If you want to upgrade your home in Coral Springs, FL with a new furnace, you have two core options: electric and gas. Electric furnaces use coils to warm the air before forcing it into the home. Gas-burning furnaces have a combustion system and heat exchanger. Let’s explore the pros and cons of these options.
Initial Costs
Electric furnaces are usually less expensive, and they’re easier and more affordable to install. Gas furnaces tend to cost more and are more complex and expensive to install.
If conversion is necessary, the additional labor and parts can add to your costs significantly. For this reason, experts usually recommend sticking with your current configuration. There are exceptions. The cost to switch from an electric to a gas furnace will likely be worth it. If you’ve gained access to natural gas since your last installation, conversion may be worth it as well. Liquid propane generally costs more and is less convenient.
Equipment Lifespan and Warranty Protection
Gas furnaces can last between 15 and 20 years with routine maintenance. Electric furnaces can last between 20 and 30 years. Despite this longer life expectancy, warranties are generally quite similar in length. A typical warranty covers the heat exchanger or element for 20 years and other components for 10 years. Note that this varies between brands and models, and there’s extended warranty coverage to consider as well.
Maintenance and Repairs
Electric furnaces don’t have a combustion process and thus experience less wear and tear. They’re less prone to component failure because there are fewer parts to fail. Electric furnaces don’t need annual safety inspections and require less maintenance in general. That said, experts still recommend seasonal heating tune-ups. Most warranties require them. They can improve efficiency, help you avoid repairs, and extend your system’s lifespan.
Total Cost of Ownership
An electric furnace may seem like the better choice so far. The equipment and installation costs are lower, and the unit will probably last longer. Despite that, gas furnaces usually offer the better values over time. Electric furnaces use a substantial amount of electricity, and that can be very expensive depending on where you live. Gas furnaces don’t need as much fuel to provide the same heating, and fuel is much cheaper than electricity.
The Speed and Robustness of Your Heating
Gas furnaces can provide heat more quickly to a home. This is noticeable when first turning on the system or when the temperature drops sharply. As for robustness, it’s about the same. You may hear that electric heat feels cooler, but that’s in regard to heat pumps, which provide air at around 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Electric and gas furnaces provide it around 120 degrees.
Air Quality
Electric furnaces provide cleaner heat, as there’s no combustion. This is less of a concern with modern gas furnaces, but annual cleaning is still important. You also need carbon monoxide detectors in the event of a malfunction.
Energy Incentives
Energy incentives can help make a new furnace installation more affordable. There’s a federal tax credit. There may also be rebates available through local utility providers and other agencies. Note that most incentives require ENERGY STAR certification, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards. The EPA doesn’t award certification to electric furnaces. While they’re technically very efficient, they tend to use a considerable amount of electricity. Note that for gas furnaces, the EPA generally limits certification to high-efficiency models, which are condensing systems.
The Heat Pump Consideration
Electric heat pumps are more efficient and a worthwhile consideration if leaning toward an electric furnace. These systems provide both heating and cooling, and you’ll find ENERGY STAR certification on a wider range of models. In warmer climates, a standalone air-source heat pump is often enough. You also have the option of a hybrid heating system that pairs a heat pump with an electric furnace. The heat pump runs most of the time, and the furnace provides auxiliary heating. This costs more up-front but can save you money over the life of the equipment.
Professional Furnace Installation in Coral Springs
With Brisk Air, you can feel the difference. We serve homeowners and businesses in Coral Springs, FL and throughout South Florida. Our family-owned and -operated company offers a maintenance club through which we can help you save. We install and service electric and fuel-burning furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits. Our team replaces, repairs, and cleans ducts. We also install and service air purifiers, UV lamps, and dehumidifiers.
Contact us today with any questions about these services or to schedule an appointment.
