Gas vs. Electric Furnaces

If you’re dealing with new construction or simply replacing your old heating system, you have an significant decision to make: Will you install a gas furnace or an electric furnace? Or could a heat pump be the best option for you? To assist in your decision-making process, Service Experts would like to provide several comparisons between gas and electric furnaces, along with our thoughts about where heat pumps come into play.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Installation Costs and Needs

Gas furnaces are usually more expensive in terms of equipment price and the cost of labor for installation than electric furnaces. The equipment by itself has more components that are not used in an electric furnace, which influences the retail price. Then, gas furnaces require more complicated installation and ventilation systems to safely take out combustion gases from the home. Therefore, you need more area to accommodate the installation. Plus, if you didn’t have a gas line and appliance hookup, you’ll need to install those as well.

On the flip side, electric furnaces are fairly simple to install, they won’t need as much space as gas, and do not need a ventilation system because no combustion fuels are involved. Having said that, they will have to have access to a 240-volt electrical circuit, which isn’t always present in some older homes. As such, you will probably need an electrician to set up a new receptacle and upgrade your electric panel.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Efficiency and Energy Costs

The significant initial cost of a gas furnace typically provides a financial return rather quickly because it’s considerably less expensive to operate than an electric furnace. That might shock you (no pun intended), considering that electric furnaces are likely to achieve higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). At the end of the day, we look at the lower per-unit price of natural gas compared to electricity, which typically overcomes even a significant difference in AFUE ratings.

Keep in mind, energy costs vary by region and change over time, which can make electricity less pricey in some instances. We’d also recommend choosing an electric heating system if you have or want to add solar panels to your home. Bear in mind, heat pumps typically cost considerably less to operate than electric furnaces, so look at this option if you wish to save with an electric-based heating system.

Heat pumps function on the same principles as an air conditioning unit, working with refrigerant to move heat rather than producing it from a fuel source. In fact, thanks to a reversing valve, heat pumps can function as efficient air conditioners in the summer, ridding yourself of the need to install an independent cooling system.

While efficiency and cost are two of the positives, heat pumps have some drawbacks. Given that they draw out heat from cold air, the delivery temperature is considerably lower than the gas or electric furnaces. Standard heat pumps must also fall back on an inefficient electric resistance heater during cold snaps. While this guarantees home comfort, it will also increase your utility bills. Cold-climate heat pumps offer 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

Without question, gas and electric furnaces are successful at keeping your home warm, however gas furnaces are likely to be more powerful and quicker at warming large spaces. Gas furnaces create heat by burning natural gas, which produces hot air that disperses throughout 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 available in your area. Gas furnaces must have access to a natural gas line, which may or may not be an option. Even if gas is accessible, 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 viable option for keeping your home comfortable in the winter.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Maintenance and Safety

Both gas and electric furnaces should have 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. Remember, electric furnaces still should have routine filter changes and examinations of the heating elements and blower motor.

From a safety standpoint, gas furnaces bring a moderate risk of carbon monoxide leakage if not serviced or installed appropriately. This is precisely why you should prioritize scheduled inspections and in no way install a furnace without a professional contractor. Electric furnaces can’t leak carbon monoxide, but they still require professional installation and maintenance to ensure safe performance.

Install a New Gas or Electric Furnace

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