Have you been considering installing an electric furnace in your home? These units have grown in popularity in recent years, especially as more consumers focus on reducing their carbon footprint. They are widely considered as safe, energy-efficient, and cost-effective.
But here’s what’s important to remember: while electric furnaces have some benefits, they also have substantial drawbacks. In this post, we’ll explain what to consider before making the switch. Keep reading to determine if these units are right for you.
The Average Cost of an Electric Furnace
Installing a new electric furnace can cost between $2,000 and $7,000. Gas furnaces typically start at $5,000 and can go up to over $8,000.
When you partner with an expert HVAC company like DirectBuy Furnace, you can guarantee you receive the best price and service, no matter what unit you decide to install. Plus, we guarantee no hidden fees and free estimates to help you make an informed decision about your heating system.
The Downsides of an Electric Furnace
As we’ve already mentioned, there are a couple of factors that you should consider before purchasing an electric furnace. Let’s break it down.
Expensive to Operate
You might consider an electric furnace because of its cheaper installation cost, especially compared to gas furnaces or heat pumps.
However, here’s the critical part: electric furnaces are costly to operate. While you can save money upfront, you will probably end up paying upwards of $1,500 per year to heat your home since electricity tends to be more expensive than natural gas. So, although efficient, electric furnaces come with a hefty cost, especially over time.
Not Suitable for Extreme Cold
Another thing to think about is that electric furnaces are less effective than gas or heat pumps, especially in colder climates.
Electric furnaces operate using electrically heated resistance coils. Typically, these units take longer to warm up than your gas furnace, which is always ready to send warm air through your home.
In colder climates, you need to be able to rely on your heating system to heat your home quickly and efficiently. Not only can an electric furnace have a harder time consistently and evenly heating your home during cold winters, but it will also have to work harder. This means your electricity bill will be higher during the colder months, thus adding to increased overall costs in the long run.
Alternatives to Electric Furnaces
While choosing an electric furnace might be right for some households, we recommend exploring your alternatives before deciding. Sometimes, an electric heat pump and gas furnace might better suit your needs.
Heat Pumps
Although they both use electricity, heat pumps and electric furnaces operate differently. Electric furnaces rely on heating coils to bring warmth to your home. In other words, electricity is the main thing that creates heat in your house.
On the other hand, heat pumps generate warmth from the surrounding air. They are highly efficient, meaning you will pay much less to heat and cool your home. Learn more about installing a heat pump in your home in our previous post.
Gas Furnaces
Tried and true, a gas furnace is still a great way to provide your home with reliable and comfortable heating. Plus, thanks to advancements in furnace technology, the newer models are substantially more energy-efficient than older furnaces. Read more about selecting the right furnace for your home on our blog.
DirectBuy Furnace: Electric, Gas, and Hydronic Furnaces for Sale
No matter what heating system you choose, DirectBuy Furnace is ready to help. We offer an expansive selection of heating and cooling systems and the know-how to ensure that your units are installed properly.
Have questions about what HVAC solution is right for you? Contact our team, and we will help you find the perfect solution.