Is your heater limping along on its last leg? It might be time to start looking for a new one. This is the perfect time to consider whether gas or electric heat would be more suitable for your needs. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so find out below which one is more compatible with your needs.

Electric Heat

When you first begin comparing electric and gas heat, you’ll notice electric furnaces have several appealing qualities. They have a lower initial investment cost, can be installed practically anywhere, require little maintenance, and tend to last twice as long as gas furnaces. However, an electric heater does have some drawbacks. The biggest is that electricity costs more than natural gas, so they will actually be more expensive to operate over time. They also can take longer to heat your home, as the furnace will require a few minutes to heat up.

In the end, you’re usually only better off opting for an electric heater if you live in an area that has more warm than cold weather throughout the year. The heater’s low maintenance and long life span combined with minimal use will ensure you don’t have to spend much time worrying about it.

Gas Heat

Although gas heat does have a larger initial investment cost, can be tricky to install, and requires regular maintenance to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, it is found practically everywhere and is much less expensive than electricity. This can be a lifesaver if you live in a colder region and have to rely on your heater for long periods throughout the year. A gas furnace is also more capable of heating your entire home quickly, as it runs at maximum heat from the moment the burners are turned on.

While gas heat is an optimal choice for those living in colder regions, it will almost always be less expensive to operate than electric under the same set of conditions. This is even the case when you consider an electric furnace’s longer life span. 

After you’ve decided whether gas or electric heat will best meet your needs, contact the experts at Hufford Heating and Air Conditioning to get help finding the right furnace. Since 1947, this family-owned and -operated business has been providing heating and cooling services to homeowners in the Milford, OH, and surrounding areas. Schedule an appointment with them today by calling (513) 683-2040 and visit their website to take an energy audit of your current unit.