Many people keep the furnace running nonstop throughout winter. If the equipment is old, the strain to function could lead to an unexpected breakdown. To ensure your family isn’t left in the cold, invest in a new heating installation before the current system fails. When going over options with a contractor, you’ll find a wide selection of gas and electric models. To narrow the search, here is a breakdown of the pros and cons associated with each.

Electric Furnace

To eliminate potential exposure to carbon monoxide, opt for an electric furnace. As there’s no fuel to burn, you won’t have to worry about harmful emissions; this also makes the system easier to maintain compared with natural gas models. Apart from routine checkups, you just have to change the filter and keep the outer unit clean.

Electric models are generally more efficient, too, with annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings reaching up to 100%. This percentage is the amount of energy that goes directly into heating; the remainder is what escapes or is wasted. In colder climates, look for systems with heat strips, as this makes the equipment more powerful.

Gas Furnace

If there’s already a gas line to your home, consider installing a furnace that uses this type of fuel. As natural gas is less expensive than electricity, heating costs could remain low throughout the colder months. Although fuel is cheap, you might need to make upgrades to boost equipment efficiency; AFUE ratings range from 55% to 97%.

A heating installation technician can recommend systems that use hot-surface, direct-spark, or intermittent ignition, as these methods are more efficient than using a pilot light. Burning natural gas produces carbon monoxide; to keep your family safe, install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house, and have a professional check the system for leaks regularly.

Whether you choose a gas or electric furnace, contact the HVAC contractors at Wilkes Plumbing & Heating in Huron, OH, for fast, thorough heating installation. The company has been a leading source for HVAC system repairs and installations in Erie County since 1912. For a heating system appointment, call (419) 433-2325. Explore their heat and AC solutions online, and become a Facebook follower for event announcements.