When choosing a new furnace for your home, you usually have two choices: gas or electric. But these choices can often bring up a lot of questions. Which one is right for your home? Which one is right for you? Is electric more energy efficient than gas? There are many pros and cons to point out when it comes to gas vs. electric furnaces, so it is important to examine your options carefully. Some homes have different energy needs and thus require a different type of heating system. Plus, it isn’t so much a question of whether gas is better than electric – or vice versus – it is more a question of personal and utilitarian preference. So, is a gas or electric furnace a better option for your home?
First and foremost, you want to look at efficiency. Typically, gas powered furnaces are less efficient. Not only do they use one of the most non-sustainable resources – they can also have serious affect on the atmosphere. So, using a gas powered furnace may widen your carbon footprint. Electric furnaces, on the other hand, are extremely efficient.
Another important factor to look at is safety. Both gas furnaces and electric furnaces have their unique safety hazards. For instance, gas furnaces can cause carbon monoxide leaks that can be extremely poisonous. The worst part about carbon monoxide is that it is silent and odorless. On the other side of the coin, electric furnaces don’t present a carbon monoxide risk – they present a risk for causing fires, especially if there is a mechanical malfunction. This is the reason why you always want to maintain your electric furnace – any small damage could present a fire risk.
Next, it is important know what the basic mechanical differences are. A gas furnace and electric furnace both use different methods to warm up your home. A gas powered furnace uses a pilot system – when the system is fired on, a motor creates heat that is spread throughout your entire home. An electric furnace uses a blower motor that heats up a series of coils that are inside the unit. When air passes through these heated coils, it creates warm air. It is also important to note that both units use a thermostat to control and regulate the temperature.
Lastly, you may be interested to know what some of the costs differences are. If you were to measure the cost effectiveness of each, a gas furnace would take the lead. On a per cubic inch basis, gas is much more affordable to produce, so your utility bills will be much lower. However, if you want to go the more energy efficient route and install an electric furnace, you will be paying much more money. So, if you live in an area that requires the near constant use of a furnace during the wintertime, you may want to go with the cheaper option, especially if you are on a budget. If you want to take a point for helping save the environment, you may want to go electric.
