In Central Indiana, our furnaces work overtime to keep us warm through the chilly months, running almost half the year. Your furnace is a vital part of your home’s heating system, and when it’s time to replace an old furnace, the decision can feel overwhelming.
If your existing furnace is over 15 years old or you’re dealing with frequent repairs, upgrading to a new furnace is a smart move. But which type is best for your home—a gas furnace or an electric furnace? While some homes still use oil furnaces, most homeowners in the Indianapolis area rely on either natural gas or electricity to power their heating systems.
Choosing the right furnace depends on your home’s setup, energy needs, and budget. In this blog, Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision. And when you’re ready for a new furnace installation, our team is here to provide expert guidance and reliable service you can trust. We also offer free estimates on all of our services!
Comparing Electric and Gas Furnaces
When deciding between a gas furnace and an electric furnace install, it’s important to understand the key differences in how they operate and perform. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, which we’ll explore below in more detail:
Heat Production
A gas furnace generates heat by burning natural gas. The heat produced is transferred to the air via a heat exchanger, and the warm air is distributed throughout your home. This process delivers powerful, fast heating, which is especially important in colder climates like Central Indiana.
In contrast, an electric furnace uses electricity to heat coils, which then warm the air circulating through your heating system. While electric furnaces don’t produce heat as quickly as gas models, they provide consistent warmth, making them ideal for milder winters or homes without access to gas lines.
Installation Costs
A new gas furnace is often more expensive than an electric furnace installation, primarily because it requires gas lines, a flue pipe for ventilation, and more intricate installation processes. These additional components ensure the safe handling of natural gas and exhaust.
An electric furnace, on the other hand, involves a simpler installation process that typically costs less upfront. Without the need for gas connections or ventilation, it’s an appealing option for homes without an existing gas infrastructure.
Expected Lifespan
A gas furnace can last 15–20 years with regular maintenance, but components like the blower motor and heat exchanger may require repairs over time. Routine care from an HVAC contractor is essential to keep the system running efficiently and to prevent costly breakdowns.
Electric furnaces tend to outlast gas models, with a lifespan of 20–30 years. Because they have fewer moving parts and no combustion process, they experience less wear and tear. However, consistent upkeep, such as cleaning coils and replacing filters, is crucial to maximize their lifespan and maintain performance.
Common Repairs
Gas furnaces are more likely to require repairs related to their combustion process, such as pilot light issues, ignition failures, or worn heat exchangers. Electric furnaces are less prone to mechanical problems but can experience issues with electrical connections, heating elements, or thermostats. Repairs for electric systems are typically less costly and faster to resolve.
Maintenance Needs
Annual furnace maintenance is critical for both gas and electric models, but the tasks involved differ slightly. A gas furnace requires thorough inspections of the flue pipe, burners, and ventilation system to prevent hazards like carbon monoxide leaks. Professional servicing ensures that the furnace operates safely and efficiently all winter long.
Maintenance for an electric furnace is less complex, focusing on cleaning coils, checking electrical connections, and replacing the furnace filter. While simpler, annual service remains essential to maintain energy efficiency and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Safety Concerns
Safety is a key consideration when choosing between a gas and electric furnace. Gas furnaces, while highly effective, pose potential risks like carbon monoxide leaks if not properly maintained. Electric furnaces eliminate combustion-related risks, making them a safer option for homes concerned about natural gas or emissions. However, they are not entirely without risks, as electrical faults can still occur. Regular maintenance minimizes these issues, providing peace of mind for homeowners.
Energy Efficiency
Modern gas furnaces, especially high-efficiency furnaces, are designed to be more energy efficient. These systems often have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90% or higher, meaning at least 90% of the natural gas they consume is converted into heat for your home. Higher energy savings mean lower energy bills!
Electric furnaces are inherently more efficient at converting energy to heat, with efficiency ratings close to 100%. Unlike gas models, they don’t lose energy through vented emissions. However, the higher cost of electricity compared to natural gas in many areas can make electric furnaces more expensive to operate over time, despite their efficiency.
Which Furnace Is Right for Me?
The choice between a gas furnace and an electric furnace depends on your specific needs and priorities:
- Choose a gas furnace if you want powerful heating for cold winters, lower heating costs in the long run, and already have access to a gas supply.
- Choose an electric furnace if your home lacks gas lines, you prefer a simpler installation process, or safety concerns make electric heating more appealing.
If you’re still unsure which furnace system is best, the team at Thiele can help. Our experts will explain the pros and cons of each option and help you choose the right system for your home and budget.
As a Bryant Authorized Dealer, we offer top-quality gas and electric furnace models to meet your home’s heating needs. For added flexibility, we can pair a heat pump with a gas furnace to create a dual-fuel system. This setup provides year-round comfort by functioning as an air conditioner in warm weather, utilizing the heat pump’s energy efficiency during mild conditions, and switching to the furnace for powerful heating when temperatures drop.
Expert Furnace Services From Thiele
At Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning, we handle your HVAC installation from start to finish and offer financing options with approved credit to help your Indianapolis furnace installation cost feel more manageable.
Our services don’t stop at installation—we’re here to perform any furnace repairs you need over the years and provide comprehensive furnace maintenance to keep your system in excellent shape. We recommend scheduling a furnace tune-up each fall to ensure your heating equipment is ready for the winter months.
Joining our HVAC system maintenance plan makes it easier to stay on top of this essential task. Members receive biannual tune-ups for their heating system and air conditioner, ensuring we inspect, clean, and optimize your HVAC equipment for peak performance. Additionally, plan members enjoy a 15% discount on parts and repairs and priority service scheduling, helping you save money and maintain peace of mind.
Contact Thiele for a Free Furnace Installation Quote
When it’s time for a furnace replacement, trust the furnace installation experts at Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the Greater Indianapolis area since 1883, bringing over a century of experience to every job. From Cicero to Franklin and Pendleton to Lebanon, we provide the reliable furnace installation service your home deserves.
Our commitment to excellent service is reflected in our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, our 2019 Angie’s List Super Service Award, and our 5-star Google Reviews.
Contact us today for a free quote on your new furnace installation and see why we’re the go-to HVAC company for furnace replacement and more. Let Thiele help you stay comfortable all winter long with a system designed for your home and lifestyle.