Do you have a difficult decision to make? Do you want to know which type of heat is cheaper, gas or electric? As an expert in this field, let me answer that question for you.
There are many factors that play into the cost of heating your home and using either gas or electric. The first thing you need to consider is what fuel source will be cheapest for your family; natural gas prices are much lower than electricity rates. There’s also the upfront installation costs with both types of systems.
Gas heat and electric heat both have their strengths and weaknesses – but which one is cheaper? The fact that electric heat is cheaper to install doesn’t mean it isn’t expensive to run in the longer term. While gas heat is expensive to install, it still costs less to use in the long run and it is more efficient.
Well, each of these heating options has its advantages and disadvantages and you might want to take a look before deciding.
Advantages Of Gas Heat
Gas heat is a reliable heating option for many homeowners, and there are plenty of advantages to consider when deciding between gas or electric.
1. Cheaper to operate: Natural gas is mostly less expensive to operate than electric heat. If you reside in colder regions and you use your heater so well during winter, then gas heat can help you save up a lot of cash.
2. Heats faster: Maximum heat is produced by the gas furnace as soon as the burners start running. This leads to a faster rate of heating. There is a larger output of heat when using gas as opposed to electric heat.
3. Temperature control is precise: As there’s the ability for precise temperature control, it brings about better heating results. Gas heat also provides consistent heat in contrast to electric heat.
4. Ability to function without electricity: In case of power failure, gas heats afford you the benefit of not having to wait until electricity is fixed before heating. It can easily be lighted using a lighter or a match.
5. Offers more efficiency: Gas heat creates immediate heat and uses immediate heat control.
Disadvantages Of Gas Heat
Some argue that gas heat is not as efficient and green as other heating methods. It can be a good option for those who live in colder areas with mild winters, but it may not be the best choice if you live in an area that has cold winters or where the climate changes often.
1. A higher initial cost: Gas heat is more expensive upfront in that it costs more for initial purchase and installation. Installation is more complicated and this results in initial expenses upfront.
2. It has a shorter span of life: The lifespan of gas furnaces is always about half that of an electric unit.
3. Regular maintenance: Efficient and constant maintenance of gas furnaces needs to be put in place to ensure maximum output. Safety checks need to be ensured. Gas furnaces run on combustible fuel and skipping maintenance could lead to serious health damage as there is a risk of exposure to carbon monoxide gas.
Advantages Of Electric Heat
It’s important to note that not all homes will have access to electric heating options, and those without can use gas or propane as their alternative form of heating as well. When choosing an alternative fuel source, make sure that you compare prices so you can find the most cost-effective option for your needs.
1. Installation is cheaper and easier: There is easy installation as no pipework is required, unlike the gas heat system in which installation is complicated.
2. It is cheaper to purchase: Electric heat costs less to acquire than gas heat.
3. Lesser initial cost: Installation of electric heat for a lesser amount looks appealing to some individuals. Moreover, the initial savings enjoyed upfront is only worth it if you reside in a warm climate as there won’t be any need to run your furnace regularly.
4. Interruption of installation is minimal: The process of installing is very quick as they can be installed almost anywhere thereby causing a little disruption of the installation process.
5. Ease of maintenance: Although electric furnaces still need to be checked, it is not like gas furnaces whereby maintenance is regular, and there is no fear that a malfunctioning of the electric furnace would have a damaging effect to personal health.
6. Higher life span: Electric heat lasts longer than gas heat.
Disadvantages Of Electric Heat
1. A larger lifetime expense: High cost of electricity makes electric heat more expensive as electricity is more expensive than gas. Even when subjected under the same conditions, the cost of an electric heat would still be higher than that of the gas heat.
2. Heats slowly: The rate of heating is not as fast as that of the gas furnace. The heating elements need time to power up before it can start to warm the house. The implication is you have to wait patiently for your house to get heated up.
3. Cannot function in the absence of electricity: In the case of electrical failure, an electric furnace cannot function as it requires electric current to operate.
Final Thoughts
The cost isn’t the only notable thing to consider when choosing whether to sin tall a gas or electric heating system, but also the environmental impact and effect it has. Like in the case of gas heat system whereby lack of proper maintenance could lead to a risk of exposure to toxic gases such as carbon monoxide which in turn leads to dilapidated health.
The area in which you reside can determine what kind of heating system will work for you. If you reside in a cold area, then the gas heat system is for you as you have to rely on your furnace most of the time. For people living in warmer regions or areas where gas heat isn’t an option, electric heat system will work for you.
Whichever heating system you prefer, make sure you adhere to local laws guiding the use of such to avoid unnecessary damage to health and the environment.
