Electric Heaters vs. Gas Heaters: A Comparison

You have two options when it comes to purchasing a new heater: gas or electric. Choosing between gas heaters and electric ones isn’t always easy, but there are a few categories to look at that’ll help determine which one is best for you.

This post will cover what you need to know about the installation, cost, lifespan, maintenance requirements and safety precautions for both gas and electric units.

Installation

The first thing to consider is the installation process for getting a new heater. Gas heaters have a more in-depth installation process, and your home may even need to be upgraded with a chimney to accommodate for gas emissions. Wall-mounted electric heaters, on the other hand, can be installed in any room in the house without the help of a pro. If you’re looking for central heat, an electric furnace is still much easier to install.

Cost

When we talk about the cost of electric heaters and gas ones, we’re looking at two things. First, you need to consider the initial investment cost. Gas heaters are much more expensive than wall-mounted heaters or even electric furnaces, but you also need to think about your monthly heating costs. Because natural gas is a cheaper fuel source, your operating costs are lower if you go with a gas heater.

While it will be more expensive to invest in a gas heater up front, you can save a bundle of money throughout the unit’s lifespan due to lower monthly costs.

Lifespan

Speaking of lifespan, you need to consider your unit’s longevity before making a purchase. Gas heaters typically last for anywhere from 10 to 20 years before they need to be replaced. At the same time, electric furnaces can live up to 30 years before kicking the dust.

Whether you choose a gas or electric heater, you’ll need to schedule yearly maintenance to ensure the unit lasts for as long as possible. Neither unit will last a decade if you fail to hire an HVAC technician to tune up the unit each fall.

Maintenance

Yearly maintenance for gas and electric heaters includes cleaning the unit inside and out to remove any built-up debris. Next your professional will take a look at all the system’s components to ensure they’re in working order. If anything looks off, your professional will replace the damaged part before it malfunctions in the middle of the winter.

In between your yearly inspections, ensure you’re swapping out the air filters each month. This quick process prevents your heater from getting overworked while reducing your heating bills.

Safety

Both heating systems come with some inherent risks. A carbon monoxide leak is the biggest worry when it comes to gas heaters, and electric furnaces can start a fire if they’re not well maintained. Follow your manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations to limit the possibility of an accident in your home.

Let us install your new heater

Whether you’re leaning towards buying gas heaters or electric heaters, be sure to have our team install it. At JMB A/C & Heating LLC, we specialize in furnace installation, so you can rest easy knowing your system will be set up correctly.

Categorised in: Heating Services