As a homeowner, you make many decisions every day. However, some days, you are tasked to make a significant decision that can impact your comfort — such as finding a new heating system for your home.
If you’ve been searching through potential heating systems, you might have narrowed your options to an electric or gas furnace. But which fuel type is right for you?
What’s better: electric or gas furnaces? The only person who can answer this question is you. Below, we’ll discuss some pros and cons of electric vs. gas furnaces so you can make the right decision for your home.
How Do Gas and Electric Furnaces Work?
Although there are many differences between gas and electric furnaces, these systems work much in the same way. Once the pilot light or electric ignition is ignited, the cold air from your home is pulled through the air ducts and into the furnace. From here, the heat exchanger warms the air to a specific temperature. This hot air is then sent to your home via return air vents for you to enjoy.
Heating Performance
If you’ve been debating the merits of an electric vs. gas furnace, it’s important to know what to expect from each type of heating system. More specifically, you should know how quickly these heating systems can heat a home.
When it comes down to it, a gas furnace will heat your home much more quickly than an electric unit. This is especially true in colder climates.
Heating your home quickly is a major upside to gas furnaces. However, a few factors about gas heating systems make them the less convenient option. For example, your home will need to have access to natural gas — which can be a major concern if you live in a remote area. Also, you must have a carbon monoxide detector and will need to install a gas line on your property if you don’t have one already.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to energy efficiency, you might be wondering what’s better: electric or gas furnaces? Depending on how you define “efficiency,” gas or electric furnaces can come out on top.
Electric heating systems can be considered more energy efficient than gas-powered models because 100% of the energy they use is transferred into heat. However, it’s also worth noting that gas furnaces use less energy than electric models during a heating cycle. As a result, you might consider gas units to be more efficient than their electric counterparts in the long run.
Maintenance Needs
Now, it’s time to discuss the maintenance needs of electric vs. gas furnaces. All-in-all, it’s important to keep in mind that gas and electric heating systems both require regular maintenance.
Keeping up with your furnace’s needs, no matter the fuel type will ensure that it’s running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. However, it’s also worth noting that a gas furnace requires more comprehensive maintenance than an electric unit.
Average Lifespan
As a homeowner, it’s safe to say that you want your heating system to last a long time. So when it comes to longevity, what’s better: electric or gas furnaces? Really, you can expect both types of heating systems to last around 15-20 years with proper care and maintenance. With either fuel type, you most likely won’t have to worry about a furnace replacement in Springfield, IL, for many years.
Keep Your Home Cozy With a Furnace Installation!
So, what’s better: electric or gas furnaces? This critical question can only be answered by you and your family. As you can see, there are many pros and cons of electric vs. gas furnaces worth considering. It’s important to review these factors we discussed above to find the perfect heating system for your family’s needs.
If you’re ready to install a new high-efficiency heating system, turn to Mike Williams! We can help you with a gas furnace installation near Springfield, IL. Our heating and cooling experts always go the extra mile to provide high-quality services. We even provide no cost, no obligation estimates for replacement. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!