Gas vs Electric Heaters in Pakistan: Which One Is Right for You?

Winter in Pakistan brings more than just cold weather. It brings a familiar dilemma for households:

Should you use a gas heater or an electric heater to stay warm without hurting your budget or risking your family’s safety?

At first glance, gas heaters appear cheaper to run, while electric heaters seem expensive due to rising electricity tariffs. But when safety, health risks, installation, and long-term usage are considered, the answer is not as straightforward.

This guide compares gas vs electric heaters in Pakistan with a balanced, practical approach, so you can choose what truly makes sense for your home.

Types of Heaters Commonly Used in Pakistan

Gas Heaters

• Natural gas room heaters

• LPG cylinder heaters

• Wall-mounted and portable gas heaters

Electric Heaters

• Fan heaters

• Quartz and halogen heaters

• Oil-filled heaters

• Infrared heaters

Both types are widely available in the Pakistani market through local and national electronics retailers, including multi-category stores such as Japan Electronics, where consumers typically compare multiple heater types side by side before deciding.

Price Range Comparison in Pakistan (Upfront Cost)

Electric Heater Price in Pakistan

• Starting price: PKR 3,000

• High-end models: Up to PKR 40,000

• No installation cost

• Plug-and-play convenience

Gas Heater Price in Pakistan

• Starting price: PKR 4,000

• High-end models: Up to PKR 60,000

• Installation and piping often required

• An LPG setup is needed where gas is unavailable

Price Comparison Table

Electric heaters generally have a lower entry cost, while gas heaters can become expensive when installation and accessories are included.

Electricity and Gas Consumption Explained

Electric Heater Power Consumption

Electric heaters come with multiple power and heat settings, allowing users to control consumption based on room size and comfort level.

• Minimum consumption: 400 watts

• Maximum consumption: 2,000 watts

• Consumption depends on:

• Heater size

• Selected heating mode

• Usage duration

This flexibility allows electric heaters to be used economically in small rooms or for short durations, something many users overlook when comparing costs.

Electric Heater Monthly Cost Estimate

Formula:
Wattage × Daily Hours × 30 ÷ 1000 × Per Unit Cost

Assuming electricity cost at PKR 60 per unit and 6 hours daily usage:

Electric heaters can be affordable or expensive, depending entirely on how they are used.

Gas Heater Monthly Cost in Pakistan

• Average usage: 6–8 hours daily

• Natural gas is subsidized but inconsistent in winter

• Common issues:

• Low pressure

• Night-time shortages

Estimated monthly cost with a stable natural gas supply:
PKR 3,000 – 6,000

LPG users:

• Cylinder cost: PKR 3,500 – 5,000

• Often lasts 15–25 days, depending on usage

Which Heater Is Actually Cheaper to Run?

From a pure monthly utility bill perspective, gas heaters usually cost less if the natural gas supply is reliable.

However, cost alone does not tell the full story.

Electric heaters may appear expensive, but they allow:

• Controlled usage

• Zoned heating (only the room you use)

• No dependency on gas pressure or availability

Cost vs Value: Looking Beyond the Bill

Gas heaters may save money on monthly utility bills, but they demand correct usage, ventilation, and maintenance. When these conditions are not met, the health-related and physical risks can outweigh the savings.

Electric heaters, while more expensive to run, offer:

• Predictable performance

• Minimal maintenance

• No combustion-related hazards

In many households, this trade-off is considered worthwhile.

Load Shedding and Reliability

Gas Heaters

• Operate during power outages

• Performance drops when gas pressure is low

Electric Heaters

• Do not work during load shedding

• High wattage can trip MCBs

• Not suitable for UPS or backup power

Gas heaters remain functional during load shedding, but an inconsistent gas supply in winter reduces their reliability in many urban areas.

