Natural gas or electric heat — which
option is best for your home? Before you invest in a new home heating system,
take a look at the questions to ask about these two common fuel types.
Can You Choose Natural Gas or
Electricity?
To use natural gas, you need to have
a readily available fuel line that connects to your home. While you can hire a
professional to add a natural gas line to your heater, it requires a community
or main connection. If you live in an area without a natural gas supplier, you
can't choose this type of furnace.
Which Is More Popular, Natural Gas
or Electricity?
These two fuel sources are the top
heating options across America. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 49
percent of households use natural gas and 34 percent use electricity as a
primary heating source.
Which Fuel Source Is Less Expensive?
Will a natural gas or an electric
furnace fit better into your household budget? In general, natural gas is
cheaper than electricity. But the true answer to this question depends on
several factors. Where you live, the cost of fuel, and additional charges (such
as utility company surcharges or taxes) can impact the total price you pay.
Fuel charges often change over the
course of a year or over several years. Contact your local utility companies to
better understand what you'll pay for either natural gas or electricity. While
you can get a base or per-unit price for each type of fuel, the costs you'll
pay depend on how much fuel you actually use. The higher you set the
thermostat, the higher the cost.
Along with fuel-related factors, the
quality and energy efficiency of your furnace play roles in how much you'll pay
monthly or annually to heat your home. The annual fuel utilization efficiency
(or AFUE) percentage can give you a better picture of what to expect from any
new furnace.
This number, which the Federal Trade
Commission now requires, represents the amount of fuel (natural gas or
electricity) the furnace turns into usable heat annually. A higher AFUE furnace
can reduce the overall costs you pay to heat your home — whether you choose a
natural gas or electric model.
Which Type of Heater Is More Expensive
to Buy?
Before you can calculate total cost
savings from a natural gas or electric heater, you need to know more than just
the expected monthly/annual utility charges. Electric furnaces often cost less
than gas furnaces to buy and install — especially if you don't already have a
natural gas line or hookup inside of your home.
While electric models tend to have a
lower price-point than natural gas furnaces, you shouldn't make a decision
based solely on this general trend. Discuss your HVAC budget with a qualified
contractor to find a heater that meets your financial needs. The contractor can
evaluate your home, the fuel source hookups, and any applicable energy
efficiency issues.
Even though the contractor can
provide you with an array of furnace and price options, the cheapest model
won't always save you the most money. A poorly made, inexpensive appliance can
cost you more money in use, repair, and replacement costs over time. Carefully
balance the upfront charge for the product, installation costs, and monthly/annual
fuel prices before you decide on a natural gas or electric furnace.
Which Type of Furnace Is Easier to
Install?
The answer to this question depends
on the furnace model you choose, your home, and the existing setup. A gas line
addition, replacement of a worn gas hookup, or electrical wiring change can
increase the complexity of the installation and raise the overall price.
Do you need to replace your furnace?
Contact A-1 Finchum Heating & Cooling for more information.
