If you're dealing with new construction or simply replacing your old heating system, you have an key decision to make: Should you buy a gas furnace or shift to an electric unit? Or could a heat pump be the best choice? To assist in your decision-making process, Service Experts would like to provide some comparisons between gas and electric furnaces, as well as offer our thoughts about the ideal scenarios for using a heat pump.
Gas vs. Electric Furnace Installation Costs and Needs
Gas furnaces are usually more expensive to purchase and install than electric furnaces. The equipment itself has extra components that are not necessary in an electric unit, which leads to a higher production cost, thus a higher retail price. In addition, gas furnaces require more advanced installation and ventilation systems to properly take out combustion gases from the home. Therefore, you need more space to accommodate the installation. Plus, if you did not have a gas line and appliance hookup, you’ll need to include that cost into your decision as well.
On the other hand, electric furnaces are fairly simple to install, they can fit into a smaller space, and will not need a ventilation system because no combustion fuels are involved. However, they will have to have a connection to a 240-volt electrical circuit, which isn’t common in some older homes. As such, you will probably need an electrician to add a new receptacle and upgrade your electric panel.
Gas vs. Electric Furnace Efficiency and Energy Costs
The higher up-front cost of a gas furnace normally provides a financial return rather quickly because it’s often less expensive to run than an electric furnace. This may surprise you, given that electric furnaces will often achieve higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). In the end, it boils down to the lower per-unit cost of natural gas compared to electricity, which generally overcomes even a substantial difference in AFUE ratings.
Keep in mind, energy costs change by region and change over time, making electricity less costly in some areas. It also makes sense to choose an electric heating system if you . Bear in mind, heat pumps generally cost considerably less to operate than electric furnaces, so think about this option if you expect to save with an electric-based heating system.
Heat pumps function on the same principles as an air conditioner, using refrigerant to shift heat rather than producing it from a fuel source. For that matter, thanks to a reversing valve, heat pumps can serve as efficient air conditioners in the summer, ridding yourself of the need to use a separate cooling system.
While efficiency and cost are two of the positives, heat pumps have some downsides. Given that they generate heat from cold air, the delivery temperature is considerably lower than the gas or electric furnaces. Traditional heat pumps must also rely on an inefficient electric resistance heater during cold snaps. While this ensures home comfort, it will also inflate your monthly energy costs. Cold-climate heat pumps provide improved performance at low temperatures, and you'll want to look into this option if you live in a subzero winter climate.
Gas vs. Electric Furnace Heating Effectiveness
Without question, gas and electric furnaces are effective at warming your home, but gas furnaces are likely to be more powerful and faster at warming large spaces. Gas furnaces generate heat by burning natural gas, which forms hot air that circulates throughout the home via ductwork. In contrast, electric furnaces use electrical resistance heating, and it simply takes longer to get up to speed.
Gas vs. Electric Furnace Fuel Availability
The selection of a gas or electric furnace may well come down to what fuels are available in your region. Gas furnaces would need access to a natural gas line, which, believe it or not, is not available in every location. Even if you can get natural gas, you may be unable to afford the cost of installing the gas line, which is understandable. If that is true, an electric furnace or heat pump may be the only practical choice for keeping your family warm at home during the winter.
Gas vs. Electric Furnace Maintenance and Safety
Both gas and electric furnaces need regular maintenance to guarantee safe and efficient functionality. But gas furnaces will need extra maintenance, including regular inspections and cleaning of the gas burners and heat exchanger. Of course, electric furnaces still should have routine filter changes and inspections of the heating elements and blower motor.
From a safety standpoint, gas furnaces have a small risk of carbon monoxide leakage if not maintained or installed appropriately. This is why you should prioritize standard inspections and in no way try to install the furnace on your own. Electric furnaces can’t leak carbon monoxide, but they still need to have professional installation and maintenance to ensure safe functionality.
Install a New Gas or Electric Furnace
For help figuring out the optimum home heating system for you, turn to Service Experts Total home Comfort. We can assess your unique circumstances and help you make a smart decision about what type of furnace to install. We’re so confident you’ll be delighted with our services that we provide a Service Experts Guarantee! To learn more or to set up a free furnace installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.
