an energy source to produce heat. This gas fuels a boiler, which heats water in a central heating circuit. The hot water is then distributed to radiators or underfloor heating.
These different types:
- The traditional gas boiler:
This is the oldest model. It heats water to a high temperature without recovering heat from the flue gases. This type of boiler is now obsolete, as it consumes more energy and offers limited efficiency.
- The gas condensing boiler:
This is currently the most efficient model. It recovers heat from combustion fumes to preheat water, thereby reducing gas consumption.
- The low-temperature gas boiler:
This type of boiler operates at a lower water temperature (around 50°C instead of 70-90°C for a conventional boiler). Although less efficient than a condensing boiler, it is still more efficient than a traditional model.
- Forced-air gas heating:
This system directly heats the air through gas combustion, then distributes it throughout the rooms via a network of ducts and fans. It heats quickly but offers less consistent thermal comfort than hot water systems.
Heat pump
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a thermodynamic system capable of transferring heat from an external environment (air, ground, or water) to the interior of a building. It works a bit like a refrigerator… but in reverse! By capturing free calories from the environment, it significantly reduces electricity consumption for heating.
The main types of heat pumps:
1. Heat pump:
This system recovers heat from the outside air and distributes it directly into the indoor air via wall-mounted units.
2. Air-to-water heat pump:
It captures heat from the outside air to heat water, which then circulates through radiators or underfloor heating.
3. Geothermal heat pump (ground-water or water-water).
This pump extracts heat directly from the ground or groundwater using buried sensors.
4. Hybrid heat pump:
This system combines an air-to-water heat pump with a gas condensing boiler.
The 4 essential criteria for choosing your system:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Isolation de votre habitat | Une mauvaise isolation annule les performances de tout système. |
| Situation géographique |
|
| Overall budgetAnalyze both the initial investment and long-term costs. | |
| Financial assistance (Brussels, Federal, Wallonia) | In Brussels:
Federal (Belgium):
In Wallonia:
|
Which system should you choose?
| CriterionGas heatingElectric heatingHeat pump (HP) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation costModerate to highLow to moderateHigh | |||
| Cost per useModerateHighLow | |||
| MaintenanceMandatory annual maintenanceNone requiredRegular maintenance recommended | |||
| CO₂ emissionsHigh (fossil fuels)Low (electricity depending on source)Very low (renewable energy) | |||
| Thermal comfortGoodVariableVery good |
In summary, there is no universal answer: it all depends on your situation. But by anticipating your needs and comparing long-term costs, you will make the best choice for efficient, economical, and comfortable heating.
And you, which system did you choose? Share your experiences in the comments!
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