When considering a new home or commercial property, purchasing an energy-efficient appliance is a top priority. But with so many different options available, it can be challenging to decide which is right for you. When choosing between gas and electric cooling and heating systems, there are several factors you'll want to take into account.
Both have pros and cons, but one might better suit your needs than the other. Here's what you need to know about gas vs. electric regarding your specific situation.
How Do Electric Furnaces Work?
Electric furnaces heat your home by converting electricity into heat. This happens using an electric heating element connected to a circuit with a thermostat. The thermostat controls the circuit and allows you to set the desired temperature. When the desired temperature is reached, the circuit is closed, and electricity flows through the heating element, raising its temperature until it reaches the desired level again.
The process continues until your home reaches its desired temperature and then is maintained by adjusting your air conditioner or heater's settings or turning off one or both altogether.
How Do Gas Furnaces Work?
Gas furnaces heat your home by burning natural gas or propane, a fossil fuel. The combustion process creates hot air that is circulated throughout the home. This air moves through the ductwork and, after reaching every room, is replaced with cooler air from the outside.
The process works much the same way in a home with multiple floors but with an additional step. Instead of moving air from one room to another, it is pumped up and down. This is done via a small fan that turns the air into each floor.
1. Gas Fumes Are Dangerous
Gas appliances can be dangerous if they are not installed correctly or not properly maintained. A gas oven that is not turned off when you leave your home could ignite and cause an explosion. Gas appliances also emit dangerous fumes if they break down and you don't replace them with a new one quickly enough. The same is true for gas-fired furnaces and boilers. These appliances should be returned within three years of their original installation date to protect yourself from toxins-related health hazards.
2. An Electrical System Is Easier To Install
Electric heating and cooling systems are easier to install than gas systems. They are also easier to maintain, making them a better choice for homeowners who are not professional plumbers. With a gas system, you'll have to hire a plumber to install it, which can be costly. Electric systems are also easier to replace if they break down for whatever reason. A professional electrician can install your new electrical system in a matter of hours. A gas system can take several days to install, which can be a hassle.
3. An Electrical System Is Cheaper in the Long Run
With gas prices rising, many homeowners are looking for alternatives to the traditional gas-burning furnace. Electric furnaces are an attractive option because they are more efficient and cost-effective. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Canada is about $6.49. You can save significant money on your monthly energy costs by switching to an electric heating system. Not only will you be able to save money right away, but you'll also be able to enjoy the benefits of a more reliable system for years to come.
4. Maintenance
If you choose to use a gas furnace, it will require more maintenance than an electric furnace. This is because gas furnaces need regular tune-ups, cleaning, and even the addition of new parts to be efficient. If you have an electric furnace, it only requires that you turn it off when not in use, which means there's no need to do anything to your heating system other than maintain it regularly. When checking your furnace or air conditioner, take note of any issues you see. If you see that the heating element is dirty or the thermostat needs to be adjusted, contact a professional to check it out. You may be able to save a lot of money on your heating bill by taking care of these minor maintenance issues on your own.
5. Efficiency
Knowing how much energy you're using and how much energy your heating and cooling system is using is essential. If you're unsure how much energy your furnace or air conditioner is using, you can calculate the annual energy cost of operating your furnace using an online calculator. Electric furnaces are more efficient than gas furnaces. An electric furnace will use about 40% less energy than a gas furnace. This is because an electric heating element uses less energy than a gas one. When choosing a heating system, you should consider the energy your home or business will consume. If you're trying to save money on your energy bill, an electric furnace may be better than a gas furnace.
6. Environmental Consequences
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels, such as natural gas and oil. It is also emitted when a coal-fired power plant produces electricity. It is commonly referred to as "carbon" or "carbon dioxide" in its chemical formula. Gas solutions often emit more carbon dioxide than electric solutions. This is because gas appliances consume natural gas, a mix of CO2 and other gases. The amount of CO2 emitted from gas appliances can be controlled by the quality and quantity of natural gas used. The EPA has established guidelines for carbon dioxide emissions from appliances based on the time the machine is used and its energy consumption.
If a machine is used for an average of 10 hours per week and uses 3,000 kWh per year, enough to heat a home or run a small office, its annual CO2 emissions would be approximately 43 pounds. Electric heating and cooling solutions emit no carbon dioxide when used. When they are not in use, they produce no emissions at all. Because of this, electric heating and cooling systems can be placed in buildings without worrying about their effect on the environment.
The evolution of the heating and cooling system has been a dynamic one. Our homes have become more energy-efficient and comfortable, from the early days of coal-burning furnaces to modern gas appliances. Homeowners must be aware of these changes to maintain their equipment and make informed decisions about their energy use.
The rising gas prices are an excellent reason to look for alternative heating solutions. Try to determine your energy costs and figure out how much you can save by switching to an electric heating system.