Gas vs. Electric Furnaces

Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your current heating system, you have an important decision to make: Which type of furnace should you buy—gas or electric? Or would a heat pump be the best option for you? To assist in your decision-making process, Service Experts would like to share a few comparisons between gas and electric furnaces, along with our thoughts about the ideal scenarios for using a heat pump.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Installation Costs and Needs

Gas furnaces are generally more expensive in terms of equipment price and the cost of labor for installation than electric furnaces. The equipment itself has additional parts that are not needed in an electric furnace, which drives up the price tag. In addition, gas furnaces require more intricate installation and ventilation systems to safely get rid of combustion gases from the home. This would mean you need more room to allow for the installation. Plus, if you don’t already have a gas line and appliance hookup, you’ll need to install those as well.

On the other hand, electric furnaces are relatively simple to install, they won’t need as much space as gas, and don’t necessitate a ventilation system due to the fact that there are no fumes from combustion fuels. That said, they will require a connection to a 240-volt electrical circuit, which isn’t available in some older homes. In this case, you will probably need an electrician to install a new receptacle and upgrade your electric panel.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Efficiency and Energy Costs

The increased up-front expense of a gas furnace typically pays for itself rather quickly because it’s often less expensive to operate than an electric furnace. This might be surprising to read, considering that electric furnaces can achieve higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). In the end, it boils down to the lower per-unit expense of natural gas compared to electricity, which generally overcomes even a noteworthy difference in AFUE ratings.

Keep in mind, energy costs vary by region and change over time, thereby making electricity less costly in some cases. It also makes sense to choose an electric heating system if you are planning to use eco-friendly solar panels on your home. At the same time, heat pumps typically cost much less to operate than electric furnaces, so think about this option if you wish to save with an electric-based heating system.

Heat pumps operate on the same principles as an ac unit, working with refrigerant to move heat rather than creating it from a fuel source. Believe it or not, thanks to a reversing valve, heat pumps can serve as efficient air conditioners in the summer, ridding yourself of the need to add a separate cooling system.

While they are highly efficient in mild temperatures, heat pumps have some downsides. Because they draw out heat from cold air, the delivery temperature is much lower than that of gas or electric furnaces. Traditional heat pumps must also rely on a less than efficient electric resistance heater during bitter-cold periods. While this ensures home comfort, it will also inflate your monthly energy costs. Cold-climate heat pumps provide better 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

There’s no doubt that gas and electric furnaces are successful at warming your home, but gas furnaces have proven to be more powerful and quicker at warming large spaces. Gas furnaces create heat by burning natural gas, which forms hot air that circulates across the home via ductwork. In contrast, electric furnaces use electrical resistance heating, which takes longer to warm up.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Fuel Accessibility

The choice of a gas or electric furnace might boil down to what fuels are accessible in your area. Gas furnaces require access to a natural gas line, which may or may not be an option. Even if gas is accessible, you may be unable to afford the cost of installing the gas line, which is understandable. In these cases, an electric furnace or heat pump may be the only feasible choice for keeping your family warm at home during the winter.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Maintenance and Safety

Both gas and electric furnaces would need consistent maintenance to ensure safe and efficient performance. But gas furnaces will need extra maintenance, like regular inspections and cleaning of the gas burners and heat exchanger. Of course, electric furnaces still require scheduled filter changes and inspections 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 taken care of or installed correctly. That’s why you should prioritize routine 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 guarantee safe performance.

Install a New Gas or Electric Furnace

For assistance figuring out the ideal home heating system for your home, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can analyze your special circumstances and help you make an informed decision about which type of furnace to put in. We’re so sure you’ll be satisfied with our services that we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To get more information or to set up a free furnace installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.