If you live in Arvada, you already know about the long heating seasons and regular stretches of freezing temperatures. Since your furnace will be working hard for months, the type you choose really does affect both your comfort and what you’ll pay each month. When you’re weighing gas furnaces vs an electric furnace, think about our local climate, what fuel’s available to you, and what makes sense for your budget over time.
Key Takeaways
- Gas furnaces may cost more upfront but offer lower monthly heating bills
- Electric furnaces have a lower initial price tag and simpler maintenance, but higher operating costs during extended heating seasons.
- The best climates for electric furnaces are regions with mild winters where heating demand stays relatively low throughout the year.
- Our choice between gas and electric should factor in installation costs, local taxation on natural gas and electricity, and how your furnace will perform during Arvada’s coldest months.
How Gas and Electric Furnaces Work
Gas furnaces create heat by burning natural gas or propane in a sealed combustion chamber. The burners fire up and heat a metal heat exchanger, then air gets blown across it and pushed through your home’s ductwork. Because you’re working with actual combustion, gas furnaces deliver strong, steady heat. They’ll warm your place up fast and keep temperatures comfortable even during brutal cold snaps. Electric furnaces, on the other hand, work differently. Instead of combustion, they use electric heating coils that warm up when electricity passes through them. Air flows over these heated coils and circulates throughout the home.
Gas and Electric Furnace Pros and Cons
Electric Furnaces: Pros and Cons
First off, the electric furnace installation cost is a bit lower compared to gas, and that’s including materials and installation costs. However, their decreased efficiency and higher electricity costs make them more expensive to operate in the long run, which is why you’ll see higher monthly utility bills. This, however, makes them a good choice for warmer climates.
Another benefit is that electric furnaces are a bit safer (less risk involved) and quieter than gas furnaces. Their lifespan of approximately 30 years is also longer than that of a gas furnace. And lastly, electric furnace maintenance is less complex.
Gas Furnaces: Pros and Cons
Gas furnace installation costs are a bit higher up front, but they are more energy-efficient than electric furnaces, leading to lower utility bills and a lower cost in the long run. In addition, gas furnaces heat up immediately, unlike electric furnaces, which take time to heat up. These factors make gas furnaces the better choice for colder climates.
As for the downsides, gas furnaces do not have a lifespan as long as that of electric furnaces. In addition, because of the increased risk involved with gas, the maintenance is more complex, with troubleshooting and maintenance best left to professionals. Gas furnaces are also noisier than their electric counterparts.
What Is the Best Furnace to Choose for My Home?
It really depends on where you live, how cold your winters get, and whether you want to save money now or later. If you understand how each furnace actually works and how they’ll perform when you need them most, your decision becomes a lot easier.
For homes in Arvada, the choice between gas and electric often comes down to a few factors, like your home’s existing infrastructure, your budget, and how you plan to use your heating system. A professional assessment can help you weigh these considerations and find the option that makes the most sense for your home.
Need Help Making Your Arvada Home Heating Decisions?
If you’re replacing your current furnace and trying to decide between a gas or electric, it helps to talk with professionals who know the Arvada climate and have more experience assessing homes for the best heating solutions. Fortunately, the team at Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning can assess your home’s layout, insulation, and comfort goals to help you choose the right furnace. With NATE-certified technicians and over two decades of experience serving Arvada and the greater Denver area, we can walk you through your options and handle the installation from start to finish. Call us or contact us online to learn more.
Additional FAQs
Is gas always cheaper than electric?
In many cases, yes. Natural gas usually costs less per unit of energy than electricity. During winter, when a furnace runs for long stretches each day, that price difference adds up on monthly utility bills. In colder climates, gas systems often end up costing less to operate over time.
Why do electric furnaces cost more to run if they’re considered efficient?
Electric furnaces are efficient at converting electricity into heat, but electricity itself usually costs more than natural gas. So even though the system isn’t wasting energy, the monthly utility cost can still be higher, especially in colder climates where the furnace runs often.
Can I switch from gas to electric?
You can definitely make the switch! But keep in mind it’s not always simple. Switching often means electrical upgrades and added costs, so it’s something to review before committing.
