If the time has come for you to purchase a new furnace for your living space, there are a number of factors you’ll want to consider. Seemingly minor choices can have a much bigger impact on the overall efficacy and efficiency of your new heating system, and therefore it’s essential that you do your research, and work with a qualified professional before making your purchase. After all, an inefficient or mismatched furnace can cost you more than it is worth.
After you determine what make and model of furnace you want to look at, the next and most important choice to make is what fuel source you want to use. In most cases, this means making a decision between a natural gas-powered furnace or an electric one. Read on below as we go over each of these, and the different features and benefits of each.
Gas Furnaces
Lifespan: Let’s start here. The lifespan of a gas furnace is anywhere between 10-15 years. Now, when we say that, what we’re actually referring to is its useful service life–not only how long it will operate but how long it will operate as efficiently and powerfully as it is meant to. And this is also impacted by one very big factor–maintenance! Whether you go with a gas furnace or an electric one, you should schedule professional maintenance for that system once a year.
Installation: The installation of a gas furnace is a relatively simple process for our team if you already have access to your city’s municipal gas line. That’s not to say it’s an easy process, you still need to hire a professional!
Cost: Generally speaking, purchasing a natural gas furnace is going to cost you a bit more than purchasing an electric furnace. However, over the course of its useful lifespan, a gas furnace will cost less because natural gas is a more affordable fuel source.
Maintenance + Safety: Gas furnaces are not inherently dangerous! However, without proper maintenance, they can become so. This is because they have vital components that, if damaged, can create hazards. A cracked heat exchanger, for example, introduces carbon monoxide exposure into the home.
Electric Furnaces
Lifespan: Similar to a gas-powered furnace, an electric furnace does need routine maintenance to last this long, but with that service, you can expect an electric heating system to last up to two decades.
Installation: Since there is no venting system required for an electric furnace, this installation is typically easier, quicker, and cheaper than having a gas furnace installed!
Cost: The purchase price of a new electric furnace is more affordable than a gas furnace. But you’ll want to keep in mind that electricity tends to cost more than natural gas in most areas of the country, ours included!
Maintenance + Safety: As we mentioned above, any type of furnace is going to need professional maintenance to stay in good shape. However, homeowners will often choose an electric furnace to avoid even the slightest potential danger that can come from having natural gas-powered appliances in their homes.
For quality heater service in Lockport, IL, contact our team! Comfort First Heating and Cooling, Inc., where we put your comfort first!