Proud Tiger Athletics Partner
8,654 Customer Ratings
Alexandria
Change

How Can We Help You Today?

Select the service type to get started.

Gas Vs. Electric Furnace: Which Is Better?

When it comes to central Louisiana furnace options, you have much to consider. Do you go with a gas furnace or an electric furnace? How is a gas heating system different from an electric one? Which is best for your needs?

At Southern Air, we know it can be a nightmare to decide between these two. So many factors go into choosing the perfect heating system for your home. No matter which you choose, be sure to turn to us for your next furnace installation.

Differences Between Gas and Electric Furnaces

Gas and electric furnaces are as different yet as similar as gas and electric cars. They both perform the same function in different ways. This impacts many factors, all of which you should consider before choosing which to install.

Cost

Cost plays a huge role in determining which appliance to purchase, so it’s best to know what you might be paying before considering other factors.

If you’re looking for the cheaper of the two options, then you’ll want to go for an electric furnace. They’re less expensive to buy and install. Purchasing one could cost you somewhere between $1,000 and $2,500. Installation typically runs at $1,000 to $1,500. However, the operational cost of these furnaces is pricey for their use of electricity.

Gas furnaces, however, have a purchase price of about $3,000 to $4,000. Installation for gas heaters is around $1,500 to $2,000. These cost less to operate, but the Energy Information Administration predicts that the cost of gas could spike.

Lifespan

You might be shocked to learn you don’t get what you pay for in this instance.

Electric furnaces are the cheaper of the two options, and yet it has an estimated lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. They lack a burner that needs cleaning and regular maintenance, which helps it last longer than gas furnaces.

As for the more expensive option, gas heaters have an expected lifespan of around 10 to 20 years. The burner can collect small materials that need cleaning. If not cleaned, it could damage the system or even result in a shutdown.

Efficiency

Energy efficiency refers to the elimination of energy waste. If a system is using the least possible energy to perform a task, it’s energy-efficient.

The winner here goes to electric furnaces, having a nearly perfect fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) rating annually. This means that in electric furnaces, almost all the energy it uses is turned into heat. Very little energy is wasted, which saves you money on your energy bills.

As for gas furnaces, their AFUE ratings range from about 55 to 97 percent. The reason for such a variation is because of potential heat loss due to the model of gas furnace you choose. However, gas furnaces can heat a home quicker than electric furnaces.

Maintenance

Expected maintenance differs between these two systems, as well as their safety.

Electric heaters are easier to maintain due to their lack of burners needing to be cleaned and checked. This is why they have such a long lifespan.

A technician should inspect a gas furnace at least once a year to ensure it’s operating safely. As gas is used in this heating system, there’s always the risk of carbon monoxide entering your home. It may become hazardous if the furnace isn’t maintained.

Pros And Cons Of Electric Furnaces

To summarize the differences, here’s a list of the pros and cons of electric furnace installation.

Pros:

  • Low installation cost
  • Energy-efficient
  • Low maintenance

Cons:

  • High energy cost
  • Dry air

Pros And Cons Of Gas Furnaces

As with electric furnaces, gas furnace installations have pros and cons to be considered.

Pros:

  • Low energy cost
  • Quickly heats homes
  • Good for cold climates

Cons:

  • Needs regular maintenance
  • Carbon monoxide possibility

Trust The Experts

There’s no correct choice here. The type of furnace you buy depends on your lifestyle and needs. At Southern Air, we’ll help you determine the best size furnace for your home, and guarantee to install it correctly the first time.

When you do decide which furnace you want to install, be sure to contact us! We’re the best heater installation company in North and Central Louisiana for a good reason.

Heating Resources

Related Posts

icicles hanging off of an outdoor air conditioner component
Heating

How To Prepare Your Heater For Winter

Winter Preparation In Central Louisiana Winter should be a time for enjoying the holidays, not worrying about your heating system...

Man Covering His Nose From Bad Smell Inside The House
Heating

Why Does My Heater Smell Like It’s Burning?

Louisiana Heating Company Offering Stellar Furnace Repair Services! Have you ever come home to a strange, burning smell? Having an...

heat pump system
Heating

The Top 5 Benefits of Heat Pumps

Considering a heat pump, but need to learn more about them? That’s what we’re here for! Here are just five...

Southern Air is rated 5.0 based on 8,654 reviews online

Any questions?

Our team is standing by and ready to help.

Contact Us
help-img