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Which Is the Better Furnace Choice: Natural Gas or Electric?


The earliest furnaces burned only one type of fuel: wood. Since those days, furnaces have evolved to use a variety of fuel sources, such as coal, oil, and propane. Today, most furnace owners have one of two types: natural gas or electric.

If you’re in the market for furnace installation in Cary, NC, you have the choice between these two — so which should you get?

Here are some of the pros and cons of each. This will help you focus your decision, but you should still consult with professional installers before deciding. Raleigh Heating & Air has experience with many types of furnaces, and we can help you pick the model that will give you the best comfort for many winters to come.

The Pros & Cons of Electric furnaces

  • Pros: The biggest appeal of electric furnaces is that they have few safety risks; there’s no threat of gas leaks. They cost less to purchase and install than natural gas models and are quick to install. Electric furnaces operate quietly and tend to last longer than other furnaces because they have fewer moving parts. That also means they need less maintenance. You can install an electric furnace in any home with electricity.
  • Cons: Electric furnaces may cost less to install upfront, but electricity is costlier than natural gas, so you’ll probably pay more for heating in the long run. Electric furnaces also tend to heat less effectively than gas furnaces.

The Pros & Cons of Natural Gas furnaces

  • Pros: Natural gas is far less expensive than electricity, and you’ll save on your monthly energy bills. Although the unit will cost more upfront, you’ll make the money back in energy savings. Gas furnaces heat homes much faster than electric units and can reach higher temperatures, making them better for extreme cold.
  • Cons: Gas furnaces need a gas line in your home to work. They cost more to install and take more time to put in. Gas furnaces tend to have shorter life spans than comparable electric furnaces. Although gas furnaces are built with safety in mind, they still pose a hazard from carbon monoxide leaking. It’s important to regularly maintain them to catch any hazards.

So, which one should I get?

If it sounds as if these pros and cons balance each other out, you’ll need to call an HVAC expert to help you determine which unit will work best for your home. Every house has unique heating requirements, and it will take a professional to figure out which heater will best suit your needs.

Contact Raleigh Heating & Air and trust in our 20 years of experience to pick and install the ideal furnace for you in Cary, NC.

Raleigh Heating & Air