Electric vs. Gas Furnace: Which Is Best for My Home?
You can't really go wrong with either a gas or electric furnace to heat your home, but it's an important decision. In the debate of electric vs. gas furnaces, you have to consider the benefits and cons of both.
Still not sure? Don't worry. This guide will help you make your decision with topics such as:
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Pros and Cons of Gas Furnaces
Some of the most compelling pros for gas furnaces include:
- Lower operating costs. Homes often see significant savings in their heating bill by switching to gas furnaces.
- Faster heating. Gas furnaces reach their maximum temperature as soon as the burners turn on, so they can heat your home more quickly.
- More desirable. Gas furnaces can raise property values due to desirability by homeowners.
Those benefits don't come freely, though. It’s still important to consider these potential cons:
- Higher installation costs. Gas furnaces typically have higher installation costs. Ensuring the furnace is safely connected requires more work than installing an electric one.
- Regular maintenance. Gas furnaces require more regular maintenance than electric options. Because they rely on a combustion process, preventative maintenance and cleanings during regularly scheduled inspections and servicing are necessary.
- Shorter lifespan. Compared to electric furnaces, gas furnaces don't last as long. In a best-case scenario, a high-quality, well-maintained gas furnace can be expected to last 15 to 20 years.
Pros and Cons of Electric Furnaces
Electric furnaces bring several benefits, including:
- Safety. An electric furnace is often considered safer because it doesn't produce carbon monoxide or other dangerous byproducts while operating.
- Ease of installation. The simpler installation and maintenance processes make an electric furnace cheaper upfront.
- Quieter operation. Because electric furnaces don't burn anything while operating, they're typically quieter than their gas counterparts.
On the contrary, cons for electric furnaces that might deter you include:
- Higher operating costs. Unless you're powering your electric furnace with a solar panel system, it costs more to heat your home with electricity than with gas.
- Slower heating times. The heating element in your electric furnace takes time to get up to temperature, which means it takes longer to start warming your home.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Both electric and gas furnaces are safe, provided they're maintained properly. Likewise, they're both relatively environmentally friendly.
Some people think that gas furnaces are particularly dangerous due to the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. While there is a small risk that a modern gas furnace may develop one of these dangerous leaks, the chances of this happening are slim. With that said, if you're worried about safety, electric furnaces don't run the same risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
If you want an eco-friendly furnace, electric may be best. Gas furnaces burn fossil fuels, which usually results in more pollution. However, if your power company generates electricity from nonrenewable sources, an electric furnace may not make a difference.
How to Choose Between an Electric and Gas Furnace
The right furnace for your home depends on several factors, and you'll have to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each. If you want something with lower operating costs that will heat your home up more quickly, you probably want a gas furnace. However, if you're interested in going green and want a lower upfront investment, electric may be a better choice.
If you're not sure which kind of furnace to choose, schedule an in-home consultation. Your technician can answer questions, help you consider your options, and provide valuable insight into topics such as electric furnace and gas furnace costs.
How Do You Get a New Furnace?
A new furnace offers valuable benefits, including reduced energy bills due to increased efficiency. However, those benefits disappear if it's installed improperly. Comfort Systems is York County's most trusted name in furnace installation, and if your furnace stops working and needs replacement, we're the team to call.
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