Gas and electric furnaces are designed to do the same job but in dissimilar ways – heat your home. Below is more behind the differences between the two and which one might be right for you to use.
What is a Gas Furnace?
A gas furnace is a device that runs on natural gas. As the furnace heats the gas, its flames will start to warm up a metal heat exchanger. Once this exchanger has reached a certain temperature, it will disperse the warm air throughout your home.
What is an Electric Furnace?
An electric furnace uses electricity to run. To operate, the furnace will heat up electric coils. When these coils reach a specific temperature, it will emit the heated air.
Which One Should I Use?
The right one to use depends on a few things.
Installation: One thing to consider is the installation process. Both of these have very specific installation needs. For instance, a gas furnace needs to connect to a natural gas source. On the other hand, an electric furnace needs to be attached to a high voltage system. Depending on your home, it might be more difficult to install one over the other.
Durability: You should also consider the durability of the furnace. If you’re looking to use a furnace with a long lifespan, electric is ideal. It can last for up to 20 years, unlike a gas furnace which has a lifespan of about 10 years. Many gas furnaces also tend to need regular maintenance because small pieces inside them can easily wear down.
Cost: Another aspect to look at is the cost. While electric furnaces are much cheaper to purchase than gas ones, they can increase your electric bill slightly. Gas furnaces are a little more expensive to install, but don’t usually increase utility bills.
Noise Level: Both of these furnaces aren’t very loud, but when a gas furnace first turns on, it can make a slight rattling noise. This is because of the interior parts igniting a flame. An electric furnace is much quieter than a gas furnace but can occasionally make very soft noises.
A furnace is a helpful device to use to help heat up your home. However, it’s important to use the right one. If you’re interested in learning more about using a gas or electric furnace, contact Dale HCS. We can discuss more behind these two types and which one might be right for your needs.