Whether to get a gas or electric furnace for your home depends upon a number of factors. It also depends on what your priorities are. With that in mind, it’s helpful to know how they differ so you can make the best decision. At Totally Cool Heating & Air, we can help you determine which type of furnace will best suit your needs.
Climate
Gas furnaces are usually recommended for cold climates. They tend to warm up a home more quickly than electric furnaces. Austin’s relatively mild winters mean that an electric furnace should be suitable for keeping you warm through the winter. However, you may prefer gas for other reasons.
Installation Costs
As a general rule, an electric furnace is generally cheaper to install than a gas furnace. However, it’s best to get quotes to verify this. With a gas furnace, it’s necessary to run a gas line and to have a venting system. These things can increase costs.
If you already have a gas line, heating installation will be less expensive. It’s also worthwhile looking at the price of the individual models that you’re considering. For example, if you already have a gas line, a lower-priced gas furnace and a high-end electrical furnace might have comparable installation costs.
Operating Costs
You’ll also want to factor in what it’s going to cost to run each type of furnace. Gas is usually cheaper than electricity. Of course, the price of gas can be volatile, and that can change the equation.
In addition, if you’re balancing this cost against installation costs, consider how long you plan to be in your home. If you don’t have any plans to move, the gas furnace may pay for itself over time in lower operating costs. However, if you’re going to be in your home for only a few years, this might not be the case.
Durability
This is another issue worth considering if you’re thinking about costs over the long term. With regular maintenance for both types, an electric furnace should still last longer. Its lifespan is in the range of 20-30 years, while a gas furnace tends to last for 15-20 years. In a nutshell, there are simply more things that can go wrong with a gas furnace as compared to an electric one.
Safety Concerns
Gas furnaces are safe or they would not be widely used. However, there are undeniably safety concerns that you don’t have to worry about with an electric furnace. One is carbon monoxide, and the other is a gas line explosion.
These risks can be mitigated. You should have a carbon monoxide detector in your home if you have a gas furnace. If you smell gas, you should always report it immediately and leave the area. You can also purchase a gas leak detector. These types of issues are extremely rare, but if you want to avoid the risk altogether, electric may be the better choice for you.
Maintenance and Repairs
Both systems run better and last longer with regular maintenance. With a gas furnace, neglecting maintenance may also introduce safety issues.
Issues with a gas furnace may be more complex and stressful because they are often connected to the fuel-burning process. This includes problems with the ignition system or pilot light, which can also be safety issues. In contrast, electric furnace issues tend to be less costly and more straightforward. Problems with the heating element or the thermostat are common reasons that an electric furnace may need repair.
The Bottom Line
An electric furnace should be adequate for Austin winters, and it may seem to offer advantages over gas due to its longer lifespan, cheaper installation and less-stress maintenance. However, if you have an existing gas line and you’re concerned about heating bills, a gas furnace might still be the better choice for you.
Your HVAC Experts in Austin
Whatever type of furnace you choose, you can count on us to provide the service that you need. With over 35 years of experience in the local area, we understand what Austin residents need. Our HVAC services include installation, repair and maintenance of heating and cooling systems.
We work on all makes and models, and we’re eager to find the heating solution that works for you. We’re accredited with the BBB, and we guarantee satisfaction. Let us be the company that you can turn to for all your HVAC needs. When you need a gas or electric furnace installed or have any other HVAC issues, please contact Totally Cool Heating & Air.
