When it’s time to choose a new furnace for your home, you must first decide between gas and electric heating – and that means understanding the differences between the two. Each one has its own unique advantages and disadvantages that may influence your decision.
Factors to consider include the cost for both installation and operation, energy efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. When you’re ready to schedule an appointment for furnace installation in Longmont, just give us a call. You can also keep reading to learn more about the key differences between gas and electric furnaces.
Cost and Efficiency
Gas furnaces will usually cost you more upfront for the installation compared to electric furnaces, which are less expensive units. On the flip side, natural gas is less expensive for day-to-day operations compared to electricity.
While a gas system costs more upfront, the electric models cost more on your utility bills each month. When it comes to gas heating, don’t be turned off by the upfront investment. You can easily save enough money on energy costs to recoup that extra expense.
Electricity rates are usually higher than natural gas rates, which can mean you will spend more than you expect over the life of the unit – whether you realize that or not. If you choose to go with a gas furnace, remember to invest in a high-efficiency model if possible. This investment does add to the installation costs, but can drastically lower your monthly energy costs for the next 10-15 years.
Expected Lifespan
Both gas and electric furnaces have similar expected life spans. Either type of system has a maximum life expectancy of about 10-15 years when they receive annual maintenance. The manufacturer’s warranties usually last for the first ten years, leaving you responsible for any issues after that initial period.
Trying to keep a furnace in place for longer than 15 years can leave you sacrificing both safety and efficiency. Just be sure to keep up with regular maintenance for either type of heating system.
Safety Considerations
Safety should be the top factor on your list when selecting a furnace. The good news is that with modern technology, both gas and electric furnaces are very safe to operate. This does not apply to older, outdated systems that you may still have in places from previous decades.
Technology has grown leaps and bounds in recent years for the HVAC industry. You can confidently invest in gas and electric furnaces and know that they are safe to operate. The one caveat to this is that they must receive regular maintenance – both homeowner and professional. In order to maintain the integrity of your furnace, you need to complete monthly care steps of your own, including:
- Choosing an air filter that fits and is appropriate for your heater
- Changing out the air filter on time
- Monitoring for signs of problems
- Call for service when you suspect something is wrong
Even when your furnace is operating at its best, professional maintenance is still crucial. Maybe even more so! Professional maintenance is the best way to keep your furnace operating at its best while maintaining high safety standards.
Environmental Impact
Natural gas burns cleaner compared to electricity – although this may surprise you. Having a natural gas furnace may mean that you lower your carbon emissions for heating your home. If you have questions about the specific energy sources in our area, we talk in greater detail at your initial assessment to discuss installation.
Contact Meyers Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our professionals for your furnace installation.