Deciding Between a Gas & Electric Furnace: How To Choose

Southeast Michigan winters can be harsh, especially if your heating system doesn’t adequately and consistently heat your home. If you’re in the market for a new system and trying to determine if a gas or an electric furnace is suitable for you, Iceberg Heating & Cooling can help.

Each system has its benefits and drawbacks, but both are great options for powerful and reliable heating in Southeast Michigan. Our experienced and knowledgeable technicians can help you determine which system is right for your family and budget.

Schedule heating installation services with the Iceberg Heating & Cooling experts today by calling 734-342-3420.

Gas Furnace & What They Are: Explained

A natural gas furnace uses combustion, a heat exchanger, and a blower to keep your home warm and comfortable. When your home’s air falls below the setting on your thermostat, your furnace will be signaled to kick on. The furnace’s pilot light will ignite the burner, which is used to warm the heat exchanger.

Cold air from the system’s intakes is heated using the heat exchanger and pumped into your home through a ductwork system. This continues until the home’s air reaches the desired temperature the thermostat detects. These systems need a natural gas line that runs into the house and a flue for exhaust.

Gas Furnace Pros

• Lower energy costs 
• Heats home faster than electric furnaces
• Run more efficiently than electric systems 

Gas Furnace Drawbacks

• Must have a natural gas line running to the home
• Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
• Often noisier than other systems

An Overview of Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces are another type of forced air system, but instead of using natural gas and combustion, electric furnaces use electricity to heat elements or coils. These elements heat air from the intakes, and the warmed air is pumped throughout the home through ducts.

Electric Furnace Pros

• Less expensive to purchase and install than gas
• Longer life span than gas furnaces
• Operate more quietly than gas furnaces

Drawbacks of Electric Furnaces

• Take longer to heat your home
• Higher energy costs than gas furnaces
• Often need more repairs than gas furnaces

Choosing the Right Furnace in Southeast Michigan

Both gas and electric furnaces can heat your Southeast Michigan home, but your specific needs and preferences may make one or the other a better choice. Factors to consider include your budget, home size, layout, and whether your home has a natural gas line.

Smaller homes are good candidates for electric furnaces, while larger homes may need a natural gas furnace’s quicker heating time and power. If you’re unsure what decision is right for you, the Iceberg Heating & Cooling experts can help.

Schedule Furnace Services With Iceberg Heating & Cooling

The experienced team at Iceberg Heating & Cooling is here for all your HVAC needs throughout Southeast Michigan, including helping you determine which type of heating system is right for your needs.

When you choose our family-owned company, you can expect the following:

• 24/7 emergency & same-day services
• Licensed, insured & background-checked technicians
• Free estimates on replacements
• Upfront pricing & financing options
• Military, veteran & senior discounts