Gas vs. Electric Furnaces

Regardless if you are building a new house or just replacing your outdated furnace, you have an important decision to make: Will you install a gas furnace or an electric furnace? Or could a heat pump be the best choice? In order to help you choose, Service Experts would like to share a few comparisons between gas and electric furnaces, in addition to our thoughts about the ideal scenarios for using a heat pump.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Installation Costs and Needs

Gas furnaces are generally higher in price and labor cost for installation than electric furnaces. The equipment alone has more hardware that are not required in an electric unit, which drives up the price tag. Also, gas furnaces call for more intricate installation and ventilation systems to properly get rid of combustion gases from the home. Therefore, you need more area to handle the installation. Plus, if you did not have a gas line and appliance hookup, you’ll need to install those as well.

On the other hand, electric furnaces are somewhat simple to install, they can fit into a smaller space, and don’t need a ventilation system because there is no fuel used. However, they will have to have a connection to a 240-volt electrical circuit, which isn’t common in some older homes. In this case, you may 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 price of a gas furnace normally provides an ROI rather quickly because it’s often less expensive to run than an electric furnace. That might shock you (no pun intended), given that electric furnaces can achieve higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). At the end of the day, we look at the lower per-unit cost of natural gas compared to electricity, which generally overcomes even a significant difference in AFUE ratings.

Of course, energy costs change by region and change over time, making electricity less pricey in some instances. It also makes sense to choose an electric heating system if you currently have or want to install solar panels. However, heat pumps generally cost much less to operate than electric furnaces, so consider this option if you expect to save with an electric-based heating system.

Heat pumps run on the same principles as an air conditioner, utilizing refrigerant to transfer heat rather than producing 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, cutting out the need to install a separate cooling system.

Although there are plenty of good things to say about them, heat pumps have some negative aspects. Due to the fact they generate heat from cold air, the delivery temperature is considerably lower than that of gas or electric furnaces. Traditional heat pumps must also depend on an inefficient electric resistance heater during especially cold days. While this ensures home comfort, it also raises your energy bills. Cold-climate heat pumps provide improved performance at low temperatures, and you’ll want to look into this option if you live in a subzero winter climate.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Heating Effectiveness

Without question, gas and electric furnaces are reliable at warming your home, however gas furnaces have proven to be more powerful and quicker at heating large spaces. Gas furnaces generate heat by burning natural gas, which creates hot air that spreads throughout the home via ductwork. Alternatively, electric furnaces use electrical resistance heating, and it simply takes longer to get up to speed.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Fuel Accessibility

The selection of a gas or electric furnace might come down to what fuels are available in your area. Gas furnaces would need access to a natural gas line, which may or may not be an option. Even if you can get natural gas, you may not want to pay to install a line, which is understandable. As such, an electric furnace or heat pump may be the only feasible option for keeping your home comfortable in the winter.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Maintenance and Safety

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

In terms of safety, gas furnaces have a moderate risk of carbon monoxide leakage if not taken care of or installed properly. That’s why you should prioritize standard inspections and never attempt a DIY furnace installation. Electric furnaces can’t leak carbon monoxide, but they still need to have professional installation and maintenance to guarantee safe operation.

Install a New Gas or Electric Furnace

For help determining the best home heating system for your home, rely on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can assess your unique circumstances and help you make a smart decision about what type of furnace to install. We’re so sure you’ll be delighted with our services that we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to set up a free furnace installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.