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 would a heat pump be the best option for you? To assist in your decision-making process, Service Experts would like to provide a few comparisons between gas and electric furnaces, along with our thoughts about when you should consider heat pumps.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Installation Costs and Requirements

Gas furnaces are typically more expensive to purchase and install than electric furnaces. The equipment by itself has extra parts that are not necessary in an electric unit, which leads to a higher production cost, thus a higher retail price. Then, gas furnaces demand more advanced installation and ventilation systems to safely get rid of combustion gases from the home. This means you need more room to allow for the installation. Plus, if you did not have a gas line and appliance hookup, you’ll need to factor in that expense too.

In contrast, electric furnaces are quite simple to install, they won’t need as much space as gas, and will not need a ventilation system because there is no fuel used. Having said that, they will have to have connectivity to a 240-volt electrical circuit, which isn’t available in some older homes. As such, you may want an electrician to add a new receptacle and upgrade your electric panel.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Efficiency and Energy Costs

The significant up-front price of a gas furnace usually pays for itself rather quickly because it’s often less expensive to operate than an electric furnace. This might be surprising to read, given that electric furnaces are likely to achieve higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). It all comes down to 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 may be different by region and change over time, making electricity less costly in some cases. It would also makes sense to buy an electric heating system if you have or want to add solar panels to your home. At the same time, heat pumps normally cost much less to operate than electric furnaces, so think about this option if you expect to save with an electric-based heating system.

Heat pumps run on the same principles as an air conditioner, using refrigerant to transfer heat rather than producing it from a fuel source. Believe it or not, thanks to a reversing valve, heat pumps can serve as efficient air conditioners in the summer, eliminating the need to use an independent cooling system.

While efficiency and cost are two of the positives, heat pumps have some negative aspects. Due to the fact they draw out heat from cold air, the delivery temperature is far lower than the gas or electric furnaces. Standard heat pumps must also fall back on a less than efficient electric resistance heater during bitter-cold periods. While this guarantees home comfort, it will also increase your utility bills. Cold-climate heat pumps produce 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

There’s no doubt that gas and electric furnaces are successful at warming your home, but gas furnaces tend to be more powerful and faster at increasing the temperature of large spaces. Gas furnaces create heat by burning natural gas, which produces hot air that spreads inside the home via ductwork. In comparison, electric furnaces use electrical resistance heating, which usually takes more time to ramp up.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Fuel Supply

The final decision of a gas or electric furnace may well come down to what fuels are obtainable in your community. Gas furnaces must have access to a natural gas line, which, believe it or not, is not available in every location. Even if gas is accessible, you may be unable to afford the cost of installing the gas line, which is understandable. If that is true, an electric furnace or heat pump may be the only practical alternative for keeping your family warm at home during the winter.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Maintenance and Safety

Both gas and electric furnaces need consistent maintenance to ensure safe and efficient performance. But gas furnaces will need additional maintenance, like regular inspections and cleaning of the gas burners and heat exchanger. Remember, electric furnaces still require routine filter changes and inspections of the heating elements and blower motor.

From a safety standpoint, gas furnaces bring a limited risk of carbon monoxide leaks if not taken care of or installed properly. This is precisely why you should prioritize standard inspections and never attempt a DIY furnace installation. 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 help choosing the optimum home heating system for your family, rely on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can evaluate your distinct circumstances and help you make an educated decision about what type of furnace to install. We’re so confident you’ll be satisfied with our services that we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to schedule a free furnace installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.