No homeowner wants to experience a heating system breakdown at the coldest time of the year, but it can happen. It’s important to have the system fixed immediately if this ends up being the case for you. And when repairs aren’t enough, the only thing left to do is get a new heating system for your home–and quickly, because fall will soon make way to winter. Homeowners generally have a choice between a gas or electric furnace. To help you decide, the trusted heating and AC contractor in the area, The Ice-Man, compares them below:
Should You Get a Gas Furnace?
As its name implies, this option is a gas-powered system that creates original heat and controls air distribution inside your home. Gas furnaces remain a classic choice for many homes not only because they generate powerful heat, but also because they’re less costly compared to electric furnaces. Not only that–they pair well with both an air conditioners and heat pumps, allowing for year-round heating and cooling performance for your home.
Gas furnaces have their downsides, however. They use natural gas lines, and if you don’t already have them, the cost of installing them will be significant. You also have to make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector operating in your home at all times to catch possible leaks. To determine whether a gas furnace is a viable option for you, consult a reliable heating and air conditioning expert like The Ice-Man.
Is an Electric Furnace the Right Choice?
You might want to go for an electric furnace instead, which is considered safer than a gas furnace because it doesn’t use gas or oil to heat your home. This eliminates the potential for leaks. Because electric furnaces don’t rely on natural gas hookups to provide heating, they’re readily available for use whenever or wherever there’s electric service. In addition, they have a longer lifespan (over 20 years) than their gas counterparts (10-15 years). You might want to reconsider an electric furnace if you’re on a tight budget, however, as it has a higher initial cost than a gas furnace. And if you live in an area where electricity is the more expensive utility, you can expect to see a larger figure on your monthly bills.
Schedule Your Heating Estimate
You probably know The Ice-Man best for professional AC repair, but we can also handle all your home heating needs. Whether you’ve decided on a gas or electric furnace, we’ll be there to ensure the installation is completed to your satisfaction. Call us today at (609) 466-9020 or fill out this contact form to schedule your HVAC consultation. We proudly serve Hopewell, NJ, and the rest of Greater Mercer County.