If you’re shopping around for a new furnace, you may be deciding between a gas or electric model. Both heating systems offer their own unique benefits. There is no right or wrong answer in which type of furnace you choose, and it really comes down to personal preference.
If you need help choosing between gas or electric furnaces in Skokie, give our team a call. We can help by offering an in-home assessment and walking you through how each type of furnace would work in your home. You can keep reading to learn more about the differences in gas and electric furnaces and why you might choose one over the other.
More Affordable Installation
If you need to save money on installation, an electric furnace is the way to go. Electric furnaces are often cheaper to purchase and install. This is especially true if you have an existing electric furnace. All of the connections are already in place and installing a similar replacement furnace is a fairly simple process.
However, the money that you save on the installation of your new electric furnace will likely be spent over the life of the unit on energy costs. Electric furnaces cost more to operate because they use more energy to produce heat compared to a gas model. This is because the burners inside of an electric furnace take longer to heat up and transfer that heat into the surrounding air.
Of course, you also need to consider that AFUE ratings and energy efficiency can impact how much both gas and electric furnaces cost. You may save money on installation for either type of furnace when you buy a model that is less efficient. You may spend more on a model that is highly efficient. The trade-off with spending more on installation is that you stand to save more over the life of the unit on energy costs.
More Affordable Operation
Gas furnaces cost more for installation, but can be more affordable to operate on a monthly basis. One factor that can make a gas furnace cost more upfront is having to install gas lines. If you don’t already have existing gas lines in your home, that’s a potentially large added cost to consider.
But even with existing gas lines in place, gas furnaces tend to cost more as a complete heating system compared to an electric furnace. Gas furnaces require additional safety components because of the presence of gas.
Yet, gas furnaces are less expensive when it comes to monthly energy costs because they produce heat so quickly and efficiently. A gas furnace can heat up your home and keep it warm faster and better than an electric furnace would.
Safety Considerations
No matter what type of furnace you have, you want to make sure there are smoke detectors installed around your home. If you have any gas lines in your home, whether or not you have a gas furnace, you also want to invest in carbon monoxide detectors. This is the best way to protect your home and family from gas and fire hazards.
Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted resource for Chicagoland area home services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for furnace service!