Should I Buy Gas or Electric Furnace ?
Columbus is getting another snow pounding this month. It seems fitting to post another Bryant Heating and Cooling cold weather tip. I often get asked the question whether someone should purchase a gas or electric furnace. It is a valid question, for sure. When a customer needs to replace their furnace an electric unit can seem appealing due to their lower cost. Electric furnaces are generally much cheaper than gas units, in some cases up to half as much.
Electric Furnace
Not only are electric furnaces cheaper, annual maintenance is generally not as required for smooth operation from year to year as opposed to gas furnaces. In some cases they can be less expensive to install than a gas furnace, too, which requires ventilation, etc. Finally, electric furnaces generally last longer than their gas counterparts. In fact, electric furnaces can last twice as long in some cases.
Replacing your Furnace
It probably sounds as if I am really making a case for electric furnaces here, right? Well, don’t call me to install a new electric furnace just yet. There are still a few things to consider when thinking about replacing your old furnace.
For example, electric furnaces are actually not as efficient as gas as they can take a long time to heat up. A gas unit will heat up very quickly and generally generate more heat than an electric unit which will make your home more comfortable. That is especially nice in weather like we have been seeing in Columbus this winter.
Another factor to consider is the heating bills your new furnace will generate. Even though gas units generate more heat than electric, they are more efficient at doing so which results in lower fuel bills. Not to mention that natural gas is generally cheaper than electricity fuel prices.
So what would I buy? While electric furnaces can be the right fit for some situations, I prefer natural gas heat as it just makes my home feel more comfortable. Coupled with a whole house humidifier your home can feel like a tropical oasis despite the bitter freezing temperatures outside.
If you’re looking for excellent service and a people-friendly approach, then you’ve come to the right place. At Bryant Heating and Cooling, our ultimate goal is to serve you and make your experience a pleasant one, and our team will stop at nothing to ensure that you come away more than satisfied.