Electricity has a better heating effect compared to fuel. This is primarily due to the efficiency and direct conversion of electrical energy into heat. When electricity is used to heat a space or object, it undergoes a nearly 100% conversion rate from electrical to thermal energy. In contrast, the combustion of fuel involves a complex chemical reaction that results in heat generation, but also produces waste products and energy losses.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the efficiency of electric heating systems can range from 90% to 100%, depending on the type of system. For example, electric baseboard heaters and electric furnaces have high efficiency rates. On the other hand, the efficiency of fuel-based heating systems, such as natural gas or oil furnaces, is typically around 80% to 90%. This means that for every unit of fuel burned, only 80% to 90% of the energy is converted into heat, with the remaining 10% to 20% lost as waste heat or through incomplete combustion.

Moreover, the efficiency of electric heating systems is not solely dependent on the conversion rate of energy. Electric heating systems also benefit from lower installation and maintenance costs, as well as the absence of emissions and pollutants associated with fuel-based systems. For instance, electric heat pumps can achieve efficiencies of up to 300% when heating a space, as they transfer heat from the outside air or ground to the inside, rather than generating heat from electricity.

In terms of environmental impact, electric heating systems are generally more sustainable. The electricity used to power these systems can come from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, which have minimal greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, fuel-based heating systems rely on fossil fuels, which contribute to air pollution and climate change.

In conclusion, electricity has a better heating effect than fuel due to its high conversion efficiency, lower installation and maintenance costs, and reduced environmental impact. The U.S. Department of Energy's data supports this claim, highlighting the advantages of electric heating systems over their fuel-based counterparts.