A High Efficiency Gas Furnace or an Electric Furnace?

A High Efficiency Gas Furnace or an Electric Furnace?

Is your furnace prepared to do its job? Fall is here and winter is not far behind. Most houses have some form of central heating and cooling and some people also have a supplementary stove or space heater.

Household Furnaces, used to disperse cold from within a structure and provide hot water, have several different means of production and require any one of a variation of fuel sources: natural gas, fuel oil, coal, or wood. Because cold air is heavier it always eventually ends up nearer to the floor where it can be vented away to allow an area to be heated or vented back in to help cool the room.

How Furnaces Work:
Air is circulated through ductwork, which may be made of sheet metal or plastic “flex” duct and insulated or uninsulated. Air registers located below the burner and at the outlet of the air blower are devices with movable flaps or vanes that control the shape and pattern of the flame, whether it spreads out or even swirls around.

High Efficiency Furnaces
There are several types of furnaces obtainable but I recommend a High Efficiency furnace. Unless you have a particular desire for another heat source ( Corn Stoves , High Efficiency Furnaces, Pellet Stoves, Forced Air Furnaces, etc.), generally speaking, the High Efficiency furnace is the way to go. High Efficiency furnaces are convenient, affordable, quiet, and of course very efficient.

If you live in a colder climate where the heater will be running for extended periods of time, investing in a high efficiency model may be ideal. High-efficiency furnaces require less maintenance then regular mid-efficiency furnaces do, but they will still benefit from an annual inspection to make sure that they are functioning properly. All furnace manufacturers recommend an annual safety inspection.

Buying a High Efficiency Furnace
If you are considering installing natural gas furnaces, but you are worried about the costs involved, you will be surprised by how quickly you will be able to save that money back. Here are a few ideas when shopping for a New Furnace and Central Air System:

- Remember to take into consideration the cost of installation which is typically performed by a licensed HVAC contractor.
- The gas furnace is always more affordable to use than the electric furnace where gas is readily available.
- Choosing a brand of furnace that has a history of quality and reliability can be less costly in the long run.
- An electric furnace has a higher annual cost than a gas furnace.
- Purchasing a furnace that is too large can be inefficient and they are typically more expensive.
- Buying a high efficiency furnace can help reduce energy costs while keeping your home warm during cold weather.

Follow these tips regarding heating your home this winter and sleep peacefully at night knowing that you have done you duty to protect your family, when they are at home snuggled-up in their beds.