Electric or Gas Furnace, Which is Safer, Which is Cheaper, Which is Better?
Electric furnaces have the advantage of being easy to install and have cleaner heat than gas furnaces. In fact, they are almost plug and play simple to install. They also are considered safer due to the potential of a gas leak with a gas furnace. Electric furnaces are said to be as safe as a toaster. However, there are some reasons a gas furnace is a better choice. We will compare and contrast the pros and cons of each.
The three main kinds of furnaces include electric, oil, and gas. Oil furnaces are seldom used anymore so we will focus on gas and electric. The most efficient furnaces available are the gas furnaces which are said to be about 96% percent efficient. Electric furnaces do not get this great of efficiency. Gas furnaces usually last about 14 years. Electric furnaces last longer generally, about 20 or 30 years.
The installation of an electric furnace will cost more than a gas furnace but is far simpler. The recurring monthly costs to heat your residence are currently cheaper with gas furnaces. Some people wonder if that will change with increasing gas prices but for now the electricity prices are higher for heating the air in furnaces. As far as safety goes, the electric furnaces are very safe. Gas furnaces come with a very low risk if maintained correctly but still have that slight carbon monoxide risk or even a tiny risk of explosion.
The most essential thing to do if you pick out a gas furnace is to have a qualified electrician or electrical contractor or other professional check your furnace at least once a year. Cracks and holes and other problems can leak carbon monoxide into your household. If you select a gas furnace, be sure to have it checked annually.
In conclusion, gas is a more efficient technology than electric and is less costly to use. If you rarely need to run a furnace since you live in a warm climate, you could go with an electric furnace.
The three main kinds of furnaces include electric, oil, and gas. Oil furnaces are seldom used anymore so we will focus on gas and electric. The most efficient furnaces available are the gas furnaces which are said to be about 96% percent efficient. Electric furnaces do not get this great of efficiency. Gas furnaces usually last about 14 years. Electric furnaces last longer generally, about 20 or 30 years.
The installation of an electric furnace will cost more than a gas furnace but is far simpler. The recurring monthly costs to heat your residence are currently cheaper with gas furnaces. Some people wonder if that will change with increasing gas prices but for now the electricity prices are higher for heating the air in furnaces. As far as safety goes, the electric furnaces are very safe. Gas furnaces come with a very low risk if maintained correctly but still have that slight carbon monoxide risk or even a tiny risk of explosion.
The most essential thing to do if you pick out a gas furnace is to have a qualified electrician or electrical contractor or other professional check your furnace at least once a year. Cracks and holes and other problems can leak carbon monoxide into your household. If you select a gas furnace, be sure to have it checked annually.
In conclusion, gas is a more efficient technology than electric and is less costly to use. If you rarely need to run a furnace since you live in a warm climate, you could go with an electric furnace.