What’s Better: Electric or Gas Furnace?
You’ve decided to upgrade your furnace but are weighing the pros and cons of an electric vs. gas furnace. Changing to an energy-efficient furnace to heat your home can save you a lot of money on energy bills. Electric vs. gas furnace? Which is the better choice for your residence?
Your Dilling team offers affordable furnace installation and has the experience and knowledge to help you decide between a gas and an electric furnace. We’re ready to answer any questions about heating and cooling, including the decision between electric vs. gas furnace installation.
Electric vs. Gas Furnace
Before we weigh the pros and cons of an electric vs. gas furnace, let’s cover each furnace’s operational similarities and differences. Then, it comes down to how they use different energy sources to heat your home.
How Does an Electric Furnace Work?
An electric furnace usually consists of an air handler that has heating coils added to it. In addition, an electric furnace will often act as auxiliary heat with additional heated air from an electric heat pump.
How Does a Gas Furnace Work?
A gas furnace is a combustion appliance with a gas line (with a gas valve). It also has an igniter and various systems for capturing, separating, and spreading heat throughout your home.
A typical gas unit also has a heat exchanger — one of the core components that allow it to extract heat for gas heating in your home safely. Some high-efficiency gas furnaces have two heat exchangers, allowing them to use more heat with less byproduct.
Cost of Electric vs. Gas Furnace Heating
New gas furnaces cost more to purchase and install than electric furnaces. However, the cost of electricity is typically higher in most parts of the United States.
With the higher costs of electric heating, gas furnace owners can recoup the purchase and installation costs over time with lower energy costs. Additionally, high-efficiency furnaces result in more energy savings over time.
If you own a smaller home in a warmer climate, buy a less expensive electric furnace because you won’t use it as frequently. Doing this can save you money in the long run. On the other hand, people who own larger houses in colder climates should opt for a gas furnace. Moreover, if you have access to natural gas, you should buy a gas furnace.
Pros and Cons of Electric vs. Gas Furnace
Installation
Installation is a good starting point when covering the pros and cons of an electric vs. gas furnace. A gas furnace is easier and less expensive than an electric one. However, gas furnaces are larger and more intricate systems. For this reason, you should always hire a certified professional HVAC installer.
Maintenance and Lifespan
Both electric and gas furnaces require annual maintenance to function at high efficiency. A yearly inspection will keep the interior components clean and discover any problems that may lead to more significant repairs in the future. Therefore, recommended maintenance is similar when weighing the electric vs. gas furnace decision.
When it comes to the average lifespan, there isn’t much difference between an electric vs. gas furnace. An electric furnace that’s properly installed and maintained can last for 20 years. A gas furnace’s average lifespan is 15–20 years.
Safety
A gas furnace system uses fuel combustion, meaning it produces carbon monoxide. If a leak occurs, it can be harmful or even deadly. A crack in the heat exchanger is the most common cause of a leak. An electric furnace is often considered the safer option for this reason.
Count on Dilling for Furnace Installation and Repair
Dilling is the best choice for electric and gas furnace installers near Gastonia and the surrounding areas. Whether you already have a furnace and need an inspection or want to discuss the pros and cons of electric vs. gas furnace installation, we’re ready to help. Contact us today!