Gas Or Electric: Which Furnace Is Better?
As winter approaches, many homeowners start turning their attention toward ensuring their homes are prepared to withstand the cold. A functional heating system is a valuable tool when it comes to maintaining the safety and comfort of your home as outdoor temperatures drop.
If you are in the market for a new furnace, you will need to decide whether you want to install an electric furnace or a gas furnace. Each has their merits, so it's important you learn about the benefits both heating systems can provide before selecting the furnace best suited to meet your family's heating needs.
Electric Furnace
One of the major benefits an electric furnace can provide is that there is no need to run a natural gas line to your home. Almost every homeowner looking for a whole-house heating system has access to electricity already. An electric furnace can simply be connected to your home's existing electrical system by adding a new circuit to the system itself.
Electric furnaces also tend to be more affordable than natural gas furnaces up-front. You will need to weigh the higher installation costs associated with a gas furnace against the higher operating costs of an electric furnace before making your final selection.
Since electricity tends to be more expensive than natural gas, an electric furnace is best suited for homeowners who live in temperature climates where extensive heating isn't required each day in the winter. Homeowners who might have a difficult time extending a natural gas supply line to their property can also benefit from the convenience of an electric furnace.
Gas Furnace
If you need a furnace that can handle a significant workload throughout the winter months, then a gas furnace might be a better option. Natural gas is an extremely affordable fuel source. This means that you will be able to keep your furnace running both night and day to maintain temperatures within your home without worrying about receiving a hefty utility bill.
Natural gas furnaces do tend to come with a higher sticker price than their electric counterparts, but the reduced fuel costs can help make a natural gas furnace more affordable in the long-run.
You will need to factor in the cost of adding a natural gas supply line to your installation bill if your home is not already equipped with natural gas access. Once you do have a gas pipeline, you can enjoy the option of converting your range, clothes dryer, and water heater to natural gas models to save money on the operation of these appliances in the future.
Contact your local heating repairs service for more information and assistance.