Electric vs. Gas Furnace: Which is Better for the Home?
Modern furnaces typically use natural gas or electricity for fuel, with older homes possibly utilizing propane, and while both gas and electric systems employ blower fans to circulate heat, they differ in their methods, sizes, costs, and efficiencies.
Every furnace requires fuel. The earliest home furnaces were wood or coal-burning stoves that warmed the entire home. In modern homes, furnaces likely use either natural gas or electricity. Older homes may still use propane heating systems, but most newer homes have been converted to natural gas or electric.
Gas and electric both use large blower fans to move heated air throughout homes. However, the similarities end there. The methods they use to generate heat, their sizes, costs, and efficiencies are different.
Pros and Cons of a Gas Furnace
A gas furnace activates when the thermostat indicates the room temperature has dropped below a preset comfort level. It will send a message to the furnace to open a valve, deliver natural gas to the burners, and turn on the blowers. This process creates hot air that circulates through the vents and raises the temperature.
Pros of a Gas Furnace
Hotter: Gas furnaces can heat homes to higher temperatures than electric ones.
Faster: A flame heats immediately, unlike electric coils, which may take time to warm up. This allows the home to be heated more quickly.
Energy Efficient: Gas furnaces use less energy to heat the same amount of space. Natural gas also costs less than electricity, making this option more economical, especially in areas with freezing temperatures year-round.
Cons of a Gas Furnace
Availability: If natural gas lines are not available in an area, installation can be costly or impossible.
Price: Gas furnaces are more expensive than equivalent electric models. This cost can be a deterrent, especially in emergencies.
Risk: Gas furnaces pose a higher risk of carbon monoxide exposure and accidental fires or explosions if not properly maintained.
Installation and Maintenance: Due to these risks, professional installation and maintenance are recommended, adding to the overall cost.
Where they work best: Homes with existing natural gas lines benefit from lower operating costs with natural gas heating systems.
Pros and Cons of an Electric Furnace
An electric furnace heats using several sets of heating coils that become hot when an electrical current runs through them. Blower fans distribute the heat.
Pros of an Electric Furnace
Safety: Electric furnaces do not emit carbon dioxide and involve no combustible gas, making them safer.
Size: Electric furnaces are generally smaller, offering more flexible installation options.
Durability: Electric furnaces can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance.
Price: They are generally less expensive than gas systems and offer a range of budget-friendly options.
Installation: Easier and requires fewer prerequisites than gas furnaces.
Cons of an Electric Furnace
Running Cost: Monthly electricity costs can be higher.
Time: Electric furnaces take longer to heat up and distribute heat.
Efficiency: In freezing climates, electric furnaces may struggle to meet heating demands.
Where they work best: Electric heating systems are ideal for areas that do not require high heating power where electricity is more affordable or readily available.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can heat or cool homes more efficiently than traditional heating and air units, resulting in considerable savings on utility bills and qualifying homeowners for tax credits.
Heat pumps work by transferring heat from the outside air into the home. In cooling mode, they function similarly to air conditioners.
Advantages of a heat pump
Heat pumps increase the lifespan of furnaces by handling most of the heating load in milder temperatures.
Heat pumps are more energy-efficient as they move heat rather than generate it.
Heat pumps are powered by electricity, reducing fuel consumption.
Disadvantages of a heat pump:
Heat pumps tend to be less efficient in peak winter and unreliable for heat when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing.
The air from a heat pump is not as warm as that from a gas furnace.
Where they work best: Heat pumps are suitable for warm climates with occasional cold days but are less efficient in areas with frequent freezing temperatures. In milder climates, they can deliver substantial savings.
Hybrid System
A hybrid system combines a gas furnace and an electric heat pump, providing versatile temperature control.
The heat pump operates in milder conditions; when temperatures drop significantly, the gas furnace activates automatically.
Customized Solutions
Choosing a heating and cooling system should depend on a home’s specific needs. In areas with accessible natural gas, a conventional heating and air system using natural gas is typically the most efficient choice. In areas where natural gas is expensive or unavailable, electric systems can provide comfortable year-round heating.
Maintaining and upgrading heating equipment is crucial to minimize running costs, which can constitute a significant portion of utility bills. By combining the right equipment, regular maintenance, and timely upgrades, substantial savings and a comfortable home environment can be achieved.
Above and Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial heating and air conditioning company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort. Call us today at 210-897-8658.
