Gas Furnace vs. Electric Furnace: Which Should You Choose?

Your old furnace has broken down yet again, and you’re not willing to pay for repairs. You’d rather buy a new, more reliable furnace that won’t fail you during cold winters. But which should you choose: a gas furnace or an electric model?

This guide compares the pros and cons of a gas furnace vs. electric furnace to help you make the call.

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How Do Gas and Electric Furnaces Heat Your Home?

The biggest difference between gas and electric furnaces is how they create heat to keep your house warm. Electric furnaces feature an ignition that triggers the heating system to kick on. The unit sucks cold air into the heat exchanger and heats it over a set of coils. Once the air is sufficiently warm, the furnace’s blower fan pushes it through your home’s ductwork.

A gas furnace, as the name suggests, uses natural gas to keep your home cozy. Gas furnaces feature a pilot light which ignites the burner and warms up the heat exchanger. The exchanger then heats air and pushes the warmed air through your ducts, just like an electric furnace. The pilot light turns off once the thermostat detects that the air has reached your desired temperature.

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Electric Furnace vs. Gas: Which Will Save You the Most Money?

To answer this question, you’ll have to weigh the initial cost of the unit against utility costs.

• Electric furnaces → Average cost: $800 for the unit; $2,000–$7,000 for installation.

• Gas furnaces → Average cost: $2,000 for the unit; $3,800–$10,000 for installation.

Although gas furnaces are more expensive upfront, they’re cheaper to operate in colder climates since natural gas generally costs less than electricity.

Electric furnaces, on the other hand, can be a good choice for milder regions, even though the operating cost per BTU is higher.

Both types need regular maintenance. With proper care:

• Gas furnaces last 15–20 years

• Electric furnaces last 20–30 years

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Electric or Gas Furnace: Which Is Safest?

Gas furnaces produce carbon monoxide during combustion, which can be dangerous if there are leaks or clogs in the venting system. Regular maintenance is essential for safety.

Electric furnaces don’t have this risk, making them a safer option for homeowners concerned about air quality.

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Which Is the Most Environmentally Friendly?

• Gas furnaces burn natural gas, releasing greenhouse gases.

• Electric furnaces don’t burn fuel directly and are often considered more eco-friendly—especially if powered by renewable energy sources.

For maximum efficiency and reduced environmental impact, homeowners may also consider a heat pump, which can provide both heating and cooling.

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Choosing Between Electric and Gas Furnaces

Here’s a recap:

• Gas furnaces → Higher upfront cost, lower operating costs, ideal for cold climates.

• Electric furnaces → Safer, longer-lasting, often more eco-friendly, but higher operating costs.

• Heat pumps → A versatile alternative for moderate climates.

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Ready to Install Your Furnace?

At Elite Mechanical, our team of NATE-certified contractors can help you choose the best system for your home. We provide professional installation, maintenance, and support to ensure your comfort and efficiency year-round.