A furnace—whether fueled by gas or electricity—is an essential equipment that supplies homes and buildings with sufficient heating. A gas furnace and an electric furnace perform similarly, but that does not mean they do it in the exact same fashion. To know which one will be more fitting to your comfort needs, you need to take several factors into consideration, such as cost, lifespan and eco-friendliness. Here, an air condition service expert compares gas furnaces and electric furnaces.
Initial Cost
Gas furnaces are the go-to type of heating system in the U.S. How much cash you’ll need to put out for a unit hinges on the brand you want to purchase and the type of installation. Upfront costs average around $1,200 for the furnace alone, but can cost anywhere between $3,500 and $4,000 with professional installation included.
If natural gas isn’t available in your area, electric furnaces are a great alternative. For a common brand, estimated upfront costs can range from $400 to $1,000, though the average price dances somewhere around $650. An electric-powered furnace is often a fraction of the cost of a gas furnace, even at its most expensive with installation included.
Life Expectancy
According to an air conditioner repair company, a high-efficiency gas furnace can last from 20 to 25 years, making it a big investment for many homeowners. Operating costs, regular repairs and maintenance are also expected to sustain the life and performance of gas-fueled furnace equipment.
An electric furnace, on the other hand, will likely last longer than its counterpart. Though it normally has higher operating costs, it will require little-to-no service throughout its lifespan, which helps lower maintenance costs in the long term.
Eco-Friendliness
Since furnaces are typically powered by fuel or electricity, they’re not perfect when it comes to significantly reducing emissions, though there are favorable options. For instance, an electric furnace will stamp out the emissions from a high-efficiency gas furnace, but the environmental impact of using large-scale hydro dams essentially diminishes these advantages.
Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace, whether gas or electric, will greatly reduce emissions and pollutants from your older HVAC unit. Be sure to use the right one properly so it can run for considerably less time, and in turn drastically reduce your carbon footprint.
Modern Air Solutions is a premier source of heating and cooling services in Illinois. Our high-rated technicians work diligently to provide products and solutions that are tailored to your specific needs, such as gas or electric furnace installation, repair and maintenance. Call us at (630) 534-9037 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.
