Gas vs. Electric Furnaces

The choices of heating equipment available to homeowners are continually expanding. Choosing gas vs. electric furnaces can be overwhelming. There are models that suit every budget, every comfort demand and various fuel types. Here are some pros and cons to consider when trying to decide between gas vs. electric furnaces.

Electric Furnace: This category can be interpreted a couple of different ways. You can pair an air handler with your air conditioner or heat pump. It contains your indoor coil and sometimes heat strips that provide additional heating power.

• Pros:
  • Don’t have to use natural or propane gas
  • Can be all you need to heat/cool your home year round (in some areas)
• Cons:
  • Create original heat (don’t transfer heat)
  • Can raise electric bills
  • May have to strain to reach heating demand (in some areas)
• Where to install:
  • Live in an area where gas is not available (Southern part of country)
  • Don’t currently have natural gas line running to your home
  • Electricity is the cheaper utility in your area

Gas Furnace: This is the “go-to” heating system. Natural gas powered heating systems create original heat. A gas furnace can be paired with your air conditioner.

• Pros:
  • Provide powerful heat
  • Natural gas is usually less expensive
  • Pairs nicely with both an air conditioner or heat pump to provide year round heating and cooling
• Cons:
  • Uses natural gas lines (if you don’t have them, it could be expensive to install – or may not even be an option
  • Must have a carbon monoxide detector running in your home
  • Will generally have to purchase an additional indoor coil
• Where to install:
  • Currently have gas line running to your home
  • Need the power supplied by a gas furnace
  • Natural gas is the cheaper utility in your area

So, when it comes to gas vs. electric furnaces, it all depends on where you live and what’s available in your area. That’s why it’s so important to contact a heating and air conditioning professional, like those here at LHT Cooling, Heating & Refrigeration, Inc.