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Apartment heating systems typically rely on either gas or electricity, and understanding which one powers your space can make a big difference in energy costs and efficiency.
Drawing from my experience and research, this guide breaks down what you need to know about how apartments are heated and what that means for you.
Key takeaways
Which is more common: Gas or electric heating for apartments?
The short answer is it varies.
In my hunt to figure out what was heating my brother's apartment, I found that it largely depends on the building's age and location.
According to the 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), in the USA, natural gas accounts for about 51% and electricity for about 34%. The remainder will be other options such as wood burning, water radiators, and propane heating.
Heating systems can be a patchwork of historical and economic factors. Natural gas is a no-brainer in some places due to its cost-effectiveness and availability.
However, electric heating, especially in apartments, has been gaining ground because of the lower upfront installation costs. Electric heating is also considered to be more energy efficient.
On top of that, there's a convenience factor with electric heaters—no worries about gas leaks or the need for a carbon monoxide detector, which is a huge relief for landlords of apartment buildings.
Related article: Are propane heaters safe indoors?
Electric heater versus gas heater in apartments: Which is better?
Category | Gas Heating | Electric Heating |
|---|---|---|
Ease of installation | Winner | |
Ease of maintenance | Winner | |
Overall lifespan | Winner | |
Affordability | Winner | |
Speed of heating | Winner | |
Safety | Winner |
Which is easier to install?
Electric systems take the lead when it comes to installation.
They're generally less complex than gas systems, without the need for extensive gas lines or venting.
Installing an electric heating system is often a simpler and, thus, more cost-effective process.
On top of that, in many modern apartments, the infrastructure favors electricity over gas, making it a more straightforward choice for builders and residents alike.
Which is easier to maintain?
Electric heating systems win again in the maintenance department.
Without the complexities of gas systems—think carbon monoxide risks and the need to inspect gas lines—electric heaters are simpler to maintain.
They typically have fewer moving parts to replace or service.
A bit of regular cleaning and the occasional checkup are usually enough to keep an electric unit running smoothly.
Maintenance simplicity is one reason for electric systems' popularity in homes and apartments.
What is their lifespan?
Electric ones outlast gas heating systems.
A typical electric furnace can warm your home for up to 20 to 30 years, which is quite a stretch compared to gas furnaces, which average 15 to 20 years.
This longer lifespan is thanks to fewer mechanical parts that could fail.
Important note:
Remember, the longevity of your heating equipment also hinges on regular maintenance—something that will fall on the landlord of your apartment building unless otherwise stated in the lease.
Which is costlier to operate?
Gas heating often hits the wallet less than electric when it comes to utility costs and heating costs.
In my ledger, the energy bills during winter months consistently show gas as the cheaper option.
It's the efficiency of gas in generating heat that generally keeps the money outflow in check.
Don’t just take my word for it.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, natural gas has historically been more economical for heating compared to electricity, which is reflected in the bills I've compared with electric-only friends.
Which carries the lowest safety risks?
Electric heaters typically carry lower safety risks compared to gas heaters.
The lack of combustion in electric heaters means no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, a serious concern associated with gas appliances.
I've had both types in different apartments and always found the electric heat pump to be less worrisome without the need for regular carbon monoxide monitoring.
The CDC recommends that all homes with gas powered appliances have carbon monoxide detectors.
Currently, 27 states require the use of carbon monoxide detectors. If you live in an apartment in one of these states, your landlord is responsible for installing one in your home.
How to know your apartment’s heating type?
Here’s how to determine the heating system of your apartment building:
Check heater’s name plate
The easiest way to determine your heating system is by checking the nameplate.
This tells me the model and heat source, cluing me into whether it was working to generate heat or create heat through electrical resistance or gas combustion.
Do you have a gas meter in the building?
Another way is to check any gas meter in your apartment complex.
If there is, it won’t be tucked away in some corner but will be clear as day, showing if gas flows through the building.
Does the apartment have a boiler or a heat pump?
It’s also worth checking if your building has a boiler or heat pump. My old place had a boiler in the basement, a sure sign of a water-based heating system.
However, in my new home, it's a heat pump doing the heavy lifting, a dead giveaway of an electric setup.
Check your apartment's cooking and heating appliances
The presence of gas ovens or gas stoves will tell you that your apartment has gas lines, which could mean gas heating.
Conversely, electric stoves indicated an all-electric approach. Either way, these appliances played a part in finding out what keeps my home warm.
Analyze energy consumption and costs
Peeking at my energy bill was an eye-opener—it reflected my apartment's energy habits.
In my old place, I noticed that my electric bills rose during winter, meaning my heater runs on electricity.
I was able to save some money by keeping my thermostat set low, and using a space heater when I was at home.
Related article: Buying guide for space heaters
Look into your lease agreement
Digging into my lease agreement was a goldmine.
It detailed whether my place was heated with gas or electric, including the presence of a gas oven or air conditioning specifics.
This knowledge was key in understanding my rent and the benefits included, like whether I could control temperatures in different rooms like my bathrooms.
Is there an exhaust vent?
An exhaust vent can be a telltale sign of gas heating, necessary to whisk away combustion byproducts.
No vent usually means electric heating, which is cleaner overall.
Check utility bill for natural gas consumption
The utility bill didn't just speak dollars and cents; it also revealed whether gas was part of my monthly expenses, hinting at the heating type.
Perform a physical inspection
Getting hands-on and inspecting the equipment—from ductwork to pipes—gave me the full picture.
It's a bit technical, sure, but seeing where and how the heat was delivered settled any lingering questions about the type of system installed.
Ways apartments can be heated
- 1Mini-split and multi-split air source heat pumps:
These can be gas and electric-powered and are a slick fit for individual rooms, offering both heating and cooling without extensive ductwork. - 2Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump systems:
Usually electric, these sophisticated systems allow for precise temperature control, perfect for apartments craving customized climates. - 3Packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) units:
Often seen in hotel rooms, these electric units sit snugly in the wall and can be used as heating and cooling systems in one. - 4Forced-air systems: Natural gas furnaces and electric furnaces:
Whether it's a gas flame or an electric coil, these systems push out warmth through your apartment's vents. - 5Steam and water boilers:
Typically gas-fueled but can be either gas or electric, boilers send hot water or steam through pipes to radiators, enveloping rooms in gentle heat. - 6Radiator heating systems:
These old-school charm radiators, often heated by gas, provide steady warmth, making winter mornings a bit easier to face in older buildings.
Related article: Space heaters for large rooms
FAQs
Does an apartment’s heating source impact your utility bills?
Yes, an apartment's heating source does impact your utility bills. Gas heating can be cheaper than electric, especially if you're using a gas oven or stove, which doesn't require the energy used to generate an open flame.
How can you save money on your heating bill when living in an apartment?
You can save money on your heating bill by ensuring your space is well-insulated, using a programmable thermostat, and taking advantage of natural sunlight for warmth. Also, consider layering up before turning up the heat to keep costs down.
