Natural gas furnaces remain the most widely used for home heating fuel in the Alton, IL area. However, that doesn’t mean that your home only has to be heated with natural gas. Those who may not have access to natural gas have to rely on other energy sources to get their heating needs met. This can include electricity and propane. Some homeowners who are able to use natural gas can opt out for an alternative when they choose a new furnace. If you are looking for a new furnace you may want to check out the pros & cons of different sources of energy.
The Benefits of Electric Furnace Systems
On average new electric furnaces tend to be less expensive than their counterparts. Usually, the average price of a new gas furnace can range from $2,000 to $3,000 while electric furnaces range from $1,000 to $1,500. This means that the upfront cost of an electric furnace is lower than a gas one, however, a gas furnace will end up with a lower operating cost.
The main benefit of using an electric furnace is the lower general purchasing price. The technology that is utilized in an electric furnace is pretty simple, and works similarly to your toaster or blow dryer. The heating process for electric heaters starts when coils heat up, and then a blower forces the warm air to move throughout your Alton, IL home’s ductwork. Due to the simple design, electric furnaces have a longer lifespan, between 20 and 30 years. This is higher than the gas furnaces which have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Besides the lifespan being better, these systems require less frequent repairs due to their simple design. Also, since this type of system does not burn any fuels, there is no risk of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide.
The Benefits of Gas Furnace Systems
Natural gas is a cheaper energy source when compared to electricity. This means that your gas furnace will save you money every month with utility costs. The process of how heat is created is also different than electrical furnaces as with gas systems, the combustion chambers operate at a much higher temperature. This means that your home will be heated much faster with a gas furnace than with an electrical one.
Making sure that you choose the right furnace for your Alton, IL home is an important decision. Before making this decision make sure to contact your local team of heating contractors at Dixon Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have, and we can recommend the system that fits perfectly in your home.