If you’re in the market for a new furnace, there are a couple of essential decisions you need to make before you move forward. The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you get an electric or a gas furnace.
This can be an easy decision if your home doesn’t have access to natural gas. However, if your home has a gas connection, choosing between gas and electric requires some deliberation. There are pros and cons to both gas and electric furnaces. Let’s break these down easily for you so you can make the best choice for your budget, home, and family.
Gas Furnace Pros:
- Gas furnaces are considered to be powerful, reliable heating systems that are ideal for cold climates such as ours.
- No matter how cold it gets outside, a gas furnace will keep your home warm.
- This is especially beneficial in older homes that suffer from drafts due to poor insulation.
- 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 are designed and built with safety features that should guard against these.
- They can also wear down slightly faster than electric furnaces and may need to be replaced sooner than an electric furnace.
- Not all homes have access to natural gas.
- They generally need more repairs than electric furnaces.
Electric Furnace Pros:
- Any home can install an electric furnace since it doesn’t require a natural gas line.
- It’s reliable and needs fewer repairs over its lifetime so long as it receives regular maintenance.
- Its lifespan is usually longer than a gas furnace’s.
- It generally costs less to purchase and install upfront.
- It doesn’t create hazards from possible toxic gas emissions.
- There are energy-efficient electric models on the market to reduce the amount of electricity needed to run the furnace.
Electric Furnace Cons:
- An electric furnace doesn’t have the heating prowess of a gas furnace.
- It costs more to operate than because electricity is usually a costlier energy source.
- An electric furnace uses an immense amount of electricity to run especially when temperatures plummet.
- This is somewhat offset by the lower installation cost and smaller number of repairs, but a household can expect high electrical bills over the winter.
- Although they’re rare, there’s still a risk of an electrical fire when electric furnaces aren’t maintained regularly.
No matter which type of furnace you choose, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.
- Choose a professional HVAC contractor to size and install your furnace.
- Never DIY a furnace installation. You run the risk of voiding the warranty and creating a safety hazard in your home.
- Schedule maintenance every year before heating season starts to protect your warranty and maximize your new furnace’s performance.
Call the friendly staff at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for exceptional customer service! Schedule furnace services in Pittsburgh with our team today.