Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your current heating system, you have an key decision to make: Will you install a gas furnace or an electric furnace? Or could a heat pump be the right choice? To help you decide, Service Experts would like to share some comparisons between gas and electric furnaces, in addition to our thoughts about where heat pumps come into play.
Gas furnaces are generally more expensive to purchase and install than electric furnaces. The equipment itself has extra components that are not needed in an electric system, which drives up the price tag. Then, gas furnaces require more complex installation and ventilation systems to safely remove combustion gases from the home. This means you need more space to allow for the installation. Plus, if you don’t already have a gas line and appliance hookup, you’ll need to install those as well.
On the other hand, electric furnaces are relatively simple to install, they require less space, and will not need a ventilation system due to the fact that there are no fumes from combustion fuels. That said, they will have to have access to a 240-volt electrical circuit, which isn’t available in some older homes. In this scenario, you will probably need an electrician to install a new receptacle and upgrade your electric panel.
The higher up-front price of a gas furnace typically provides a financial return rather quickly because it’s often less expensive to operate than an electric furnace. This may surprise you, given that electric furnaces will often achieve higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). It all comes down to the lower per-unit price of natural gas compared to electricity, which typically overcomes even a significant difference in AFUE ratings.
Of course, energy costs may be different by region and change over time, making electricity cheaper in some cases. It also makes sense to choose an electric heating system if you currently have or want to install solar panels. Bear in mind, heat pumps typically cost much less to operate than electric furnaces, so consider this option if you hope to save with an electric-based heating system.
Heat pumps function on the same principles as an ac unit, utilizing refrigerant to shift heat rather than generating it from a fuel source. In fact, thanks to a reversing valve, heat pumps can double as efficient air conditioners in the summer, eliminating the need to install a separate cooling system.
While they are highly efficient in mild temperatures, heat pumps have some negative aspects. Because they extract heat from cold air, the delivery temperature is far lower than that of gas or electric furnaces. Standard 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 offer improved performance at low temperatures, so think about this potential option if you live in an area that can experience bitter cold winter days.
Both gas and electric furnaces are effective at heating homes, but gas furnaces tend to be more powerful and faster at warming large spaces. Gas furnaces create heat by burning natural gas, which forms hot air that circulates inside the home via ductwork. Alternatively, electric furnaces use electrical resistance heating, which takes longer to warm up.
The selection of a gas or electric furnace may come down to what fuels are available in your region. Gas furnaces require access to a natural gas line, which may or may not be an option. Even if gas is offered in your region, you may not want to pay to install a line, which is understandable. In these cases, an electric furnace or heat pump may be the only viable option for keeping your home comfortable in the winter.
Both gas and electric furnaces require consistent maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation. But gas furnaces require additional maintenance, including regular inspections and cleaning of the gas burners and heat exchanger. Of course, electric furnaces still require routine filter changes and inspections of the heating elements and blower motor.
In relation to the topic of safety, gas furnaces carry a small risk of carbon monoxide leaks if not taken care of or installed properly. This is why you should prioritize routine 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 verify safe operation.
For help determining the optimum home heating system for you, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can assess your unique circumstances and help you make a smart decision about which type of furnace to install. We’re so confident you’ll be satisfied with our services that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! To get more information or to schedule a free furnace installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.
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