Is it time for a new furnace in your home? Perhaps your existing system isn’t heating your home as well as it used to or you’re faced with a repair on a furnace that’s past its prime. If you’re in the market for a new furnace, there’s one question that needs answering: should you get a gas or an electric furnace?
If your home doesn’t have access to natural gas, the answer is easy. But if you have an existing gas line or perhaps you’ve had a gas line installed after your current HVAC system was purchased, you might be wondering if a gas furnace is the way to go.
That’s why we’ve created this helpful list of the pros and cons of both electric and gas furnaces. There are major advantages to each type of furnace so taking a few minutes to do some research will help you make the best decision.
Electric Furnace Pros:
- It’s readily available to any homeowner.
- It’s reliable and should need fewer repairs so long as it receives regular maintenance.
- Its lifespan tends to be slightly longer than a gas furnace.
- It costs less to purchase and install upfront.
- It’s considered “safer” than a gas furnace as there are no combustion gases.
Electric Furnace Cons:
- It doesn’t have as much heating power as a gas furnace.
- It costs more to operate than because electricity usually costs more than gas
- An electric furnace uses a lot of electricity when temperatures are in the single digits.
- As a result, your utility bills could be higher compared to if you had a gas furnace.
- Although they’re rare, there’s still a risk of an electrical fire when it’s not maintained regularly.
Gas Furnace Pros:
- Gas furnaces are considered to be powerful, reliable heating systems that are ideal for cold climates like here in New York.
- A gas furnace will keep your home warm and comfortable no matter how cold it is.
- In most areas of the US, natural gas is an inexpensive fuel source.
- Lower fuel costs mean you’ll enjoy lower utility bills.
Gas Furnace Cons:
- There are potential health and safety hazards from using natural gas although today’s gas furnaces are designed and built with safety features to prevent these.
- They can wear down slightly faster and may need to be replaced sooner than electric furnaces.
- Not all homes have access to natural gas or have gas lines in place.
- They cost a bit more for upfront purchase and installation, especially if you’re having a gas line installed.
- They may need more repairs compared to electric furnaces.
- Annual maintenance is imperative to ensure it’s functioning safely.
When you choose us for your heating services, you can rest assured knowing you’ve chosen a team that values doing what’s right while maintaining a reputation for honesty and integrity. For a gas furnace installation or an electric furnace installation, you can rely on us.
Contact Quality Heating & Cooling today for furnace service in Newburgh, NY. It’s not a Quality job, unless it has our Quality seal.