Furnace Installation: Gas or Electric, Which is better?

Choosing the Right Furnace Installation for Your Home

What type of residential furnace installation should I choose for my home? That topic so rarely comes up that most homeowners are unfamiliar with the options and therefore unfamiliar with the pros and cons of the decision. The only times the subject arises are when a homeowner gets to customize new construction or during the replacement of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Heating a home accounts for about 29 to 45% of the home’s utility cost, so this decision has long-term significance for the family budget. Since these systems last for 15 to 20 years, the decision still does not come up very often. Here is the basic 411 for furnace choices.

Across the nation, some locations offer oil-powered boilers and furnaces, but in South Texas, there are two basic choices:

• Natural gas and propane are readily available in most locations, and this is a viable option in most locations. A burner ignites the fuel and warm air is distributed throughout the house. These systems are only viable in locations with installed gas utility systems in place, so research the availability of gas in your neighborhood.
• An electric-powered furnace is another option; electricity heats an element to warm air and the air is distributed throughout the house. An alternative configuration for electric furnaces is heat pump technology, which reverses the processes of air conditioning components to warm a home instead of cooling it. Electricity will be available in every neighborhood, so these systems are always an option.

Furnace Installation Initial Cost

The purchase price of the equipment and the price of installation are significantly different. The equipment for gas-powered systems is about 30 to 50% higher than electric and heat pump systems, but the cost of fuel to power the system can make up for the difference. The piping of a gas supply may also increase the installation cost of a gas-powered system.

Efficiency

Furnace efficiency is measured by annual fuel utilization efficiency or AFUE; again, there is a difference between the two system choices:

• The AFUE measure for gas-powered furnaces ranges between 90 and 98.5%. That means a burner can retrieve almost all but not all the energy available in natural gas.
• The AFUE measure for electric-powered furnaces is measured at 100%: all the energy available from electricity is retrieved in an electric furnace.
• Air heat pumps remove heat from outside air and, for this function, do not generate heat. For this reason, they are not giving an AFUE rating, but a heating seasonal performance rating (HSPR), ranging between 6.8 and 10. This is similar to a SEER rating for air conditioners: the higher the HSPR, the better, and an 8.2 or above rating is desired. This technology is 3 to 6 times more efficient than a gas-powered system . . . when there is sufficient heat in the air to warm a house.However, when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it requires more energy to remove heat from the air than the energy required to generate heat. For this reason, heat pump systems are usually paired with another energy source.

Energy Cost

The cost of energy fluctuates over time, so energy costs require a little research. Electricity is sold by the kilowatt-hour and natural gas is sold by the cubic foot; make sure that you compare the cost of energy output for a better understanding.

• Natural gas prices depend upon availability and transportation costs. South Texas produces natural gas, so gas prices are relatively low.
• Electricity is in high demand for many tasks besides residential heating, so it generally costs more for the heating function than natural gas, which offsets the purchase/installation cost mentioned earlier.
• Energy prices fluctuate with the weather, international events, and utility regulations. The best that can be done concerning the energy price factor is to determine the best solution for “decision day” and rest in your decision.

Maintenance

Electric—powered systems have a slight edge when it comes to maintenance and repairs. This allows a general statement to be made concerning system lifespans: gas-powered systems last closer to the 15-year range and electric-powered systems last closer to the 20-year range.

However, increasing the lifespan for both systems is dependent on regular, annual inspection and cleaning. A well-maintained system of either type will last longer than a poorly maintained system.

Want more information on Furnace Installation, we can help!

With our four decades of experience as a Furnace Installation contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with the Furnace Installation steps.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Furnace Repair, Tune-up maintenance, and Commercial HVAC Maintenance needs.