Gas vs Electric Furnace: 4 Differences
Gas and electric furnaces are both forced-air heating systems, which means they heat air directly and distribute that air through a series of ducts throughout your home. Both types of furnaces are popular throughout the Denver Metro Area, but there are a few key differences.
Below we break down the major differences between gas and electric furnaces. If you have questions or need some guidance in choosing a furnace, consult a professional! Everyone’s home and needs are a little different, and getting a custom recommendation is your best bet.
The Cost
Gas furnaces typically cost more to buy and install than electric furnaces, but electricity typically costs more than natural gas, so owners of gas furnaces will recoup their money over time. Even though they tend to last a few years less than electric furnaces, gas furnaces are less expensive over their lifespan. The only exception: a small home in a warm climate.
A small home in a warm climate will require far less heat than a large home in a colder climate like Denver, so the initial cost of a gas furnace may not be recouped over time. But, if you own a larger home in a colder climate, the better option almost always is a gas furnace.
Energy Efficiency
Gas furnaces use less energy and heat homes faster than electric furnaces. Electric furnaces take more time to heat up, so in climates like Denver with below freezing temperatures, electric heaters will take much longer to heat your home.
The Maintenance
All furnaces require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform efficiently. Gas furnaces tend to require more maintenance because of the burners, gas valves and igniter, but electric furnaces are prone to more wear and tear if they are warming a home in a colder climate.
Safety
Gas furnaces burn natural gas to heat your home which produces a small amount of carbon monoxide that is safely vented from your home. If your heat exchanger is cracked or your furnace is burning too much gas, carbon monoxide can leak into your home which can be very harmful. Therefore, electric furnaces tend to be the safer option, but in general, all furnaces are very safe if they are regularly cleaned and maintained.
As mentioned above, the cost, efficiency and maintenance of gas and electric furnaces heavily depends on the climate. Gas furnaces tend to be the better choice for homes in colder climates like Denver, but if your home is quite small or is in a warmer climate, the choice is not so simple.
In need of a new furnace in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora, Colorado and provides HVAC services throughout Denver. Call or contact us online today!
Your furnace’s heat exchanger is not easily accessible, it cannot be repaired, it is an expensive part to replace and oftentimes requires an entire furnace replacement, so this is a popular scam among dishonest HVAC technicians. Below is more information about heat exchangers, how they become cracked, and the signs of a cracked heat exchanger.
If you are told your heat exchanger is cracked, we always recommend getting a second opinion from another company!
What is a heat exchanger?
The heat exchanger is a thin metal piece between the combustion chamber and the blower. As the combustion chamber heats the exchanger, air is blown across the surface which heats the air. The warm air is then sent through your home’s ductwork to warm your home.
How does a heat exchanger crack?
Metal expands when it heats up and contracts when it cools down. Over time, this makes the metal more fragile which could lead to the metal cracking or breaking. The heat exchanger will typically last 15 years or more, but if your furnace is very old or poorly maintained, the chances of the heat exchanger cracking is higher than normal.
What are the signs of a cracked heat exchanger?
When the heat exchanger cracks, the most common problem is carbon monoxide leaking into your unit and throughout your home. You should have carbon monoxide detectors that will tell you if there is a leak, but if the leak is very small, you may notice your pilot light is discolored. Other signs include excess condensation coming from your unit, a strong odor, or a buildup of discolored soot.
Am I getting scammed?
If your furnace is fairly new and an HVAC technician tells you your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked and the unit is no longer under warranty, this may be a scam. If your furnace is over 10 years old, it is a bit more likely that your heat exchanger is cracked. We always recommend keeping an eye out for the signs above and getting second opinion, regardless of the age of your unit.
If you are in the Denver Metro Area and think your heat exchanger is cracked or need a second opinion, give Grand Home Services a call today. We are located in Aurora and provide HVAC services throughout the metro area. We will never pressure you to fix a repair or replace your unit! Call us or contact us online today.
