UK householders could be paying way over the odds for their heating if they use gas, according to Dimplex.

The electrical heating firm says that some gas users are spending £6300 on their system over a ten year period, compared to just £3640 for a similar electric system over the same period.

The Dimplex research analysed the annual costs of installation, maintenance, fuel prices and safety checks, comparing a typical installation of six electric heaters against wet radiators with their lifetime expectancy.

Chris Davis, marketing manager for Dimplex, said: "Because electric heating is cheaper to install, maintain and lasts an average of 50% longer than a gas system, the true ownership costs will be a nasty shock for gas users."