Gas vs. Electric Furnaces

Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your current 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? In order to help you choose, Service Experts would like to offer a few comparisons between gas and electric furnaces, along with our thoughts about where heat pumps come into play.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Installation Costs and Requirements

Gas furnaces are generally more expensive in terms of equipment price and the cost of labor for installation than electric furnaces. The equipment by itself has extra hardware that are not necessary in an electric furnace, which influences the retail price. Then, gas furnaces demand more advanced installation and ventilation systems to properly remove combustion gases from the home. This means you need more area to allow for the installation. Plus, if you don’t already have a gas line and appliance hookup, you’ll need to include that cost into your decision as well.

On the flip side, electric furnaces are fairly simple to install, they can fit into a smaller space, and do not necessitate a ventilation system due to the fact that there are no fumes from combustion fuels. That said, they will have to have access to a 240-volt electrical circuit, which isn’t common in some older homes. As such, you may need an electrician to set up 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 typically provides an ROI rather quickly because it’s considerably less expensive to operate than an electric furnace. This might be surprising to read, considering that electric furnaces are likely to achieve higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). It all comes down to the lower per-unit expense of natural gas when compared to electricity, which typically overcomes even a substantial difference in AFUE ratings.

Naturally, energy costs change by region and change over time, which can make electricity less pricey in some instances. We’d also recommend choosing an electric heating system if you currently have or want to install solar panels. At the same time, heat pumps normally 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, utilizing refrigerant to move heat rather than creating it from a fuel source. Believe it or not, thanks to a reversing valve, heat pumps can act as efficient air conditioners in the summer, bypassing the need to install an independent cooling system.

While efficiency and cost are two of the positives, heat pumps have some drawbacks. Due to the fact they draw out heat from cold air, the delivery temperature is far lower than the gas or electric furnaces. Conventional heat pumps must also rely on a less than efficient electric resistance heater during especially cold days. While this will assure home comfort, it will also inflate your monthly energy costs. Cold-climate heat pumps offer improved performance at low temperatures, so think about this potential option if you live in an area that can experience bitter cold winter days.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Heating Effectiveness

Without question, gas and electric furnaces are reliable at warming your home, but gas furnaces are usually more powerful and quicker at heating large spaces. Gas furnaces create heat by burning natural gas, which creates hot air that circulates inside 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 Accessibility

The final decision of a gas or electric furnace may boil down to what fuels are accessible in your community. Gas furnaces must have access to a natural gas line, which isn’t available in some places. Even if you can get natural gas, you may be unable to afford the cost of installing the gas line, which is understandable. As such, an electric furnace or heat pump may be the only feasible alternative for ensuring your home is cozy this coming winter.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Maintenance and Safety

Both gas and electric furnaces need consistent maintenance to assure safe and efficient functionality. But gas furnaces will need added maintenance, such as regular inspections and cleaning of the gas burners and heat exchanger. Of course, electric furnaces still should have routine filter changes and examinations of the heating elements and blower motor.

In relation to the topic of safety, gas furnaces have a small risk of carbon monoxide leaks if not maintained or installed appropriately. This is precisely why you should prioritize scheduled inspections and in no way attempt a DIY furnace installation. Electric furnaces can’t leak carbon monoxide, but they still should have professional installation and maintenance to verify safe functionality.

Install a New Gas or Electric Furnace

For guidance in figuring out the best home heating system for you, select Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can analyze your distinct circumstances and help you make an educated decision about what kind of furnace to put in. We’re so confident you’ll be happy with our services that we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to schedule a free furnace installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.

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