Electrical heating vs central heating in Poland

Hello all,

I have been seeing a bunch of flats in Krakow and I am still undecided. What would you prefer in your flat, central heating (gas) or electrical heating, and why? I thought that electrical heating was usually more expensive than gas, but I'm getting more opinions and seems that it is not clear.

Let's say, if we use the electrical heating the same time than the gas one, which is cheaper?

Thank you!

Electrical energy is the most expensive.

Everything is changing rapidly. I've heard that gas has gone up several times lately (in the last couple of years). I'm not sure that there is much of a difference now in the price of heating. (It's all expensive, IMO.)

only the central one. the rest is just a waste of money

I live in Krakow and am a bit confused by your first post. You suggest that central heating is with gas.


What do you mean? To the best of my knowledge, central heating is hot water supplied to buildings through a system of pipes from Krakow`s power station.

You are probably right, I somehow thought that this hot water was warmed with gas in some central, maybe is nonsense, but well I mean that system of pipes that you mention.

Oh, I see. So, there is a giant power station which supplies Krakow with electricity by burning coal and additionally heats up water for central heating.

As for costs, central heating is by far cheaper than electric heating. If you live in a house which is insulated and the owner takes proper care of the pipes which are located in the house`s vicinity, then the overall cost is quite low.

See the following:

polishforums.com/tips_on_renting_apartment_poland-45_27993_0.html

You guys are all wrong about central heating. First off, central heating can use any type of energy. It is just centrally located in a home and heat is evenly distributed throughout the home. It can be electric, any type of gas, solar, or even water. Gas heat is one of the most least costly forms of central heating to install. You have a central furnace with ducts that will run throughout the home. Since there is a central location for the furnace it is called central heat. Mind that you can use an electric furnace instead of gas. The most efficent way to heat your home is acutally with water. I am not talking about using a radiant heater attached to the wall but a continous pipe of warm water that is under each floor. It gives an even amount of heat throughout the home and is run from a central water heater and pump. Though the cost is higher to install, you can easily heat a 6,000 square foot home for less than a hundred dollars a month. You can even cool your house in the summer using the same concept.