Every home needs to be heated when the temperatures significantly drop. There are different ways to ensure that your home stays warm during the colder season. Indeed, one of the best ways to achieve this is to ensure that your home is adequately insulated. You can also invest in good quality curtains to prevent any drafts from coming in. However, the most effective method is by investing in a furnace.
When it comes to furnaces, you have electric and gas types. It can be difficult to know which one you should go for when you want to buy one for your home. In this article, we will discuss electric and gas furnaces so that you have a better understanding of both types and can make a final decision on which one to choose.
Efficiency
One of the main things you will need to consider when investing in a furnace is how efficient they are. This is vital as you do not want something that is not fit for purpose. Electric furnaces are usually more efficient than gas ones as they turn most of the energy used into heat, whereas gas furnaces lose a lot of heat through their flue. Despite this, gas heaters will warm up your home quicker than electric ones because the actual heat produced is hotter than that produced by the electric coils. An electric furnace may be more suitable for warmer climates where indoor heating is less required.
Installation
Ensuring that the furnace is installed correctly is essential for it to work correctly. This will also prevent further issues from occurring down the line. Furnaces may come with a manual of instructions, which you can use as a guide to install this yourself. However, you should leave this to professionals as they will better understand how furnaces work and how they should be installed from the start. There are specific risks associated with gas heaters, considering these can release a deadly gas (carbon monoxide) which can silently kill you. This makes electric furnaces the easiest to install and the safest as well. Professionals can also give you tips on maintaining your furnace, avoiding problems, and ensuring you make the most of it.
Costs
When you think about costs, you must consider every aspect of this and the initial cost associated with getting the appliance. Think about how much it will cost to pay for it and use it and pay for any issues or replacements. Electric boilers are usually cheaper to buy and also less expensive to install, for the reasons we discussed above. However, it is cheaper to pay for a gas furnace in the long-term, considering that gas is less than the cost of electricity.
Maintenance
The maintenance of the appliance is crucial, as this can dictate how long you have it for. Therefore you must look after it appropriately. Furnaces that run on electricity are generally easier to maintain. They have no specific parts to be clean. They do not require much professional attention as long as they have been installed correctly from the start. On the other hand, gas boilers will require inspections and regular maintenance by an expert to confirm their safety. These audits should happen at least annually, and they are mandatory. Gas furnaces can release carbon dioxide, which is a deadly gas since you will not smell it, and it is very dangerous for human beings to breathe. For this reason, it is safer to have and maintain an electric appliance, but if you decide to opt for a gas one, make sure that you have carbon dioxide detectors in your home and that you conduct the professional checks as required.
Lifespan
If your appliance does not last a long time, it will cost you more money in the long term. Therefore, lifespan is undoubtedly an essential factor to take into consideration. Heating appliances run on gas usually last a lot less long than electric ones. This is mainly due to poor maintenance checks, as discussed above. Since gas furnaces require cleaning as small particles inside can result in the build-up, the appliance can break down earlier than it is supposed to.
Noise
It can be very frustrating having a furnace in your home constantly making noise. Especially if the appliance is somewhere near your bedroom and you can hear it at night. Electric appliances are usually more discreet than gas ones, as they are designed more simply, and there are fewer moving parts and no vents.
Choosing the appropriate furnace for your home is essential, but this task can be slightly overwhelming if you are unsure what to look for. This page should provide you with a clear insight into the differences between an electric and gas furnace to help you make a better-informed decision between the two.