If you’re looking to replace your home’s furnace, you may be unsure whether a gas or electric furnace is the best fit. If you live in Gaithersburg, Maryland, or a neighboring county, there are key factors to consider before deciding which type of furnace is right for your household.
Making the right choice now can pay off handsomely with energy efficiency and long-term savings.
Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., in Gaithersburg, VA, shares some of the pros and cons of both gas and electric furnaces so that you can make an informed decision.
Gas furnaces
The most common type of furnace found in homes across the country is a gas furnace. They run on natural gas or propane and are
- Generally more efficient than an electric furnance.
- Typically cost less to operate.
- Will keep you warm even if you lose electricity
Additional benefits of a gas furnace include:
A gas furnace heats your home faster
Because gas burns at a much higher temperature, it will heat your home more quickly than other types of heating systems. And because of the higher temperature, your furnace doesn’t have to run as long as its electric counterpart which produces a lower temperature.
A gas furnace is better for the environment
Natural gas is naturally formed underground. It is the byproduct of plant and animal remains when exposed to pressure. It is considered one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels, namely coal, is the second largest source of electricity in the U.S. Since gas furnaces burn natural gas, they produce fewer emissions than other fossil fuel sources, making them a preferred environmental choice.
A gas furnace cost less to operate
Natural gas is also a lost cost source of fuel. How much cheaper than electricity is hard to state as both prices can be volatile. But gas has always been cheaper than electricity, typically by two to three times. According to a January 2023 Kiplinger report, a gas furnace will have lower monthly operating costs than an electric furnace.
Electric furnaces
While gas furnaces are a great option, they may not be the right option for you. There are several reasons why an electric furnace may be a better option.
- Your home doesn’t currently have the infrastructure for gas.
- Electric furnaces are much simpler in design and are easier to install and maintain than gas furnaces.
- Their initial upfront cost is less than a gas furnace and they have a longer lifespan.
- They have a longer lifespan. typically 20-30 years vs 15-20 for gas.
Additional benefits of an electric furnace include:
No carbon monoxide scares.
Because electric furnaces run purely on electricity and not gas or oil, it doesn’t produce carbon monoxide and the health risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Electric furnaces are quieter.
Electric furnaces have fewer moving parts and lack burners creating less noise and disruption than a gas furnace.
Lower maintenance costs with an electric furnace.
With proper maintenance, a good quality electric furnace can provide energy-efficient heat for years with much less worry than gas furnaces. There are fewer components to examine and maintain making maintenance basically hassle-free. Regular air filter changes and annual tune-ups will keep an electric furnace performing optimally.
When deciding between a gas or electric furnace for your Gaithersburg home, it’s essential to consider all the pros and cons before making a final decision. Gas furnaces are more efficient but require more maintenance, whereas electric furnaces are cheaper upfront but cost more over time due to higher electricity rates. Knowing how long you will live in your home, the comfort level you desire, and the upfront and long-term investment you want to make will help you choose the right solution.
If you need a new gas or electric furnace installed in the DMV, contact the expert HVAC technicians at Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning of Gaithersburg to help you choose the right system for your home.