Gas vs. Electric Furnaces

Regardless if you are building a new house or just replacing your outdated furnace, you have an key decision to make: Should you buy a gas furnace or shift to an electric unit?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 right choice? To assist in your decision-making process, Service Experts would like to provide some 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 Specifications

Gas furnaces are typically higher in price and labor cost for installation than electric furnaces. The equipment by itself has additional parts that are not needed in an electric system, which leads to a higher production cost, thus a higher retail price. In addition, gas furnaces call for more advanced installation and ventilation systems to properly remove combustion gases from the home. This would mean you need more space to allow for the installation. Plus, if you didn’t have a gas line and appliance hookup, you’ll need to factor in that expense too.

On the flip side, electric furnaces are somewhat 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 require access to a 240-volt electrical circuit, which isn’t available in some older homes. In this scenario, 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 initial expense of a gas furnace usually provides a financial return rather quickly because it’s often less expensive to run than an electric furnace. This might be surprising to read, given that electric furnaces can achieve higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). In the end, it boils down to the lower per-unit cost of natural gas when compared to electricity, which often overcomes even a noteworthy difference in AFUE ratings.

Naturally, energy costs may be different 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 currently have or want to install solar panels. However, heat pumps typically cost much less to operate than electric furnaces, so look at this option if you hope to save with an electric-based heating system.

Heat pumps function on the same principles as an air conditioning unit, utilizing refrigerant to transfer 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 throughout the summer, cutting out the need to add a separate cooling system.

While they are highly efficient in mild temperatures, heat pumps have some downsides. Due to the fact they generate heat from cold air, the delivery temperature is far lower than that of gas or electric furnaces. Conventional heat pumps must also fall back on an inefficient electric resistance heater during cold snaps. While this ensures home comfort, it also raises your energy bills. Cold-climate heat pumps provide more effective performance at low temperatures, so consider this if it regularly drops below freezing where you live.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Heating Effectiveness

There’s no doubt that gas and electric furnaces are reliable at keeping your home warm, however gas furnaces tend to be more powerful and faster at heating large spaces. Gas furnaces generate heat by burning natural gas, which produces hot air that circulates inside the home via ductwork. In comparison, electric furnaces use electrical resistance heating, and it simply takes longer to get up to speed.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Fuel Supply

The selection of a gas or electric furnace might boil down to what fuels are obtainable in your area. Gas furnaces would need access to a natural gas line, which isn’t available in some places. Even if you can get natural gas, you may find it difficult to afford the cost of installing the line, which is understandable. In these cases, an electric furnace or heat pump may be the only reasonable alternative for keeping your home comfortable in the winter.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Maintenance and Safety

Both gas and electric furnaces need scheduled maintenance to guarantee safe and efficient operation. But gas furnaces will need extra maintenance, such as regular inspections and cleaning of the gas burners and heat exchanger. Remember, electric furnaces still need routine filter changes and examinations of the heating elements and blower motor.

In relation to the topic of safety, gas furnaces bring a moderate risk of carbon monoxide leaks if not taken care of or installed properly. That’s why you should prioritize standard inspections and in no way install a furnace without a professional contractor. Electric furnaces can’t leak carbon monoxide, but they still need to have professional installation and maintenance to verify safe performance.

Install a New Gas or Electric Furnace

For guidance in choosing the best home heating system for you, rely on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can evaluate your special circumstances and help you make a smart decision about what kind of furnace to install. We’re so convinced you’ll be satisfied with our services that we provide 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.