If your heating unit is due for a replacement or you’re hoping to upgrade your appliances before sale, you’ll have to make the choice between an electric or gas furnace. Both options have their fair share of benefits, which can make it difficult to decide. The guide below will help you sort out their differences and find the best fit for your home.

How to Choose Between Gas & Electric 

Why Choose a Gas Furnace

For many homeowners, this option makes sense because they have existing gas connections. While you can convert from electric to gas, you may need to install new lines and connect to the municipal system, which can be expensive and may not be worth the investment, especially if you’re planning to sell. While the initial investment in a gas furnace is higher than electric, the long-term costs are cheaper. Gas is both more efficient and cheaper than electricity, so you’ll be able to offset some of the initial costs if you’re in the home long enough. One downside is that gas furnaces are noisier, which can be disruptive in smaller homes. Although it burns cleaner than other fuel sources, such as heating oil, gas must be extracted, which can have significant environmental impacts. 

Why Choose an Electric Furnace

Electric furnaces generally refer to units that use radiant coils to heat air before it recirculates, but this system can also include baseboard heaters. This makes it easy to address cold spots in your home. Additionally, an electric furnace unit is substantially cheaper than a gas model, so it can be cost-effective if you don’t want to sink a lot of money into setup. Electric heat pumps are another option, which are more cost-efficient, because they redistribute ambient heat instead of generating it. They can also be used to power air conditioners. In terms of environmental impact, be mindful that while using electricity is clean, electricity generation and transmission relies on the consumption of fossil fuels. 

Whichever option you decide is best for your home and circumstances, the professionals at Brian’s Heating & Electrical will help. For over three decades, they’ve provided homeowners and businesses with reliable HVAC and electrician services. They’ll help you install your electric or gas furnace, or provide the upkeep your current model needs to maintain efficiency. To schedule an appointment for installation or repair, call (570) 966-7295. Visit their website to learn more about their services.