Gas vs Electric Furnace: Which Should You Choose? | Canada HVAC TorontoAre you looking to purchase a new furnace for your home or office? Gas furnaces and electric furnaces are two of the categories from which you can choose.

Below are some things you should consider before you decide to purchase a gas furnace or electric furnace.

Gas furnaces

A gas furnace, as the name suggests, is a heating appliance that runs on natural gas or propane gas. A gas furnace comprises a thermostat, fan, burners, heat exchanger, blower, and flue.

With a gas furnace, once a space gets cold, the thermostat transmits a low-voltage command to the furnace to heat the space. A valve then opens to allow the natural gas to flow to the burner. When the gas reaches the burner, an electronic ignition lights the burner. This action heats the air, which is then expelled from the furnace.

The pros of a gas furnace

  • Gas furnaces are cost-effective to operate.
  • They are more powerful, safer, and more efficient than electric furnaces.
  • Gas furnaces burn more cleanly than the fuels needed to power electricity.
  • They can be paired with a cooling system.
  • Gas furnaces heat faster and produce warmer air than electric furnaces.

The cons of a gas furnace

  • Gas furnaces are relatively costly to install.
  • There is a chance that carbon monoxide can be produced if the system is damaged or not maintained properly.
  • Gas furnaces have shorter service life than electric furnaces.
  • A gas furnace requires a gas line. If your home doesn’t have a gas line, you must install one to facilitate the furnace.

Electric furnaces

An electric furnace is like a conventional gas furnace except that it produces heat using electric heating elements instead of gas burners.

Electric furnaces pull air into the system and through a heat exchanger. The air is heated and pushed by a blower into the ductwork. The ductwork then distributes the heated air throughout the building.

The pros of an electric furnace

  • Electric furnaces require little maintenance.
  • They can last up to 30 years.
  • An electric furnace does not give off carbon monoxide.
  • Electric furnaces sometimes come with a cooling mode for warmer months.

The cons of an electric furnace

  • Electric furnaces are more costly to operate than gas furnaces.
  • An electric furnace removes more moisture from the air than a gas furnace.
  • Electric furnaces tend to heat spaces a lot slower than gas furnaces.

Are you looking to buy a gas furnace or an electric furnace?

The choice between a gas furnace and an electric furnace comes down to your needs and preferences.

If you are still unsure which type of furnace would be best for your home or office, the experienced technicians at Canada HVAC can provide guidance. When you are ready to make a purchase, we have a range of products to choose from, and you can order your new furnace online.

Are you worried about buying a furnace online? We offer a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your furnace within the first 12 months, we will remove the equipment and provide a refund.

Give us a call today if you have questions or visit our online store to view our products.