When choosing between a gas and an electric furnace, it’s important to consider factors such as effectiveness, durability, cost and safety. To give you a better idea of how you can make the right choice, here HVAC and indoor air quality expert Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning discusses the pros and cons of gas and electric furnaces.
Gas Furnaces
Gas furnaces are usually powered by natural gas, which is ideal if natural gas is the less expensive utility in your area. However, not all areas have the piping infrastructure required for this type of furnace, and if you currently don’t have a gas line running to your house, the installation of one can set you back by a significant amount.
In the absence of a gas line, some homeowners opt for propane or fuel oil to power their heating systems. However, since these require fuel storage tanks, you have to prepare for the costs of installing and maintaining the tanks.
If you’re looking for something that would pair nicely with your air conditioner and heat pump, HVAC maintenance experts agree that a gas furnace is a better choice for year-round heating and cooling.
Electric Furnaces
An electric furnace generally comes with lower costs, so if you want to avoid the expense of installing a gas line or maintaining fuel storage tanks, an electric furnace would be a good choice for you. Maintaining an electrical unit is usually easier, but of course this doesn’t necessarily mean that electric furnaces won’t cost you anything because they can raise your electric bills. An electric furnace may also have difficulty fulfilling the heating demand, especially if you’re pairing it with an air conditioner.
Despite these disadvantages, you can feel more at ease with an electric furnace since it poses a lower risk to the occupants of your home. Gas furnaces typically emit a low level of carbon monoxide, so they need to be monitored closely. With electric units, you don’t have to worry too much about this kind of thing.
Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning has been in the industry for over 60 years. We provide excellent HVAC services including duct cleaning, heating, air conditioning and more. Call us at (440) 946-7863 or fill out our contact form to request a quote.
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