Abstract
THE question of whether to heat our houses by gas or electricity is discussed in an article in the Nineteenth Century and After of June by Prof. W. A. Bone. He is naturally proud of the progress made by the gas industry during the past hundred years. He points out that the electrical industry is only fifty years old and has the attractiveness and self-confidence of youth, and so is apt to impress uncritical minds with its superiority. We agree that a London gas consumer buys as much potential heat for S'Qd. as would cost an electricity consumer nearly half a crown at Id. per unit. On the other hand, every bit of the electric heat can be utilised, whilst an appreciable fraction of the gas heat passes up the chimney. Electricians are well aware of the relative costs of gas and electricity for heating, and where economy is the primary consideration, water heating by electricity is only advisable in certain cases. We do not agree with Prof. Bone that a chimney is necessary for the suitable ventilation of bed- and living-rooms. Many systems for ventilating rooms have been devised. Possibly in a few years time chimneys will be considered relics of barbarism, and roof gardens will add to the amenity of life. In London, many consumers now get their electricity at Q.5d. per unit and are delighted with their electric heaters and cookers, even although they have previously had extensive experience of gas rings and fires. Electricians are continually experimenting, just as are gas engineers; and are remedying some of the defects of the early installations. It is now customary to have the switch for the electric fire about three feet above the floor so that the heat can be regulated without moving an armchair.
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Gas or Electricity for Domestic Heating?. Nature 136, 16 (1935). https://doi.org/10.1038/136016c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/136016c0