As the UK battles through another freezing February, many of us are desperately searching for cheaper and more efficient ways to heat our homes. Gas fires have long been a popular choice, but with rising energy prices, the question remains: Are gas fires actually cheaper to run than central heating?
Choosing between a gas fire & central heating isn’t a simple decision. Factors like your heating habits, appliance efficiency, and home size all play a role. This blog post will compare gas fires and central heating to help you find the most cost-effective way to stay warm.
1. Understanding the Cost of Central Heating
Most UK homes rely on gas central heating, which works by heating water in a boiler & circulating it through radiators. While this method warms the entire house, it can also be expensive to run—especially if you’re only using one or two rooms.
How Much Does Central Heating Cost?
A typical gas boiler runs at around 24kW when heating a full house. Based on the average UK gas price (as of early 2025), running central heating for an hour costs approximately:
🔹 £2.50 – £3 per hour for a standard three-bedroom house.
🔹 If left on for 6 hours a day, that’s £15 – £18 per day or £450 – £540 per month in winter.
These costs can increase further if your home is poorly insulated or if you keep the heating on for long periods.
2. How Much Does a Gas Fire Cost to Run?
Gas fires focus heat in a single room, making them ideal for zoned heating—warming only the areas you use most, rather than wasting energy on empty rooms.
Running Costs of a Gas Fire
Gas fires vary in size, but most range from 2kW to 5kW. Using the same energy price estimate:
🔸 A 2kW gas fire costs around 10-14p per hour to run.
🔸 A 3.5kW gas fire costs 18-25p per hour.
🔸 A 5kW gas fire costs around 30-40p per hour.
This means that, even if you run a gas fire for 6 hours a day, your total daily cost would be £1.80 – £2.40—significantly lower than central heating.
3. When Is a Gas Fire More Cost-Effective?
A gas fire is cheaper than central heating in these situations:
✔ You spend most of your time in one or two rooms (e.g., living room, office).
✔ You have a well-insulated home, meaning less heat is needed.
✔ You own a high-efficiency gas fire that uses less fuel.
✔ You turn down the thermostat on your central heating while using the fire.
For example, if you turn off your central heating in the evening & only use a gas fire in your living room, you could cut heating costs by up to 50%.
4. When Is Central Heating the Better Option?
Despite its higher running costs, central heating may be the better choice if:
🔹 You need to heat multiple rooms at the same time.
🔹 Your home has poor insulation, meaning focused heating won’t be enough.
🔹 You have a modern, energy-efficient boiler that keeps running costs low.
5. Combining Gas Fires & Central Heating for Maximum Savings
Many UK homeowners combine both heating methods for a balance of cost and comfort:
🔥 Daytime: Use central heating on a low setting to keep the house from becoming too cold.
🔥 Evening: Switch off the heating & use a gas fire in the main living space.
By taking this zoned heating approach, you can reduce heating bills significantly while keeping your home comfortable.
6. Are High-Efficiency Gas Fires Worth It?
If you’re considering upgrading your heating, a high-efficiency gas fire is a smart investment.
✔ Efficiency ratings of 80-90% (compared to just 20-30% for open fires).
✔ Lower running costs, as less heat is wasted.
✔ Stylish, modern designs that suit any home.
Many of these models also come with thermostatic controls, remote operation, and timer functions—further improving efficiency.
7. Conclusion: Which Option Saves More Money?
For the most cost-effective home heating, consider using a gas fire instead of central heating, particularly if you concentrate on warming only the rooms you’re actively using. The key is smart usage: combine gas fires with lower central heating settings & good home insulation. This strategy can keep you comfortable while minimising your energy expenses.
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