When the time comes to purchase a new furnace for your home, there are a lot of decisions you’ll have to make. Minor decisions can have a big impact on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of your new system, so it is important to do your research and consult with a professional before you make your purchase. An inefficient system could leave you with higher bills and an increased need for furnace repair in Afton, VA.
After selecting the make and model of the furnace, the next, most important decision to make is what fuel source you are going to utilize. In most cases, you will be given the choice between a natural gas furnace and an electric furnace. Below, we have provided a quick guide to the different fuel options in order to help you make a well-informed decision. Keep reading to learn more!
Gas Furnaces
Lifespan
The lifespan of a gas furnace is anywhere between 10 and 15 years, as long as it receives regular maintenance and prompt repairs.
Installation
Installing a gas furnace is not a difficult process if your home has access to a natural gas line. Gas furnaces are large and complex systems, though, so you will still need professional installation services.
Cost
In general, the purchase price of a natural gas furnace is higher than that of an electric furnace. However, natural gas is a less expensive fuel than electricity, so as long as you live in a home with access to gas lines, a natural gas furnace will be more affordable.
Maintenance & Safety
Although they aren’t inherently dangerous, your natural gas furnace will require annual maintenance to ensure efficiency and safety. Like all heaters, natural gas furnaces are subjected to wear and tear over time. Maintenance helps reduce the stress put on the system, retaining about 95% of its initial efficiency.
Since gas furnaces combust gas, they produce carbon monoxide and other harmful gasses. Typically, these gasses are safely vented out of your home, but an issue with a heat exchanger could spell trouble. Regular maintenance will allow you to avoid this issue altogether.
Electric Furnaces
Lifespan
The lifespan of an electric furnace is anywhere between 10-20 years, as long as it receives regular maintenance and prompt repair.
Installation
Due to the fact that there is no venting system required, installing an electric furnace is generally faster, easier, and cheaper than installing a gas furnace.
Cost
The purchase price of an electric furnace is cheaper than that of a gas furnace. However, electricity tends to cost more than natural gas in most areas of the country. Consider an electric furnace in areas where electricity is inexpensive.
Maintenance and Safety
Like a gas furnace, your electric furnace will require annual inspection and tune-ups to maintain efficiency and effectiveness.
Unlike a gas furnace, electric furnaces do not combust fuel, so there is no risk of carbon monoxide or other gas leaks. However, we always advise hiring a professional for all your maintenance services, as working closely with high-voltage electricity can be quite dangerous.
Speak with a Professional
Only a professional HVAC technician can determine which new furnace system is right for your home.