As the temperature drops and winter sets in, you need a reliable way to keep your St. Peters, MO, home warm.
If it’s time to find a furnace replacement, remember this: there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all heating system. Many variables make each home unique. The local climate, your budget, and access to utilities will play into your decision regarding which heating method works best for you.
It seems that there is a new heater technology introduced every year. But the systems that have withstood the test of time are the electric furnace and gas furnace.
That still leaves you with a choice, though: Which is the most suitable furnace replacement for you?
When you compare a gas vs. electric furnace, you’ll have to consider the specific requirements of your home, your budget, and several other factors.
An Overview of How a Furnace Works
Regardless of which furnace you’re considering, it will likely be supplied with a forced-air heating system. When temperatures fall below your thermostat setting, both furnace types will begin heating your home automatically. The warm air is forced through the vents with a blower.
With a gas furnace, the signal triggers the pilot light to ignite the main burner of the unit. The cold air is heated and circulated throughout your home. An electric furnace works similarly, but the main burner uses an electrical ignition system instead of gas and pilot light.
That’s where the similarities between gas vs. electric furnace end. They vary significantly regarding cost, efficiency, and overall comfort.
Pros and Cons of a Gas Furnace
A gas furnace is usually less expensive to operate than an electric model. It’s powered by affordable natural gas and will heat your home faster. This factor can make gas heating more efficient.
A gas heating system can last up to 20 years, and that’s with regular furnace maintenance. But that maintenance can have significant costs.
A gas furnace has combustive elements that require the attention of a professional. These furnace types require venting outside your home. If you don’t already have access to a chimney or vent, a technician will have to install one, increasing the overall cost.
Perhaps the biggest con of a gas heating system is its danger of producing carbon monoxide. This won’t be an issue with a properly installed system, but over time, particles can build up and create a risk to you and your family.
Pros and Cons of an Electric Furnace
Comparing gas vs. electric furnace costs, an electric heating system is generally cheaper and easier to install. An electric furnace will also save you money in furnace maintenance costs because electric heating doesn’t require as much attention as its counterpart. Although there is still a fire risk, an electric furnace doesn’t produce toxic carbon monoxide.
An electric furnace will typically have a longer lifespan than its gas competitor. With proper maintenance and care, this furnace type can last up to 30 years before needing to be replaced.
An electric furnace is a smaller upfront investment, but the month-to-month costs exceed a gas furnace. Electric units take longer to reach the desired temperature, meaning you might feel the cold a little longer.
Some people find that an electric furnace can create dry air within your home. This problem can be resolved with a humidifier, but it adds an additional expense.
Finally, electric heat is less efficient, using more energy to heat the air that circulates your home.
Gas vs. Electric Furnace: The Bottom Line
If cost is a major determining factor when deciding which furnace to invest in, then a gas furnace is likely the best option for you. You also need to consider the size of your home and your access to various fuel types.
Living in St. Peters, MO, requires heat several months of the year, making a gas furnace a superior choice. However, it’s important to remember that a gas furnace could cost more over time with furnace repairs and might not last as long, even with regular furnace maintenance.
We Can Help You Heat Your Home
Whether you have questions about furnace repairs or need a furnace replacement, the professionals at No Problem Heating & Cooling can help. Our team of experienced technicians can help you decide which furnace is the best for your replacement unit and get it installed before you get cold. Call us today at (636) 244-9470 to have your questions answered!
