If you have plans to put in a new heating system for your home, you’re probably considering a furnace. This is the most popular type of heating system, after all, and HVAC technicians can usually locate a furnace type to match any home.

However, there are numerous kinds of furnaces available. The two most common models are natural gas furnaces and electric furnaces. Is there one kind that’s better than the other?

Gas vs. Electric

There isn’t a simple answer to that question, because it depends on your home’s heating needs as well as the available energy supply. If your home doesn’t have a connection to a natural gas line, then the obvious choice is to go with an electric furnace. (You might also consider a heat pump.) However, even if you have a gas line, you may still have reasons to choose an electric furnace. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each type.

• Gas furnace: Gas furnaces offer two big advantages. First, they cost less to run than electrical models because natural gas is a less expensive energy source than electricity. Second, they have extremely powerful heating capabilities, which makes them ideal for houses that have poor insulation and drafts. On the downside, gas furnace tend to cost more to install, and some families may feel nervous about using natural gas because it comes with some (minor) safety risks.
• Electric furnace: Going with an electric furnace is a good choice if you don’t want to deal with any potential safety hazards because of natural gas. But electric furnaces have a few other benefits to consider: they cost less to install, and they will often outlast natural gas furnaces. However, they do not the same level of heat output and cost more the run each year.

The best furnace for you is something that professional HVAC technicians will help you decide. Make sure you call on them before you choose a new heater for your home. They’ll guide you toward the best choice.

Bud Matthews Services is here for all your home service needs in Durham, NC.