Gas or Electric Furnaces – Which is Better?
Here in Sacramento, we don’t exactly combat blizzards and ice-age weather on a regular basis , but winter still brings some considerable chill. To fight off the cold, your home or business needs to be equipped to handle the weather, no matter what it brings, and that often means a new furnace.
When a patron comes to us looking for a furnace installation, we often end up getting the same questions, “which type of furnace is best” being chief among them. We’ll tell you what we tell everyone else: All furnaces have a place, and none of them are exactly better than any other. It’s less about which is better, and more about which suits your specific needs best. Not much of an answer, is it? Well, let’s go into a bit more detail…
For furnace installation, maintenance, and repair in the Sacramento area, contact the heating specialists at Clarke & Rush by calling us at 916-609-2669!
Gas vs. Electric: Understanding Your Needs
To you, you probably feel like your needs are simply to be warm! True, of course, but which furnace will keep you warmest?
Consider these questions when choosing a furnace system:
- How large is my home?
- How many occupants live in my home?
- What is the availability of gas in my area compared to electricity?
- What does my budget look like?
- How much power does my furnace need to have to keep my home warm?
You might feel like these questions further confuse the issue, but in actuality, you need to consider them to make the right choice.
Electric Heating
Electric heat is a mainstay, and can be found in the majority of homes. They come with some solid perks, including:
- Availability: The availability benefit of electric heating lies in its widespread accessibility and flexibility. Electric heating systems are readily available, making them a convenient and versatile option for various settings, from homes to commercial spaces. The ease of installation and integration into existing infrastructures further enhances their accessibility as a reliable heating solution.
- Safety: Electric heating systems provide a safety advantage by eliminating the risks associated with combustion, such as flames and carbon monoxide. With features like automatic shut-off and temperature controls, they offer enhanced safety, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
- Initial cost: The upfront cost of electric heating systems varies, with options like electric resistance heaters having lower initial expenses, while more efficient alternatives like heat pumps may entail higher upfront investments. Factors such as installation simplicity, absence of ductwork, and long-term energy efficiency should be considered for a comprehensive evaluation of cost benefits.
- Quiet: The quiet benefit of electric heating lies in its unobtrusive operation, creating a serene and noise-free environment. Unlike traditional heating systems that often generate audible sounds through combustion or mechanical components, electric heating relies on the simplicity of electricity flowing through resistance elements, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed ambiance for individuals seeking comfort in a quiet and cozy atmosphere.
The downfall of electric heat is, of course, electricity is expensive. The installation may come at a lower cost, but per thermal unit, electricity is more costly.
If you’re interested in installing an electric furnace in your home, Clarke & Rush is at your service! Contact us today to learn more!
Natural Gas Heating
Gas furnaces have been around for a long time, and they’ve stuck around for so long because of an impressive list of benefits:
- Efficiency. Per BTU (British Thermal Unit), no other heating system gets as much efficiency. This means per dollar, you’re getting more heat.
- Power. While electric heat is sufficient for most homes, larger homes or homes with few occupants will benefit from the raw strength of a gas heater.
- Consistency. Not being tied to power, gas is available as a fuel at any time, making it a consistent and solid choice.
Gas is cheaper to operate, more expensive to install.
The investment in a gas furnace involves not just the appliance itself but also the installation of gas lines and proper ventilation systems. Despite the higher upfront costs, the efficiency gains and lower ongoing operational expenses make gas heating an economically advantageous choice in the long run, especially in regions like Sacramento. Gas furnaces provide reliable and consistent heating, making them a popular and sensible option for homeowners seeking cost-effective and efficient heating solutions in the Sacramento area. If you are considering upgrading your heating system, we will provide you with valuable insights into the benefits of gas heating tailored to the specific needs of the Sacramento climate, contact us to learn more!
So, Which Do I Choose?
Well, as we mentioned before, it’s best to evaluate your heat according to your needs. Do you need the raw power of gas, or the safety and availability of electricity? If you’re still confused on the issue, our certified experts would be happy to help!
Furnace Repair & Maintenance Services in Sacramento
Clarke & Rush provides the following heating system services:
- Electric furnace maintenance and repair
- Gas furnace maintenance and repair
- Furnace installation & furnace replacement
Make sure your furnace is running properly before it’s too late! Contact us today for a tune-up so you won’t be stranded in the cold![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
