When it comes to heating your home, there are a number of different options to choose from. And if you’ve always had a furnace, you may choose to stick with this great, powerful heating option.
But did you know that even if you’ve had a gas furnace all this time, you could transition to an electric furnace? This isn’t right for every home, but it could be an option for yours. Read on as we uncover the differences between a gas and electric furnace, and help you decide if it makes sense for your household to get an electric furnace system.
All About Gas Furnaces
When properly maintained by trained professionals, you can expect a gas-powered furnace to have a useful service life of 10 to 15 years. Installing a gas furnace, especially if you already have a gas heater in place, is not difficult. But the system itself is large and complex, so you’ll always want professional installation services.
The initial purchase price of a natural gas furnace is typically higher than that of an electric furnace, which is one of the reasons people opt for an electric system. But, one thing to consider is that natural gas is a less expensive fuel source than electricity, so the month-to-month costs tend to be lower.
And then there is maintenance and safety to consider. Gas furnaces are not inherently dangerous. But your natural gas furnace will require routine maintenance to ensure that it stays safe. Older furnaces that are not well maintained are at risk for damaged gas lines and/or a cracked heat exchanger, which can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide exposure.
All About Electric Furnaces
One of the great things about a well-maintained electric furnace is that it can last longer than a gas furnace system, possibly even up to two decades. Installation is also simplified, as there are no gas lines to worry about–making an electric furnace installation generally more affordable, easier, and faster than a gas furnace installation.
The initial purchase price of an electric furnace, as we mentioned above, is less than a gas furnace. While it will cost a bit more to run monthly, if you’re on a tighter budget now, this is a factor to consider. But since you’re potentially getting a system that will last longer, it may be worth it!
A big reason people choose to go with an electric furnace is because of its safety. Like we mentioned above, a gas furnace isn’t automatically dangerous. But with an electric furnace, you never have to worry about the potential exposure to harmful gases.
Plus, since an electric furnace doesn’t burn fuel, it’s a “cleaner” option.
Remember, whether you choose to go with a gas furnace or an electric one, it’s always important to hire a professional for the job. We’ll ensure your system is properly sized and matched for your specific home, no matter what fuel type you decide to go with… and if you’re still unsure, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!
To install or service your electric furnace in Shippensburg, PA, contact Premier HVAC Services.