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When it comes to central Louisiana furnace options, you have much to consider. Do you go with a gas furnace or an electric furnace? How is a gas heating system different from an electric one? Which is best for your needs?
At Southern Air, we know it can be a nightmare to decide between these two. So many factors go into choosing the perfect heating system for your home. No matter which you choose, be sure to turn to us for your next furnace installation.
Gas and electric furnaces are as different yet as similar as gas and electric cars. They both perform the same function in different ways. This impacts many factors, all of which you should consider before choosing which to install.
Cost plays a huge role in determining which appliance to purchase, so it’s best to know what you might be paying before considering other factors.
If you’re looking for the cheaper of the two options, then you’ll want to go for an electric furnace. They’re less expensive to buy and install. Purchasing one could cost you somewhere between $1,000 and $2,500. Installation typically runs at $1,000 to $1,500. However, the operational cost of these furnaces is pricey for their use of electricity.
Gas furnaces, however, have a purchase price of about $3,000 to $4,000. Installation for gas heaters is around $1,500 to $2,000. These cost less to operate, but the Energy Information Administration predicts that the cost of gas could spike.
You might be shocked to learn you don’t get what you pay for in this instance.
Electric furnaces are the cheaper of the two options, and yet it has an estimated lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. They lack a burner that needs cleaning and regular maintenance, which helps it last longer than gas furnaces.
As for the more expensive option, gas heaters have an expected lifespan of around 10 to 20 years. The burner can collect small materials that need cleaning. If not cleaned, it could damage the system or even result in a shutdown.
Energy efficiency refers to the elimination of energy waste. If a system is using the least possible energy to perform a task, it’s energy-efficient.
The winner here goes to electric furnaces, having a nearly perfect fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) rating annually. This means that in electric furnaces, almost all the energy it uses is turned into heat. Very little energy is wasted, which saves you money on your energy bills.
As for gas furnaces, their AFUE ratings range from about 55 to 97 percent. The reason for such a variation is because of potential heat loss due to the model of gas furnace you choose. However, gas furnaces can heat a home quicker than electric furnaces.
Expected maintenance differs between these two systems, as well as their safety.
Electric heaters are easier to maintain due to their lack of burners needing to be cleaned and checked. This is why they have such a long lifespan.
A technician should inspect a gas furnace at least once a year to ensure it’s operating safely. As gas is used in this heating system, there’s always the risk of carbon monoxide entering your home. It may become hazardous if the furnace isn’t maintained.
To summarize the differences, here’s a list of the pros and cons of electric furnace installation.
As with electric furnaces, gas furnace installations have pros and cons to be considered.
There’s no correct choice here. The type of furnace you buy depends on your lifestyle and needs. At Southern Air, we’ll help you determine the best size furnace for your home, and guarantee to install it correctly the first time.
When you do decide which furnace you want to install, be sure to contact us! We’re the best heater installation company in North and Central Louisiana for a good reason.
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