Gas Heater Vs. Electric Heater

Which Heating System is Best for Your Home?

When it comes time to replace your heating system, you may be wondering: “What’s the best system for my home – gas heater or electric heater?” A heating system is a costly investment, however, if properly maintained, it should last you for at least 10 years or more. Luckily, this isn’t a decision you have to make on your own. Choose an HVAC company that will be honest and upfront with you about your options, helping you weigh the costs and benefits. If you think your current heating system is nearing the end of its life, schedule an appointment with a licensed technician as soon as possible. In the meantime, consider these pros and cons.

When choosing a new heating system for your home, it’s important to consider several factors: the cost of the system and operation, the cost of the installation, the lifespan of the system, and what kind of maintenance is required.

Gas Heater

Natural gas still remains the most popular heat source across the U.S, as it’s readily available for most homeowners. If you live in a colder climate, a gas heater will likely be what you turn to.

Cost: The price of a gas heating system will be higher than that of an electric heating system due to the size and complexity of the equipment. However, the operating cost of a gas heating system is lower because natural gas is cheaper.

Installation: A gas heater must be installed by a technician; there’s simply no getting around it. Should you forgo having a professional complete the work, you could run into a number of issues: system inefficiency and failure, high energy bills, discomfort, etc. Don’t risk that! Leave the work to a professional.

A gas furnace also requires a chimney or flue to vent emissions, so if your home isn’t equipped with one of them, you will have to install one prior to the installation.

Lifespan: Proper maintenance is a must! If you treat your gas heating system with care, it should last you between 10 and 20 years. Avoid having to replace your system earlier than you normally would have to by scheduling routine maintenance on your system in the early fall as well as in the early spring.

Electric Heater

If you live in a warmer climate, electric heat might be your best option, especially if you rely on it for only a few months out of the year. You may also want to consider an electric heat pump, which doubles as an air conditioner in the summer.

Cost: An electric heating system costs less than a gas heating system , as it is significantly less complex, not to mention it’s much smaller. Whether you choose to go with an a wall-mounted electric heater or an electric furnace, it’s best to consult a licensed professional first.

The month-to-month operation costs of this type of system are higher because it’s using electricity.

Installation: The installation process is easier, however, if you’re unfamiliar with the system or have never installed a heating system yourself, you may want to enlist a technician to help.

Unlike a gas furnace, an electric heating system does not require a chimney or flue to operate. This is because venting is not necessary.

Lifespan: If properly maintained, your electric heater can last you between 20 and 30 years, as opposed to a gas furnace, which can last between 10 and 20 years.

Maintenance: You can often complete this yourself because the required maintenance is simple. Should your system breakdown, though, you’ll want to call a licensed technician to help.

All in all, it’s important to choose a system that’s best for your family and your house. You can always call a professional to help you determine the best solution that fits your needs and budget.