Electric Heater VS Gas Furnace

To understand how these two units differ, you must first understand how a furnace works with your HVAC system to heat your home. Regardless of the fuel source—be it natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity—the furnace remains idle until the thermostat detects that the indoor temperature has dropped below the set threshold. At this point, the thermostat sends a signal to the furnace to begin heating.

The heating process starts with the furnace activating its heat exchanger. For gas furnaces, the burner ignites the fuel, producing heat that warms the metal heat exchanger. In electric furnaces, electric heating elements provide the heat. The heat exchanger plays a crucial role in transferring heat to the air without mixing combustion gases with the air that circulates through your home, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Once the heat exchanger reaches the desired temperature, the system’s blower fan kicks in. The blower pulls cool air from your home through return ducts, forces it over the heat exchanger, and then pushes the newly warmed air through supply ducts to distribute it evenly across your living spaces. As the heated air fills the rooms, it displaces colder air, which is cycled back to the furnace for reheating. This continuous loop ensures consistent warmth throughout your home.

When the indoor temperature matches the thermostat setting, the furnace stops heating, and the blower eventually shuts off. This process repeats as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature during the colder months.

By understanding this process, you can appreciate how integral the furnace is to your HVAC system’s ability to keep your home warm and cozy. It also highlights the importance of regular maintenance, as any issues with the thermostat, blower, or heat exchanger can disrupt the entire heating process and compromise your comfort.

When it comes to maintenance, electric heaters come out on top. Since these don’t have burners that must be cleaned and inspected, they do not require as much maintenance. It is one of the main reasons why electric heaters are more cost-efficient than their gas counterparts.

A gas furnace requires yearly maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly. It has to be checked for condensation so it doesn’t rust before its time. These furnaces depend on combustion heating which is notorious for carbon monoxide emissions.

Only HVAC professionals have the appropriate equipment and knowledge to ensure that the system is cleaned and working properly. A hack job can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s the main reason why people who own gas furnaces also installed CO2 detectors with the system.

When it comes to longevity, gas and electric furnaces differ significantly, primarily due to maintenance requirements and operational wear. Gas furnaces typically last around 20 years with proper care, while electric furnaces can endure for two to three decades. The primary reason for this difference lies in the nature of the components and the fuel source.

Gas furnaces utilize burners to generate heat, which emit combustion byproducts like soot and particulates. Over time, these can accumulate in the furnace, requiring regular cleaning to prevent clogs and ensure efficient operation. If maintenance is neglected, buildup can strain the system, causing it to break down prematurely. Additionally, the heat exchanger in gas furnaces is prone to corrosion due to the moisture produced during combustion. Corrosion weakens the exchanger, reducing the furnace’s efficiency and lifespan.

In contrast, electric furnaces have fewer moving parts and do not rely on combustion. They use electric heating elements to generate heat, which minimizes wear and tear. Because they don’t produce byproducts or involve combustion, electric furnaces require less frequent maintenance, contributing to their longer lifespan. However, regular inspections are still necessary to ensure the components remain in good condition.

Both gas furnaces and electric heaters produce some level of noise during operation, but gas furnaces are generally louder. The additional noise stems from their more complex design and the nature of their operation.

Gas furnaces have a burner that ignites when the thermostat signals the furnace to start heating. This ignition process produces a distinct rushing or roaring sound, especially when the burner initially turns on. Fans and blowers within the furnace also contribute to the noise as they circulate warm air through the ductwork.

Electric furnaces, on the other hand, operate more quietly. They use electric heating elements that do not require combustion, eliminating the sound associated with burners. While electric furnaces also have blowers for air circulation, their overall design results in a quieter operation.

Longevity:

• • Gas furnaces: ~20 years, with regular cleaning and maintenance needed for components like burners and heat exchangers.
  • Electric furnaces: 20–30 years, requiring less frequent maintenance due to simpler operation and fewer components.

Noise:

• • Gas furnaces: Louder due to burner ignition and complex mechanisms.
  • Electric furnaces: Quieter, as they lack combustion processes and have simpler designs.

Both systems have their strengths, and choosing between them depends on factors like maintenance preferences, desired lifespan, and tolerance for noise.

Whether you choose an electric heater or a gas furnace, it should meet your energy and comfort needs. Allow King professional installers to install your unit for you. We can also help you choose the best brand that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

We offer 24/7 furnace installation and repair services, so you can count on us to be there when you need it most. As one of the most trusted heating companies in the area, we can offer guarantees that no other service can. Call us and find out why.

Sign up for our King Royal Treatment Plan, and whether you have an electric heater or a gas furnace, you can count on the fact it will run smoothly for decades. We also offer regular discounts for tune-ups, repairs, and installations for our loyal clients.