Heating your home is an important priority, even if you live in an area where you are not fighting against subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall. Even here in Missouri, where the heat and humidity of the summer season definitely outshine the cold of winter, you are going to need your heater to get you through the season comfortably. If you are in the market for a new heater or you suspect you’ll be looking for a replacement come spring, then chances are that you’ve been giving the furnace some attention.
Furnaces are the most popular home heating systems, and it is not really hard to understand why. They can share existing ductwork with central air conditioners, they’re easier to install than a boiler, and they offer prompt and efficient heating. Just remember that deciding to use a furnace is really only the first step. You’ll still need to decide which furnace is best for you. Not only can we handle your installation, maintenance, and furnace repair in Chesterfield, MO, but we’ll also make sure that you have the perfect furnace for your needs.
Gas vs. Electric
When looking at a new furnace, you’re most likely going to be choosing between a gas or an electric model. If you have access to natural gas, especially if you already use natural gas for, say, fueling your oven or your water heater, then you are probably going to opt for a natural gas furnace.
Natural gas is a relatively clean-burning fossil fuel. It is piped directly to your home, which means that you don’t have to have it delivered or stored on-site. It burns quite efficiently, and is pretty affordable. Because it is a largely domestic product, it is not subject to major fluctuations in pricing the way that foreign oil supplies are.
This does not mean that a gas furnace is your only option, however. Nor does it mean that it is inherently the best option.
The Case for the Electric Furnace
Electric furnaces are fairly common in areas where winters are not all that harsh. They are not used as much as in areas with extremely cold and long winters, and they’re cheaper to purchase than natural gas furnaces. Because of this, their major drawback is not as big of a deal in warmer climates.
This drawback is the cost of operation. It is important not to confuse efficiency with affordability when discussing the performance of heaters. The electric furnace is actually incredibly efficient, after all. This is due largely to the fact that it does not lose heat to flue gases. However, because the cost of electricity is pretty high, it can still be more expensive to run an electric furnace than a gas model.
However, you may not want to pipe gas to your home just to heat it. You also may not have access to natural gas at all. And, frankly, some homeowners just don’t want to pipe a combustible gas into their homes, period.
Schedule your furnace services with Fresh Air Heating & Cooling.