How do you know which type of furnace to choose?
While both electric and gas furnaces reliably heat your home, choosing the best one for your needs can be complicated. That’s because each type of furnace operates differently and has different types of installation requirements. Plus, they also have varying long-term and short-term costs.
Homeowners need to understand these distinctions, so they can properly weigh their options.
In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of gas and electric furnaces. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to choose the best furnace for your home.
What is an Electric Furnace?
An electric furnace is a type of heating system that warms your home. It does this by drawing cold air into a heat exchanger and then warming that air. After that, the electric furnace circulates the heated air into your home through a series of ducts.
Pros of Electric Furnaces
- Lifespan: An electric furnace has a lifespan of about 30 years and needs less maintenance.
- Installation Cost: They’re more affordable to install because they don’t require gas and venting systems.
- Sustainability: Unlike gas furnaces, there is no reliance on fuel to warm your air.
- Safety: They don’t pose the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Silence: They’re quieter and better at dehumidifying your home.
- Flexibility: Sometimes, they can also cool your home during summer.
Cons of Electric Furnaces
- Time: Electric furnaces take longer to heat your home, meaning they are less heat efficient.
- Operational Cost: They can be more expensive to operate since they rely on electricity.
- Rebate Qualification: Currently, there are no BC rebates for electric furnaces available.
What is a Gas Furnace?
Gas furnaces are a type of HVAC system that uses natural gas to heat your home. It starts its work once the thermostat triggers its valve to open and lets the natural gas flow to the burner. The furnace will then ignite the burner, pushing hot air into your home through your ducts.
Pros of Gas Furnaces
- Operational Cost: Gas furnaces have lower operating costs as they consume less electricity.
- Any Locations: They generate more heat, making them ideal for colder climates.
- Speed: They heat your home much faster.
- Consistency: They more reliably maintain the heat of your home.
- Rebate Qualification: BC rebates for gas furnaces are available.
Cons of Gas Furnaces
- Installation Cost: Gas furnaces are expensive to install, especially if you don’t have a gas line and ventilation system.
- Shorter Lifespan: The gas furnace lifespan is shorter and needs more maintenance.
- Safety: They can leak carbon monoxide when not installed or maintained properly. They’re also a fire hazard.
Electric Furnace vs Gas: Which is Best?
While the question might sound simple, the answer is anything but. The type of furnace that’s best for your home depends on the 4 following factors:
- Geographical Location. Because gas furnaces are more heat efficient, they’ll be the ideal heating system for places where temperatures reach below zero.
- Gas Availability. Not all areas have a natural gas source or allow natural gases to heat your home, so it’s best to check the local laws and regulations.
- Cost of Electricity. When electricity prices are high in your area, then using an electric furnace will further drive your bills up. As such, having a gas furnace will ultimately be more cost-effective.
- Your Budget. Installing a gas furnace is an invasive and expensive process if you don’t have a gas line and ventilation system. If you don’t have the budget for this type of installation, then you might be happier with an electric furnace instead.
Nothing is more important than meeting the heating and safety needs of your home. That’s why you should choose your furnace system with careful consideration and only work with qualified HVAC professionals.
Looking for a professional HVAC technician?
At Mom’s Heating & Cooling, we only do premium HVAC installations and work with top-skilled technicians. Reach out today so you can feel more comfortable and safe in your home.
