When you’re thinking about a new heating system, you may be considering the similarities and differences between electric heaters and gas heaters. Is one better than the other? The short answer is that it depends. Each homeowner has their own unique needs and expectations. You also want to consider factors like how cold it gets where you live and the availability of a gas line in your home.
If you are interested in an electric furnace in Montpelier, VT, our team can help. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about electric heaters compared to gas heaters. The best way to make an educated decision is to understand the pros and cons of each option.
Are electric or gas heaters better for heating system installation?
Electric heaters are more energy efficient at the unit level because they convert nearly all electricity into heat, but they often cost more to operate long term. Gas heaters usually cost more to install but provide stronger whole home heating and lower monthly energy costs in colder climates.
Gas vs. Electric Heaters: Key Efficiency Differences
Aside from the difference in energy sources, gas and electric heaters have some other key differences. The main one is cost. An electric heater usually costs less to install upfront, but then costs more to operate on a monthly basis. A gas heater is the opposite, costing more upfront for the installation but saving you up to 50% on your energy use over the life of your heater, especially when paired with a heater sized correctly for efficiency from the start.
An electric heater has a longer lifespan. You can expect an electric heater to last for 20 to 30 years, while a gas heater may only last for 15 to 20 years. Keep in mind that both of these estimates are with regularly scheduled maintenance and taking good care of your heater, no matter what type of system you have. Without regular maintenance, there’s a good chance that your heater won’t last as long. That longevity depends heavily on routine care, because skipping maintenance can lead to frustrating issues like a heater turning off early long before its expected lifespan ends.
Top Benefits of Choosing Electric Heating Systems
Electric heaters have a wide variety of options. You can choose between a heat pump, central storage heaters, or even smaller heaters that go in each room of your home, like a ductless mini split. This allows for a highly customized design that fits your specific needs.
With an electric heater, you don’t have to worry about carbon monoxide at all. Of course, electricity poses its own concerns, but generally the risks are lower than with a gas heater that uses combustion. Since electricity is cleaner than gas, you can also expect to invest less time and money in maintenance. While you still need to schedule annual maintenance, the actual upkeep needs will be lower.
Drawbacks and Limitations of Electric Heating
Electric heaters can take longer to warm up your home than a gas heater would. This can be a problem in significantly colder climates where your heater would have to work harder to warm up your home. If you would usually lower the temperature when you’re away from home, you may avoid lowering it as much. Otherwise, your home may take longer to heat back up when you need to. Just like common issues with pool heaters, sluggish performance can drive up energy bills. This is one of the reasons that electric heaters cost more to run on a monthly basis compared to gas heaters.
And when you’re talking about higher energy bills, that also correlates to lower efficiency. Electric heaters can use a lot of energy trying to heat up your home. If you do have an electric heater, you want to maximize the unit by ensuring that your home is sealed up tightly so that warm air cannot escape. This will help you improve efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are electric heaters inherently more efficient than gas heaters?
Answer: Electric heaters convert nearly all the electricity they use into heat at the unit itself, but they often cost more to operate because electricity is usually more expensive than natural gas. Gas heaters, especially high-efficiency models, can convert most of their fuel into heat while keeping operating costs lower.
Question: Why might electric heaters cost more to run than gas heaters?
Answer: Electric heaters require significant electricity to heat a home, and electricity typically costs more per unit of energy than natural gas. Because of this price difference, homes heated with electricity often see higher monthly utility bills compared to those using gas heat.
Question: What are the upfront cost differences between electric and gas heaters?
Answer: Electric heaters usually have lower upfront and installation costs because they do not need gas lines or venting systems. Gas heaters often cost more to install, but those higher initial costs can be offset over time by lower fuel expenses.
Question: Do electric heaters last longer than gas heaters?
Answer: Electric heaters generally have a longer lifespan, often lasting 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance. Gas heaters usually last closer to 15 to 20 years due to the wear caused by combustion and the additional mechanical components involved.
Question: Are there safety or maintenance differences between electric and gas heating?
Answer: Electric heaters are considered safer because they do not involve combustion or produce carbon monoxide, and they typically require less maintenance. Gas heaters need regular inspections, proper venting, and ongoing maintenance to ensure safe operation.
Red Rock Mechanical, LLC serves Northwest Vermont and Northeast New York. Schedule an appointment for plumbing service with us today.
