Whether it’s time to replace your furnace or, simply, you want to get ahead of emergency repairs and replacements, you’ve got a lot to consider—specifically, whether you’ll opt for electric or gas. Both have unique benefits, opportunities to save money and, overall, differences in how they keep you and your home warm and cozy. Ultimately, though, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and considerations so you can choose the right furnace right now.

Both electric and gas furnaces provide the same basic function: to safely heat your home. However, that’s often where the similarities end.

For starters, both types of furnaces operate in different ways. Depending on the existing infrastructure at your home as well as your priorities and long-term goals, one is always going to be a better fit than the other for you. Here’s how to determine which one fits best.

Many property owners focus on efficiency. While electric furnaces eliminate the risk of emissions gas furnaces create, electricity has environmental impacts, too.

Your best bet, then, is to choose an efficient unit. Look for one that’s rated by ENERGY STAR to be highly efficient. If your existing furnace is more than 10 years old, a new model will be more efficient.

Electric Air Handlers and gas furnaces are fairly close in the cost of the equipment. Gas furnaces tend to have more material associated with the job making it a little more expensive. Keep in mind all furnaces have installation fees, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the make, model and specific needs of your home. For example, if you’re making the switch from gas to electric or vice versa, installation costs will likely be higher because you’ll need to run new electric or gas lines and ensure proper venting.

A gas furnace tends to be more expensive to install, but may be less expensive to run long-term. The cost of an electric furnace is generally more expensive to run in colder areas. Electric furnaces, though, can be more effective in rural areas where gas lines are not readily available.

Modern electric and gas furnaces have long lives and can operate pretty efficiently over that period of time. A high-efficiency gas furnace can last for as long as 25 years. Electric furnaces can last longer, if well cared for and you buy a quality unit. Although, because of the loss in efficiency over time replacing your system after 10 years is recommended.

Gas furnaces tend to do better in the colder climates than electric can, simply because they have more heating power. If you live in the deep south, on the other hand, you may not need the intensity of gas. And, most homes in the southern portion of the U.S. use electricity. Yet, if you tried to get the same efficiency in a cold New England winter from an electric system, chances are good you’ll pay for it with much higher bills.

Ideally, have a professional technician from American stop by and assess your home and your needs. We’ll take a look at:

• The square footage of the home
• The type of electric or gas access already in place
• Your goals for eco-friendly and cost-effective bills
• How much you run your furnace each winter (what desired temp you set it at)
• The condition of your air conditioner, which can impact your need for a double replacement

Overall, a customized quote is the only way to know which furnace model is best for your home—and we can help you with that.

At American, we offer top-of-the-line, leading brands of furnaces. Our technicians can come to your home, provide a full inspection, and offer an estimate. It’s that easy to find out which furnace is right for you. Call American now for a consultation or an estimate for repair.