Safety Comparison: Where Electric Heaters Have a Clear Advantage

Gas Heater Safety Risks

• Carbon monoxide buildup in closed rooms

• Oxygen depletion, leading to headaches and dizziness

• Risk of gas leakage or faulty regulators

• Fire hazards due to poor ventilation practices

These risks increase when heaters are used in bedrooms or overnight, something many households still do despite warnings.

Electric Heater Safety Advantages

• No combustion or gas leakage

• No carbon monoxide emissions

• Safer for bedrooms when used properly

• Modern models include tip-over protection and auto shut-off

While no appliance is completely risk-free, electric heaters remove the most serious and life-threatening hazards associated with indoor heating.

Health Impact: A Critical Differentiator

Health considerations often get overlooked when comparing heater costs.

Gas heaters can:

• Reduce indoor oxygen levels

• Aggravate asthma and respiratory issues

• Cause long-term indoor air quality problems

Electric heaters:

• Do not affect oxygen levels

• Are safer for children and elderly family members

• Are better suited for sleeping areas

For families with young children, elderly individuals, or respiratory patients, electric heaters are generally the healthier choice, even if they cost more to operate.

Heating Performance and Room Size Suitability

Gas Heaters

• Heat large areas quickly

• Suitable for lounges and open spaces

Electric Heaters

• Ideal for bedrooms and small rooms

• Oil-filled models retain heat longer

• Enable room-by-room heating instead of heating the whole house

Room Size Recommendation Table

Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership

Gas Heaters

• Require annual servicing

• Regular gas pipe and leakage checks

• Higher long-term risk if neglected

Electric Heaters

• Minimal maintenance

• Longer usable life

• Lower ownership stress

Over time, electric heaters often prove easier and safer to live with.

Final Verdict: Which One Actually Saves Money?

There is no universal winner, only the right choice for your situation.

• If your priority is the lowest monthly bill, and you have a reliable gas supply: Gas heater

• If your priority is family safety and health: Electric heater

• For bedrooms and sleeping areas: Electric heater

• For large spaces and long usage hours: Gas heater

• If relying on LPG: An electric heater may be equally or more economical than a gas heater

Gas heaters save money on paper. Electric heaters reduce risk in real life.

Conclusion

In Pakistan, gas heaters may appear economical, but electric heaters offer safety, health protection, and peace of mind, factors that matter just as much as utility bills.

The smartest decision is not about choosing the cheapest option, but the most appropriate heater for your home, usage pattern, and family needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which heater is cheaper to run in Pakistan?
Gas heaters are cheaper if natural gas is available. Electric heaters have higher monthly running costs.

Q2. How much electricity does a room heater consume?
A 400W heater used for 6 hours daily consumes around 72 units per month, which costs approximately PKR 4,320.

Q3. Is it safe to use a gas heater in a closed room?
No. Gas heaters require proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Q4. Which heater is safer for children and elderly people?
Electric heaters, especially oil-filled models, are safer for vulnerable family members.

Q5. Do electric heaters increase electricity bills significantly?
Yes, extended usage can noticeably increase monthly electricity bills.

Q6. Which heater is better for bedroom use in Pakistan?
Electric heaters, especially oil-filled models, are better suited for bedrooms because they do not consume oxygen or emit harmful gases, making them safer for overnight use.

Q7. Can gas heaters cause health problems in winter?
Yes. Prolonged use of gas heaters in poorly ventilated rooms can lead to headaches, dizziness, breathing issues, and in extreme cases, carbon monoxide poisoning.

Q8. Which heater is better for apartments and flats?
Electric heaters are generally more suitable for apartments because they require no gas piping, produce no emissions, and are safer to use in enclosed spaces.

Q9. Do oil-filled electric heaters consume less electricity?
Oil-filled heaters consume similar electricity initially, but they retain heat longer and cycle less frequently, which can make them more efficient for long usage in small to medium rooms.

Q10. Is it safe to use a heater throughout the night?
Electric heaters with safety features such as thermostats and auto shut-off are safer for overnight use. Gas heaters should not be used overnight in closed rooms.