I May Need a New Furnace. What are the Benefits of Gas or Electric? Forced Air or Hot Water?

While El Nino has brought higher than average temperatures to Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and the rest of the Midwest and northeastern United States this fall, winter’s freeze is surely right around the corner. If you’re hoping to replace your furnace or heating system before the temperatures drop, consider the following options and the benefits associated with them.

Benefits of a Gas Furnace (Forced Air)

Whether powered by electricity or gas, a furnace uses air to distribute heat in throughout your home. Here are the biggest benefits of a heating system that uses gas.

• Less expensive. When crunching the numbers, a gas heating system will cost you less than if you operate an electric one. That’s because natural gas is the cheaper form of energy of the two, decreasing in the past few years.
• Heats your home faster. In general, gas heating systems heat homes faster than electric ones. That’s because they’re usually more effective and efficient at heating your home – they reach higher temperatures than electric heating systems – when temperatures outside are extremely cold.

Benefits of an Electric Furnace (Forced Air)

In addition to operating more quietly and posing minimal risk to people inside the home, here are two benefits that electric heating systems have over gas ones.

• Cheaper upfront costs. Electric heating systems are generally cheaper than gas-powered ones. If you need a heating system now and are on a strict budget, an electric heating system is probably the way to go.
• Lasts longer. The lifespan of a gas-powdered heating system is about half of an electric-powered one. The latter can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, while the former only lasts 10 to 20 years.

Benefits of a Boiler (Hot Water)

Boilers, which use hot water to heat your home, also have some benefits. But they are expensive.

• More comfortable heat. No matter how effective or efficient your furnace installation, it won’t match the evenness of heat that a boiler distributes. That’s because boilers provide radiant heat, as opposed to forced air.
• Silent heating system. Although electronic heating systems are relatively quiet, they aren’t as silent as hot water heating systems. You won’t hear a thing.

For more information about a new furnace installation, check out our heating services page or contact us at (847) 388-0316.