Gas furnaces have been a popular choice for many homeowners, but electric furnaces are becoming more and more attractive with new advancements in heating technology. So, when it comes to gas vs. electric furnaces which is better? There is no simple answer to this question. A lot of factors need to be considered when comparing these two types of furnaces. In this article, we will compare the two types of furnaces to help you decide which is best for your home.
What is the Difference Between Gas and Electric Furnaces?
The biggest difference between gas and electric furnaces is how they generate heat. Gas furnaces use natural or propane gas to create heat, while electric furnaces use electricity which heats up elements inside the furnace that then radiate heat into your home.
What are the Pros of Gas Furnaces?
The main advantage of gas furnaces is that they are usually more efficient than electric ones. Gas-powered furnaces have a higher AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating, which means you will pay less in heating costs each month, and your home will be warmer throughout the winter months.
Gas furnaces also produce heat at a much faster rate than electric furnaces, so if you are looking for instant heat when it is freezing outside, then a gas furnace will be your best choice.
Another big advantage of gas heating systems is that they can be hooked up to an emergency generator in the case of power outages during extremely cold weather. It means that you won’t have to worry about your home getting too cold during a power outage, which can be dangerous.
Also Read, 5 Common Furnace Smells and What They Mean
What are the Pros of Electric Furnaces?
The main advantage of electric furnaces is that they are much more environmentally friendly than gas furnaces. Electric furnaces emit zero greenhouse gases, which is a big plus if you are trying to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
The electric furnace also tends to be quieter than gas furnaces, so if noise is a concern for you, then an electric furnace may be the better choice. Installation costs for electric furnaces are also usually lower than gas furnaces. They are much easier to maintain since there are no combustible materials like gas that can cause a fire. Thus, this very factor also helps during HVAC repair in Atlanta or the general care of the system.
To Conclude
In the end, it comes down to personal preference because both furnaces have their own pros and cons. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to gas vs. electric furnaces. You may also get in touch with your HVAC expert to know about the cost of furnace maintenance to make an informed decision.
