Electric Furnace Vs. Gas Furnace: What’s Best for Your Home?

Deciding between an electric furnace vs a gas furnace can be tough. Choosing the right kind of furnace to heat your home depends on a few different factors. Your location, fuel type accessibility, and your budget are all important things to consider when making your choice.

In this article, I will focus on two types of furnaces – electric vs. gas-powered furnaces. Here at John Cipollone, Inc. we have worked with a variety of fuel furnaces. That’s how we know that one size does not fit all. As heating and air conditioning experts, we specialize in providing our clients with not the cheapest, but the best options based on need, accessibility, and cost.

If you are considering upgrading your heating system, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online to talk to an expert. We can take a look at your current situation, and make the right recommendations to keep your home comfortable!

Gas Furnace Vs. Electric Furnace: Cost

Whether you decide that you want a gas or electric furnace, you’ll want to do your research first either way. Deciding whether a gas-powered furnace or an electric furnace is right for you depends on what you prioritize, and how your home functions.

The first priority is usually cost for most people. Gas furnaces tend to be a bit more expensive than electric furnaces. According to Home Advisor, electric furnaces are about half as expensive as gas furnaces to install. Gas furnace vs electric furnace costs should play a factor in your decision, but shouldn’t be the only factor.

Electric Vs. Gas Furnace Considerations

• Costs
• Energy Efficiency
• Performance
• Installation Requirements
• Safety

Costs

Electric furnaces are usually the more affordable option as they do not require a gas line to install. However, the lower initial cost can be offset by energy costs. Electric furnaces are more expensive to run than gas furnaces. 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimated that electric heating costs for U.S. homeowners would average $1,359 in winter 2022 to 2023, while homes heated by natural gas would cost about $930 over the same time period. Furnace repair costs are also a consideration to account for.

Energy Efficiency

While the initial cost of a gas furnace may be more expensive, they are typically cheaper to operate as they heat homes more quickly than an electric furnace which relies on heating coils to produce heat. 

More energy is expended heating the coils and blowing the warm air out every time the thermostat calls for heat than a combustible furnace which fires heat instantly.

Performance

When it comes down to measuring performance, the gas furnace wins hands down. A gas furnace uses combustion, a heat exchanger, and a blower to send warm air throughout your home. It is basically always ready to send warm air. It is activated whenever the thermostat falls below the set temperature.

The electric furnace, by contrast, relies on heating coils to heat up which can take a few moments to warm. So while the electric furnace may be less expensive on the purchasing end, its operating costs can run higher than the gas furnace and your comfort level may be less.

However, costs run between $50 and $200 to repair an electric furnace, with labor averaging between $100 and $300. Gas furnace repair is usually more expensive, with costs varying between $300 to $1,200, depending on the type of repair needed.

Installation Requirements

One of the key differences in installation requirements is the need to have a gas line run or extended into your home in the case of a gas-powered furnace.

Whether you already have a gas line or need to move the gas line, will make a big difference to your installation costs. Most homes in our area don’t have an issue with a gas line.

Safety

As a rule, an electric furnace is a safer option than a gas-powered furnace. Since it does not burn combustible fuel, there is no concern about carbon monoxide or other gas output.

Electric Furnace Vs. Gas Furnace: FAQs

At John Cipollone, Inc., we specialize in all types of heater installations in the Haverford, PA area, as well as the surrounding communities. I have put together a few answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What is the downside of an electric furnace?

The downside of an electric furnace can be more expensive operating costs and slightly slower heating time – especially in colder climates. Gas is usually a bit more reliable and provides more consistent heating.

Can you have central air with electric heat?

Through a split system design, it is possible to have central air with an electric furnace. Be sure to ask your sales representative to provide you with information about heat pumps – another good heating and cooling option.

Do electric furnaces need to be vented?

Since electric furnaces do not burn combustible fuel, electric furnaces do not need to be vented. Gas furnaces always need to be vented.

If you have any questions about gas furnaces vs electric furnaces or any other home comfort issue, give us a call at (610) 446-7877!