Electric vs. Gas Heating Units for Cleveland Homes

Electric heaters and gas furnaces will both reliably heat a home-- but there are some major differences in price and maintenance.Homeowners looking to replace their current heating unit may want to consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision.

The Purchase Price of Gas vs. Electric Heaters

Gas furnaces tend to be more expensive to purchase than electric heaters. Though there is a price range for both options, homeowners should expect to pay about twice as much for a gas furnace. Gas furnaces have to be naturally more complex than electric heaters because they are working with a flammable and potentially dangerous substance. In order to ensure that they are safe, gas furnaces are designed out of more expensive components.

The Operating Cost of Gas vs. Electric Heaters

Gas heaters are far less expensive than electric heaters to operate. As natural gas prices have steadily gone down, these prices have become even more affordable. On the other hand, if natural gas prices rise, the difference between gas and electric heaters may godown. In areas that have a steady supply of natural gas, gas heaters will likely pay for themselves within a few years.

The Efficiency of Gas vs. Electric Heaters

Many homeowners are used to thinking of electric devices as more efficient. As an example, electric cars are considered to be far more environmentally friendly than gas-powered cars. With heating systems, the opposite is true. Gas heaters tend to be more efficient and less environmentally harmful than electric heaters. This is because the natural gas is used to create heat directly. When it comes to a significant amount of electric output, both coal and natural gas are often used to produce electricity, while the electricity is then distributed and used for heating.

The Maintenance of Gas vs. Electric Heaters

Gas furnace maintenance is more complex and thus more costly than an electric heater. And though it's not usually significantly more expensive to maintain each year, the maintenance is more critical because it deals directly with the natural gas line. For most homeowners, the cost of maintenance on their gas furnace will be outweighed by their savings. Both gas furnaces and electric heaters should have approximately the same lifespan.

When contacting a professional for heating repair in Cleveland, it's possible for a homeowner to ask them whether they have an opinion on what is best for their home. There are some situations in which either an electric heater or gas furnace might not be ideal, such as a home that does not have appropriate gas hookups.