A furnace is essential in any residential or commercial space during freezing winter months. There are many furnaces to choose from, like natural gas, electric, oil, or propane. Sometimes, a furnace is used with a heat pump to heat the area efficiently in extreme temperatures as a hybrid system.
It is difficult for homeowners to decide which type of furnace is ideal for their homes. They need expert advice from furnace repair in Steubenville, OH.
Keep reading if you want to know more about gas vs electric furnaces.
Gas vs Electric furnace: Factors to decide which is better for you
How they work
- The signal turns on the pilot light for gas furnaces, which ignites the heat exchanger’s main burner. The pilot light always has a tiny flame burning. The heat exchanger absorbs heat from the primary burner by warming the air that travels around the house.
- When the furnace gets a thermostat signal, an electric ignition turns on the furnace’s electric heating element.
Installation
- Due to the safety concerns involved in working with natural gas, the combustible ingredient, gas furnaces are typically challenging to install. The heat exchanger and other components must be completely sealed to stop the dangerous gas carbon monoxide from escaping the system. Get in touch with a professional for heating repair in Steubenville, OH.
- The electric furnace requires a high voltage, which is one of the reasons why experts are the best option for that sort of installation. The electrical breaker box to the furnace must be connected with heavy-duty cabling.
Heat and energy efficiency
- The most effective option between the two is an electric furnace. An annual fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) rating of up to 100% may be possible in an electric furnace. With its cheaper initial cost and fewer maintenance requirements, an electric furnace may be more advantageous for a homeowner in a warmer region with lower heating demand.
- Gas furnace ratings range from 55-97%. Most of the variation is due to the unit type and the amount of heat lost through the flue of the gas furnace or other places. An alternative to the conventional pilot light, such as a hot surface ignition or an intermittent, direct spark, can increase the efficiency of a gas furnace.
Additionally, a gas furnace will heat the house more quickly since it generates more heat than an electric heater. Gas heat is preferable for colder areas due to this and the affordable price of natural gas.
Lifespan
- Gas furnaces typically last 10 to 20 years compared to 20 to 30 years for electric furnace systems. This is mainly because gas furnaces need maintenance for the same reasons; the burner has the potential to emit tiny particles that gather and build up within the furnace.
It can result in system failure if it isn’t cleaned often. Additionally, many of the heat exchanger’s functional components experience corrosion regularly. - Electric furnaces usually last longer and cause less interference because they don’t have these problems. For more information, contact a professional for heating repair in Steubenville, OH.
To know more about Gas vs Electric furnaces, contact Air Excellence! Our team of skilled experts is here to assist you in getting ready for winter. Contact us at 740-537-8055 to fix an appointment with our experienced technicians.
