If it’s time to choose a new heating system for your home, you’re buying a new home, or you’re remodeling, you may feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right type of furnace.
Upfront installation cost isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing the right furnace. You’ll need to know if you prefer a gas or an electric furnace, and this article will help you choose which type is the best for your Decatur area home.
Regardless of which furnace type you choose, spring or summer is the best time to find and install a new furnace, as your heating system is less likely to be in use
Gas Furnaces: The Pros and Cons
Gas furnaces are the most common type of furnace, and the one you’re most likely to install or replace. This is because natural gas is the most common type of heating fuel in use today, no matter where you live in Alabama.
For this reason, it’s important to know the pros and cons of gas furnaces.
Gas furnaces are the most popular type because they tend to be more energy efficient than their electric counterparts, and newer models can reach efficiency as high as 98%. This means that 98% of the energy produced by the best gas furnaces converts into heat for your home, and this will save you on your energy bill.
However, gas furnaces do come with a higher price tag than their electric counterparts, and installation takes longer and is more involved as well. This is one reason why furnace installation is best done during the warmer months.
Gas furnaces also tend to make more noise than electric furnaces, and they require more professional maintenance in the long run as well. There is also a danger of carbon monoxide leaks, but this can be mitigated through regular maintenance and repairs.
Electric Furnaces: The Good and Bad
Electric furnaces are the second most common furnace type in use in the Decatur area, and they carry the advantage of having a lower upfront cost. They are also simpler to install than gas furnaces and are more ideal for warmer climates over cold ones. This makes electric furnaces a viable choice for Northern Alabama.
The cost of an electric furnace can be half of that of a gas furnace, so it may be a good option for smaller budgets. Another advantage is that electric furnaces don’t require the same level of maintenance that gas furnaces do, cutting down on maintenance costs. Electric furnaces can also outlast their gas counterparts by around ten years, lasting up to three decades, and may only need new filters on occasion.
The one drawback for electric furnaces is that they tend to use more energy than their counterparts, which can raise your energy bill during the cooler months. This is because electricity generally costs more than natural gas, and electric furnaces tend to be less energy efficient as well. This is why they are a better option for warmer climates.
Choosing the Right System for You
Once you have an idea which furnace type would be the best fit for your Decatur area home, be sure to contact us with any further questions you may have, and we also offer quotes so you can compare costs. At Southeastern Mechanical Services, we’re here to keep you and your family comfortable all year long.
