Gas or electric furnace? As the North Carolina temperatures drop, you’re probably thinking a bit more about your heat — and whether your house feels warm enough. If you’re experiencing problems with your heat this year, it might be time to replace your furnace or HVAC unit. Is it time to switch to gas from electric or vice versa?
In some cases, you don’t have a choice; you go with gas or electric because the person who built your house set it up that way. But during a home renovation or after your old furnace breaks, you may want to buy a new system. And that leaves you wondering — should you go gas or electric? Here are the pros and cons of each.
Natural Gas Furnaces
Switching to a Gas Furnace: Pros
Natural gas furnaces offer a lot of benefits to homeowners. Natural gas is clean and affordable — up to 70 percent less per month than electric. It’s also safe and very efficient, burning more cleanly than the fossil fuels needed for electricity. Most people with gas furnaces experience lower energy bills, and it’s an appealing feature when selling your home. Gas furnaces also heat up faster and produce warmer air, which is always nice when winter hits!
The Cons of Gas Furnaces
Even with the benefits of a gas furnace, there are some downsides. For example, gas furnaces e
mit a small amount of carbon dioxide. While this occurs even during normal operation, if there are problems, it could pose a threat. Most homeowners now install carbon monoxide detectors (near the floor) to alert them.
Another downside is that gas furnaces cost more to install, although you will save far more on monthly bills in the long run. (Check out our financing options.) Gas furnaces also don’t last as long as electric, requiring replacement in about 15 years rather than 20 to 25. Homeowners must also consider whether they have space for a gas furnace, which is larger. Often you’ll find gas furnaces in the crawlspace area, but if your home doesn’t have one, you’ll have to think about where to put it.
Electric Furnaces
Switching to an Electric Furnace: Pros
As we mentioned, electric furnaces will cost less than gas to install, and they last a long time, up to 25 or even 30 years sometimes. Maintenance of electric furnaces is easy.
Cons of an Electric Furnace
If you’re concerned with your electric bill, you might want to switch to gas. Electric furnaces cost a lot more to operate, and it adds up over time. Some people also dislike the dry air put out by electric furnaces; it will make your home drier and can cause problems for people with allergies. While some people’s gas furnaces will still work when the power goes out, you won’t have that benefit with an electric furnace.
Switch Furnaces with 6 and Fix Financing
If your home needs a new furnace, contact us to discuss the pros and cons and how the installation process works with each system. Choosing to switch furnace systems feels like a big decision, but our team makes it easier with financing options.
