Where can I find out information about the differences in output between electric and gas heaters?

Question

For example, if both types of heaters are set to 1.1kW (input) how can you measure the heat output each type is producing? I know it'll depend on the filaments and such but is there anything that will list that? I need a ballpark figure at least.

For clarification,

The heaters in question are portable indoor heaters. The electric is the type you plug in, the gas the type that runs from a butane/propane cylinder (15kg/33lb)

Answer 1

For a ballpark comparision I would use 100% for electric and 80% for fueled fired heaters.

Most of the power is converted to heat on the electric unit (resistance type heater)

For fuel fired heaters with combustion gases exhausted a lot of the heat is lost up the exhaust stack.

A heat pump (eletrical) reverse refrigeration cycle actually generates more heat than the power it uses.

Gas heaters (non vented type) convert almost 100% to heat but because they require fresh combustion air will never be 100% efficient.

Answer 2

Both do the same thing -- keep a 55-80 gallon tank of water hot. The only drawbacks to gas would be in a retrofit, where you have to run new gas line and install a new exhaust vent in an existing house. Other than that, it just depends on the utility rates where you are. Around here we have hydroelectric dams so our electricity is much cheaper than most of the nation; electric water heaters are cheaper to run than gas. For most areas the opposite is true. If you're looking at getting a new gas water heater perhaps you should consider tankless. It heats the water as it's being used rather than maintaining a big tank of hot water. A bit more expensive up front but uses much less energy.

Answer 3

on the heaters themselves, all appliances have a yellow sticker on them that tells you that info. look for BTU's( British thermol units) that is the measurement of how (well) they heat.

Answer 4

ask the gas company for the calculation formula. they will have it.

Answer 5

http://shop.solardirect.com/images/side_by_side_comparison.html
http://www.e-tankless.com/gas-vs-electric.php
http://www.cmsgardens.co.uk/patio_heater.htm
enjoy it :)