Selecting a heating system is important for homeowners, especially during the winter months in the United States. One of the most searched questions is about the differences between gas furnace vs electric furnace. Each of these systems have their own pros and cons, and those pros and cons are dependent in large part on the climate, the availability of energy, and the needs of the home. Buyers frequently ask questions about whether the heating system they are considering uses gas or electricity. Knowing how each of these systems operates aids the user to make better decisions about which gas or electric systems are best suited for their home.
Understanding the Difference Between Gas and Electric Furnaces
In the gas furnace vs electric furnace comparison, the most basic explanation describes how the systems generate and use heat. A gas furnace is operated using natural gas or propane, while an electric furnace is operated using electric power, so the major difference is fuel source which impacts electric vs gas furnace conversions.
When homeowners are trying to decide between gas and electric heating, they often start by looking into the different types of furnace systems that are made for homes.
Fuel Source and Heating Method
Gas furnaces create heat through combustion while electric use resistance heating. This combustion vs resistance heating difference impacts the heating output, energy consumption, and system performance in various climates.
Common Buyer Question
Homeowners typically start their research asking, “is the furnace gas or electric?” The answer depends on available utilities, climate, and interconnected structure of the home.
How a Gas Furnace Works
A gas furnace heats a room by burning gas or fuel in a sealed compartment called the combustion chamber. The heat exchanger moves heat to the air, and a blower moves the warm air around the house.
Does a Gas Furnace Use Electricity?
A gas furnace also needs electricity to operate the blower, ignition, and control system. This detail is important to consider when doing a comparison on gas furnace versus electric furnace.
Gas Furnace Operating Characteristics
-
Uses either propane or natural gas to heat
-
Needs electricity to operate the controls and circulate warm air
Strong heating performance is typically associated with gas systems, especially when comparing gas furnace vs electric furnace systems for northern climates.
How an Electric Furnace Works
An electric furnace creates heat by using electric coils and resistance. The sheets of metal heat up when electricity flows through and warm the air that circulates through the home’s duct system.
Electric Heating Performance
Electric furnaces are able to provide the same heat reliably and consistently. This means that they can work in homes with mild winter temperatures and work efficiently.
Electric Furnace Use Cases
In the broader picture of choosing the right furnace, electric furnaces are often preferred when there is no gas in the house or where the electrical infrastructure can adequately supply heating demands.
Gas Furnace vs Electric Furnace: Cost and Energy Considerations
In the gas furnace vs electric furnace, the prevailing concern is the total gas furnace cost. There is a perception with gas furnaces, particularly the cost of the equipment and the set up, where you spend more for gas line installation and venting, while electric heating options seem cheaper for set up.
Operating Cost Factors
In the long run of using the equipment, the cost of energy is paramount, and people tend to analyze the options of gas and electric furnaces depending on the price of gas and electricity.
Electricity Usage Clarification
Even gas furnaces are constructed with a primary fuel, electricity is still something that gas furnaces consume, and in the long run, that costs has to be considered as well.
Heating Performance in Different Climates
The gas furnace vs electric furnace choice is highly dependant on the specific conditions of the weather.
In the winter, bigger homes in colder areas often need 120,000 BTU furnace systems to keep the inside warm all the time. When looking at heating systems in different areas, homeowners can use outdoor heat pump performance to see how well current equipment works in different winter situations.
Cold Climate Performance
Gas furnaces are very common in the cold winter months, as they are able to produce intense and consistent heating for long periods of time across the winter months.
Moderate Climate Suitability
In areas with milder winter months, the preference for electric vs gas furnaces in most instances comes down to simplicity and ease with electric furnaces, as they will still meet basic, moderate heating needs.
Installation and Infrastructure Requirements
Depending on the gas furnace vs electric furnace in place, the requirements for installation can differ greatly.
Gas Furnace Installation Needs
Furnaces and gas heaters are the most common in the winter months because they are able to produce intense and consistent heating for long periods of time across the winter months. However, they require adequate venting and gas supply along with enough space for combustion components, which means a significant commitment needs to be made on the infrastructure and system gas needs.
Electric Furnace Installation Needs
Furnaces and gas heaters are the most common in the winter months because they are able to produce intense and consistent heating for long periods of time across the winter months. However, they require adequate venting and gas supply along with enough space for combustion components, which means a significant commitment needs to be made on the infrastructure and system gas needs.
Safety and Operational Considerations
There are differences in gas furnace vs electric furnace for operational characteristics.
Combustion vs Electrical Operation
There are combustion systems in place that require fuel-burning and the venting of exhaust. This differs greatly from electric systems, which are fuel-less.
System Reliability Factors
Both systems are heavily dependent on electrical components, and this leaves the question how much gas furnace needs electricity to answer as a significant guiding post for systems being evaluated.
Maintenance and Longevity Overview
In gas furnace vs electric furnace, the system design really drives the ownership considerations.
Component Complexity
When it comes to gas furnaces, they include heat exchangers, electrical controls, and venting systems. When it comes to electric furnaces, they primarily rely on heating elements.
General Ownership Observations
-
With gas systems, there are electrical and fuel-based systems.
-
With electric systems, there is a more streamlined design.
These differences tend to impact buyers when they are considering gas versus electric furnaces.
Choosing Between a Gas or Electric Furnace for Your Home
Selecting a heating system incorporates a myriad of important considerations, such as what energy source, fuel, electricity, or both, is preferred, what the region's climate is, and what utility access and appliances are available. When buyers are evaluating their options, they often wonder, "Is the furnace gas or electric?"
In some places, homeowners might also think about using heat pump systems as a different way to heat their homes instead of regular furnaces.
Decision-Making Factors
When comparing gas furnace vs electric furnace, it is important to understand the performance and operational demands.
Practical Selection Insight
Energy availability, climate, and infrastructure primarily dictate whether a gas or electric furnace is more appropriate.
Final Comparison Summary for Homeowners
Which to choose between gas furnace vs electric furnace comes down to regional climate, availability of energy, and operational factors. More often than not, gas furnaces are picked for colder areas, and electric furnaces for moderate, or gas-less homes. Homeowners can choose heating apparatuses that best suit their homes for environment and energy by analyzing electric vs gas furnace options.
