The debate over whether to use Gas or Electrical appliances for heating your home has been going on for decades. This article examines the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which is best for your specific climate.
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Gas versus electric heating may not be a decision everyone will agree with, but this article will provide the details of both sides and let you decide the outcome. There are many reasons why gas and electric heaters and pans for electric stoves have their benefits, so consider this article when deciding which one to use.
The Reasons For Gas Vs. Electric Heating
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Furnaces
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Gas Furnaces
Pros
No matter which type of gas you choose, it is a low-cost way to heat your home. The natural gas heating industry is an excellent example of how Americans can create their energy. Natural gas has been produced in the U.S. since the late 1700s and is one of our country’s most crucial resources. A natural gas furnace generates 75% less pollution than other heating options, including electric and oil sources, and burns more efficiently than either oil or electric furnaces. The average American home consumes around 100 million cubic feet of natural gas annually (Mcf/year).
Cons
Although gas appliances are considered more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run, they tend to cost more upfront. Gas furnaces and boilers also require routine maintenance and regular service visits from a maintenance engineer, who will check for carbon monoxide leaks and the burners if necessary.
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Electric Furnaces
Pros
Electric heaters are less expensive to purchase and operate than gas and oil furnaces. They are also very quiet and efficient and offer the added benefit of using 100% renewable electricity. However, electric furnaces have a higher installation cost than gas furnaces; they cannot be combined with hot water systems and are not as efficient during the winter months.
Electric furnaces also need to be carefully installed by professional contractors to ensure there are proper venting arrangements between the furnace and the outside chimney.
Cons
While electric furnaces do not require outside sources of fuel, they do require power to run them. If there is a power outage, electric furnaces are rendered useless until the power comes back on. If a furnace should run out of gas or fuel oil, it will shut down immediately but electric furnaces will not turn off unless there is an error in the control wiring or some other faulty system inside.
To run an electric furnace efficiently, the thermostat must be properly adjusted and the filter must be removed regularly. It’s also important to check that electrical connections are secure and not loose in any way.
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Water Heaters
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Gas Water Heaters
Pros
Gas and electric water heaters are very similar in using a large tank of water to heat. Unlike gas, electric water heaters can be converted from one source to another, such as gas to electric or electricity to gas. Because there are no moving parts on an electric heater, it is also much quieter than a traditional furnace. Gas water heaters have the added benefit of being able to use natural gas, propane, or oil.
Cons
The price of a gas water heater varies widely depending on whatever you choose as the fuel source but they tend to be more expensive than oil or electricity-based models. A gas water heater is expensive to install. Water heaters require routine maintenance, such as checking for leaks and running the burner regularly.
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Electric Water Heaters
Pros
An electric water heater heats the water in an insulated tank, so it never gets hot enough to burn anyone (although accidents can still be dangerous). Most electric water heaters are very quiet. If a power outage occurs, an electric water heater will not unexpectedly turn off and no one needs to worry about carbon monoxide leaks.
Cons
Electric water heaters are also more expensive than other types of heaters and require routine maintenance regularly, especially if they’re operated by electricity. If your home runs low on power, you may need to purchase a generator or choose another source of backup power.
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Heat Pumps
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Gas Heat Pumps
Pros
A heat pump is a more efficient way to heat and cool your home, without any of the gasoline or natural gas issues. A heat pump operates by gathering energy from the air outside and then transferring this energy into your home. It does this by warming up the outside air, then sending it through a series of coils inside your home. Heat pumps can warm or cool any space in your house, not just the main rooms. They are also very quiet and do not require much maintenance at all.
Cons
Heat pumps are not a good choice for someone looking to save money on energy bills. The initial cost of a heat pump can be up to three times higher than other types of units, but the running costs will ultimately be much lower than an oil or gas furnace. If your house is too small, a heat pump might not be ideal because it requires more space for heating and cooling.
Heat pumps also require professional installation, although they are easier to install than other units. A qualified electrician will control the voltage and phase of the system so it runs smoothly. Contractors can help you determine if your existing system can handle a heat pump upgrade.
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Electric Heat Pumps
Pros: Electrical heat pumps are also more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run. They are also very quiet, require little maintenance, and are environmentally friendly. An electric heat pump can heat an entire house in the winter and cool it in the summer, using electricity as the energy source. It does not use gasoline or propane, making it a cleaner choice for your home. Electric heat pumps can be combined with solar panels to increase efficiency even more.
Cons: While installing an electrical system is cheaper initially than a gas one, operating costs will increase over time because you have to pay for electricity to run the unit for heating or cooling your home. Electrical systems are also more expensive than an electric furnace combination and they require professional installation.
Electric heat pumps are not as efficient in extremely cold weather as they can only be used if the temperature stays above 50 degrees. A water heater is best for subzero weather.
to install your heater.
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Costs and Benefits
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Gas Cost And Benefits
Pros: Generally, gas heat is generally slightly cheaper to run than an electric furnace but it depends greatly on the type of unit you choose. A gas-powered water heater will always be the most expensive, followed by a gas furnace and then a gas heater. The cost of installing a gas furnace is also less than an oil system and an electric furnace combination, but more expensive than an electric one.
Cons: Of course, some negatives are associated with using natural gas, such as the danger of carbon monoxide leaks, but not enough to keep anyone away from using it in their homes. An electrician in London, ON can easily install a natural gas system in your home if you wish to use it.
Natural gas is also more environmentally friendly than other types of fuel. A qualified contractor could help you determine if a natural gas heating system would be best for your needs.
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Electricity Cost And Benefits
Pros: Electricity is generally the least expensive option for powering a water heater or furnace because you do not have to pay for any additional devices or maintenance costs, such as fuel oil or propane tanks. Electrical devices are also easier to control and more efficient than older devices that run on heat.
Cons: Heaters require electricity to run but do not provide hot water, so you also need to purchase a separate water heater. However, this is not true with a gas-powered water heater. So if your primary goal is to have hot water in your home, an electric furnace could be your best choice.
Electricity is also the safest system because electrical systems have no carbon monoxide leaks. If a fire occurs in your home or the electricity goes out during an outage, you will not be at risk of one of these dangerous hazards. Electric furnaces are more efficient than gas ones because they draw more heat out of the air and transfer it into your home.
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The Final Verdict
Ultimately, it all comes down to your needs and personal preferences. You will find that you can find a heating or cooling system that is right for you if you do your research before making a decision.
Be sure to try a furnace combination or an electric furnace if you plan to have electricity for your water heater. A water heater wired for natural gas is not as efficient as a unit running on electricity. Check with professionals to see what system best suits your needs and budget!