Is an Electric Furnace Better than a Gas Furnace?
Cost-efficiency-wise, electric furnaces are cheaper to operate than gas furnaces. But we'll dive deeper into that a little later. First, let's take a closer look at how each works.
Natural Gas Furnace
A gas furnace works by burning natural gas to produce heat. The heat is then distributed throughout your home using a forced-air heating system, which uses a blower to circulate air through a network of ducts.
One advantage of gas furnaces is that they tend to be very efficient, with some models achieving AFUE ratings as high as 98%. However, they can be more expensive to install than electric furnaces, and they also require annual maintenance to keep them running correctly.
Electric Furnace
As for electric furnaces, they work by converting electricity into heat. This heat is distributed throughout your home in the same way as a gas furnace, using a forced-air heating system.
Electric furnaces are considered more efficient than gas furnaces, with most models having AFUE ratings between 95 and 100 percent. Not to mention they are less expensive to install and do not require annual maintenance.
Electric vs. Gas Furnaces: Benefits, Maintenance, and Cost
Now that we've taken a closer look at how each type of furnace works, let's compare the benefits, maintenance needs, and costs.
Benefits
There are many benefits to using an electric furnace. One of the most obvious is that it is much cheaper to operate and doesn't require any special wiring or installation - you can simply plug it into any standard outlets. It is also extremely safe to use since there's no risk of fire or explosion.
Besides being energy efficient and cheap to operate, gas furnaces also have a fair share of benefits worth noting. For starters, they emit less carbon dioxide and heat up faster. You can use a gas heater in any climate, especially in Verdi, NV's cold winters.
Maintenance
In general, electric furnaces don't require as much maintenance as gas furnaces. However, it would be best if you still have your unit checked by a professional once a year to make sure it's running efficiently and to catch any potential problems. Cleaning the furnace's coils and blower every few months will help maintain its peak performance.
While for gas furnaces, it is highly recommended that you get them serviced by an HVAC pro at least once a year to clean and inspect the burner, pilot light, and other parts of the furnace. You should also have their filters replaced regularly, perhaps every month or two, depending on your filter type.
Cost
With energy prices on the rise, it's becoming increasingly important to factor in the cost of installing and running your furnace Verdi, NV, when making a purchase.
Electric furnaces are typically more expensive than their gas counterparts, but they're also more efficient and have lower operating costs. The average price of an electric furnace is $2,000 to $3,500, while the average cost of a gas furnace is $1,500 to $2,500.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can do to save money on your heating bill, regardless of which type of furnace you have. One way is to make sure your home is well insulated so that your furnace doesn't have to work as hard to heat your room.
Alternatively, upgrade to a higher-efficiency model or install a programmable thermostat. It will allow you to control the temperature in your home better and save energy by turning down the heat when you're not home.
Which Type of Furnace Is Best for Your Home?
For most people, choosing between an electric or gas furnace comes down to cost. If you're looking for a more affordable option, then a gas furnace is probably the way to go. However, if you're concerned about energy efficiency and running costs, an electric furnace is better.
No matter which type of furnace Verdi, NV, you decide to go with, be sure to have it installed by a professional HVAC technician. Lincoln Heating and Air can help you choose the right furnace for your home and budget, as well as provide expert installation and maintenance services.
Give them a call today at (775) 507-4150 to schedule a consultation!