Gas vs. Electric Furnace: Which is Better?
Gas furnaces ignite their burners with a pilot light, heating air through a heat exchanger in the HVAC system. They use natural gas, propane, or fuel oil stored in tanks connected to utility gas lines.
Whether fueled by gas or electricity, a furnace plays a vital role in home heating. Depending on factors such as cost, upkeep, home size, and local fuel prices, one type may be more suitable than the other. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of gas and electric furnaces as outlined by HVAC repair and installation experts to determine the best option for specific needs and budget.
How a Gas Furnace Works
The pilot light of a gas furnace ignites the main burner upon receiving a signal. The heat exchanger then absorbs the heat from the burner, heating the air circulating through the HVAC system. Gas furnaces use popular fuels such as natural gas, propane, or fuel oil—all of which require a storage tank—and connect to utility gas lines.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Gas Furnaces
Benefits: Gas furnaces rank among the most powerful home heating systems, capable of producing heat levels that few other systems can match. A gas furnace can keep a house warm regardless of the external temperature, which proves especially useful in older homes with inadequate insulation and drafts. Natural gas is a cheap, clean-burning fuel, making it a fantastic alternative for saving money while also benefiting the environment. Natural gas is particularly convenient since, unlike other heating fluids such as propane, it is delivered directly to the house through municipal infrastructure.
Drawbacks: Although modern gas furnaces are developed with safety in mind, there are potential health risks associated with using natural gas in a home. Additionally, gas furnaces can degrade faster than other types of heaters, necessitating early replacement. Finally, natural gas is not available in every residence.
How an Electric Furnace Works
The thermostat signal is supplied to an electric ignition in an electric furnace, which turns on the unit’s electric heating service elements. It does not require a fuel source, although it consumes electricity continuously. An electric heat pump is an alternative to an electric furnace, using less electricity to operate.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Electric Furnaces
Benefits: Electric furnaces can be used in almost any home because they do not require a natural gas pipeline. An electric furnace is more dependable and requires fewer repairs over its lifetime, which is often longer than a gas furnace. An electric furnace is often less expensive to install upfront, and it does not pose any health risks from poisonous gas emissions.
Drawbacks: An electric furnace lacks the raw heating power of a gas furnace. It also costs more to run than a gas furnace since electricity is a more expensive energy source, and an electric furnace consumes a lot of it. Although the lower installation cost and fewer repairs help counter this, high electric bills should be expected throughout the winter.
Fix My Air DFW of Fort Worth specializes in residential and commercial HVAC services, including routine maintenance, installation, and repair. All makes/models. Call us at (817)839-3511.
