Gas vs. Electric Furnaces

If you’re dealing with new construction or simply replacing your old heating system, you have an key decision to make: Will you install a gas furnace or an electric furnace? Or might a heat pump be the best choice? To help you decide, Service Experts would like to provide several comparisons between gas and electric furnaces, along with our thoughts about when you should consider heat pumps.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Installation Costs and Specifications

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 extra components that are not necessary in an electric system, which leads to a higher production cost, thus a higher retail price. In addition, gas furnaces demand more complicated installation and ventilation systems to properly get rid of combustion gases from the home. This would mean you need more room to handle the installation. Plus, if you didn’t have a gas line and appliance hookup, you’ll need to factor in that expense too.

In contrast, electric furnaces are fairly simple to install, they can fit into a smaller space, and will not require a ventilation system because no combustion fuels are involved. That said, they will require access to a 240-volt electrical circuit, which isn’t common in some older homes. In this case, you will most likely 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 price of a gas furnace typically pays for itself rather quickly because it’s often less expensive to operate than an electric furnace. That might shock you (no pun intended), considering that electric furnaces can achieve higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). At the end of the day, we look at the lower per-unit expense of natural gas when compared to electricity, which often overcomes even a noteworthy difference in AFUE ratings.

Of course, energy costs vary by region and change over time, making electricity less costly in some cases. We’d also recommend choosing an electric heating system if you currently have or want to install solar panels. At the same time, heat pumps generally cost much less to operate than electric furnaces, so consider this option if you wish to save with an electric-based heating system.

Heat pumps run on the same principles as an air conditioner, utilizing refrigerant to shift heat rather than producing it from a fuel source. For that matter, thanks to a reversing valve, heat pumps can double as efficient air conditioners throughout the summer, cutting out the need to install an independent cooling system.

While efficiency and cost are two of the positives, heat pumps have some negative aspects. Because they generate heat from cold air, the delivery temperature is far lower than the gas or electric furnaces. Conventional heat pumps must also fall back on a less than efficient electric resistance heater during bitter-cold periods. While this ensures home comfort, it will also inflate your monthly energy costs. Cold-climate heat pumps produce better performance at low temperatures, so consider this if it regularly drops below freezing where you live.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Heating Effectiveness

Both gas and electric furnaces are successful at heating homes, however gas furnaces are likely to be more powerful and quicker at heating large spaces. Gas furnaces produce heat by burning natural gas, which creates hot air that circulates across the home via ductwork. In contrast, electric furnaces use electrical resistance heating, which takes longer to warm up.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Fuel Supply

The selection of a gas or electric furnace could boil down to what fuels are available in your community. Gas furnaces must have access to a natural gas line, which isn’t available in some places. Even if gas is offered in your region, you may find it difficult to afford the cost of installing the line, which is understandable. As such, an electric furnace or heat pump may be the only feasible alternative for keeping your family warm at home during the winter.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Maintenance and Safety

Both gas and electric furnaces need regular maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation. But gas furnaces require added maintenance, like regular inspections and cleaning of the gas burners and heat exchanger. Remember, electric furnaces still should have scheduled filter changes and inspections of the heating elements and blower motor.

From a safety standpoint, gas furnaces have a small risk of carbon monoxide leaks if not serviced or installed properly. This is why you should prioritize scheduled inspections and in no way try to install the furnace on your own. 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 guidance in learning the best home heating system for your family, rely on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can evaluate your unique circumstances and help you make an educated decision about what kind of furnace to install. We’re so convinced 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.