Any valley resident will tell you that, as hot as it gets during the summer, Arizona winters can be chilling. That’s why a working furnace is essential.

If you’re looking to install or replace a furnace, you need to consider an electric vs. gas furnace. Each has its pros and cons, so which should you get? To help you out, let’s compare the two.

Heating Process

Electric and gas furnaces are very similar in how they warm a home; both heated air, then use a fan to force it through the house via a ductwork system. The big difference is how the air is heated.

Electric

In an electric furnace, the air temperature is raised via a heating element. This component specifically takes electric energy and converts it to heat.

Gas

By contrast, gas furnaces have a pilot light. This is a small flame fueled by natural gas. Rather than heating air directly, gas furnaces rely on heat exchangers. These are metal passages heated by the pilot light; the moving air inside them is heated by transfer.

Efficiency

For many homeowners, efficiency is a primary factor when considering a heating system. Gilbert residents know how difficult it can be to cool down a home during the summer, and they’re not about to have the opposite problem during the winter.

There’s also the matter of energy bills. The more efficiently your furnace heats, the less time it has to run, which means lower costs. With that in mind, which type of heating system is the most efficient?

Electric

When it comes to converting energy, electricity is the clear winner. Electric furnaces can convert 100% of their electric energy to heat. However, electric coils don’t produce as intense heat as pilot lights. This means an electric furnace has to work harder and longer to warm a home.

Gas

On the surface, gas furnaces lose the efficiency race, as they only convert between 55% and 97% of energy to heat. Additionally, some of that heat gets lost through flues. However, the most efficiently built gas furnaces beat out electricity by miles.

Due to the more intense heat created by the pilot light, gas furnaces can quickly warm a home. This makes them an excellent option for climates that have frigid temperatures.

Cost

Cost is another major factor when considering which furnace to buy. There’s the initial cost to think about and the long-term cost of maintenance.

Electric

By and large, electric furnaces are cheaper to install. They can range from less than $500 to more than $1,000, with the cost dependent on the following:

- - Quality of the furnace
  - Retrofitting expenses
  - The number of square feet you need to heat

Electric heating systems also require minimal maintenance, which can save you money in the long run.

Gas

Gas furnaces can be quite an investment; installation costs often range from around $1,200 to over $4,000. These systems also require regular maintenance to keep them in top shape, which is a yearly expense.

Due to their high efficiency, the good news is that gas furnaces have lower operating costs than electric ones. If you foresee using the furnace a lot, you may save money by gas despite the high initial price tag.

Safety

Safety is another primary concern when it comes to furnaces. While gas systems can save money and provide more comfort, they present a risk that electric ones don’t.

Electric

Electric furnaces are very safe, as they don’t produce any fumes or other by-products. Like all electrical appliances, there is a danger of shorting and fire, so it’s essential to keep that in mind when looking at different models.

Gas

Unfortunately, gas furnaces pose a significant danger: carbon monoxide poisoning. The combustion used to heat air produces carbon monoxide, safely moving out of the home via a flue. If the flue or other parts of the furnace are damaged, carbon monoxide can leak into the house, leading to illness and even death.

This is why maintenance is so vital for gas furnaces — regular maintenance can uncover issues before they become dangerous. Systems also require cleaning to prevent buildup that can block flues or pose a fire hazard.

Longevity

Understandably, homeowners want a system that stands the test of time. The good news is, both electric and gas furnaces last decades.

Electric

Most electric furnaces are suitable for about 30 years, making them superior to gas in terms of longevity. If you want to pay off your mortgage before spending more money on a heating system, go with electric.

Gas

Gas furnaces are by no means a short-term investment — they often last 20 years. The one caveat is that they require a lot of care. Combustion leads to corrosion of parts, which means regular replacement and repairs. To keep a gas furnace running for 20 years, you need to sink money into it.

Installation

Installing any large appliance is bound to be inconvenient; not only will there be technicians in your home, but there’s also the challenge of getting a sizable item into your house. Whichever furnace you choose, you must hire professionals for installation, as both systems pose dangers during the process.

Electric

Electric furnaces are easier to install than gas, but they still need to be connected to your home’s wiring. Electric heating systems use high voltage, so there’s a risk of electrocution if the power isn’t turned off during installation.

Gas

Installing a gas furnace is a much more complicated process than installing electric, so it will likely take longer. Technicians have to take care that the system is correctly set up to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide leaks.

Eco-Friendliness

Anyone who’s lived in Queen Creek knows that poor air quality is a big issue in Arizona. The good news is, making eco-friendly choices about large appliances can make a real difference.

So which is more eco-friendly: electric or gas? Both have pros and cons in this department, so it’s really about which works best for your situation.

Electric

Electric furnaces don’t produce carbon monoxide, which means they don’t directly contribute to air pollution. However, they rely on electricity, which is generated in several ways, some of which aren’t good for the environment. The good news is, you can help offset the energy they consume with solar panels and other green energy technology.

Gas

Gas furnaces rely on natural gas, which isn’t exactly environmentally friendly. Not only does it produce carbon when burned, but its extraction process generates a lot of pollution. The good news is, natural gas produces much less carbon than other fossil fuels. The high efficiency of gas heating systems also means you run them less often, which may decrease your carbon footprint.

Furnace Installation in East Phoenix, AZ

Are you considering a new furnace? Superstition Cooling provides various heating and cooling services in the East Valley, including in San Tan Valley and East Phoenix. Not only can we install your heating system, but we can also offer maintenance to keep it running correctly for years. To learn more or to get an estimate, give us a call at 480-983-7407 or contact us online.

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