If you’re considering replacing your furnace, you want to make the right decision — not just for today, but for the long run. When it comes to choosing between gas or electric, the best furnace type depends on your home, your energy goals, and your comfort preferences.
To offer a basic comparison, you might choose a gas furnace if your home has access to a gas supply and you want powerful heating at a lower cost. An electric furnace could be a better choice if you prefer a simpler installation process, if your home doesn’t have gas lines, or if you have safety concerns.
We’ll also do a more in-depth furnace comparison to help you make the best decision.
What to Consider Before You Decide
Furnaces typically last between 10 and 20 years. If your current system is reaching that range or if it’s starting to underperform, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer systems offer better efficiency, more consistent heating, and greater reliability, which means fewer breakdowns and better peace of mind.
When making your decision, consider your home’s size, insulation, and existing infrastructure. If you already have natural gas service, a gas furnace may be the logical next step. If not, electric might make more sense. Either way, you’re investing in a long-term solution for comfort and safety.
Why Go With a Gas Furnace?
Gas furnaces are a common and reliable choice in homes that already have access to natural gas. They’re powerful, efficient, and built to handle cold Michigan winters. One of the biggest advantages of a gas furnace is how quickly it can heat your home. The heat output is strong, which means you’ll notice the temperature rising fast on those bitterly cold days.
Operating costs tend to be lower, too, since natural gas is typically more affordable than electricity on a per-BTU basis. Installation is usually straightforward, especially if you’re replacing an older gas furnace. Modern models have built-in safety features that make them reliable and secure.
The advantages of a gas furnace include:
- Strong, fast heat delivery that’s especially useful in colder climates.
- Savings on energy bills due to the lower cost of natural gas.
- Straightforward installation if your home already has a gas line.
- Reducing the overall demand for electricity in your region.
- Increasing home value for buyers interested in natural gas availability.
That said, you should keep the following in mind when choosing a gas furnace:
- These furnaces have a higher risk of gas leaks, making regular professional tune-ups especially important for performance and safety.
- Installation can be slightly more complex since it involves venting to handle combustion gases.
- While heating bills should generally be lower, they may fluctuate with natural gas market prices.
Why Choose an Electric Furnace?
Electric furnaces are an excellent choice for homes without natural gas lines or for homeowners looking for a cleaner, low-maintenance option. They generally cost less to purchase and install. Because there’s no combustion involved, the system is simpler, too. That means fewer components to service and no need for venting. Another benefit of electric furnaces is that they don’t produce emissions, which makes them a solid option if indoor air quality and environmental impact are top of mind.
The top advantages of electric furnaces include:
- Lower upfront costs and easier installation, especially in homes without gas.
- Minimal maintenance needs and no combustion risks.
- Clean, emission-free heating that supports better indoor air quality.
- No need for venting, reducing overall complexity.
It’s also important to think about the potential downsides of electric furnaces:
- Compared to gas furnaces, these are slower to heat and may not perform as well in extreme cold.
- Electricity costs are typically higher than gas, raising long-term operating expenses.
- Electric furnaces have no backup during power outages, which can affect comfort and safety.
Looking Beyond Upfront Costs
When you’re choosing a new furnace, it’s easy to focus on the upfront costs, but there’s more to the story. For example, a high-efficiency gas furnace might cost a bit more to install, but it can help lower your heating bills over time, especially in those tough Michigan winters.
An electric furnace may be more affordable upfront and typically easier to install, but your monthly energy costs could be a little higher depending on your local electricity rates.
You should also factor in maintenance needs and your overall goals for your new furnace.
How Maintenance Differs for Gas and Electric Furnaces
Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm and comfortable, so it makes sense to give it a little care in return. Regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly, helps it last longer, and can even lower your energy bills by boosting efficiency.
You’ll need yearly maintenance for any type of furnace, but the focus will be different for a gas model vs. an electric one.
If you have a gas system, most experts recommend having your furnace inspected once a year. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your comfort and peace of mind. These inspections focus on safety, including checks for gas leaks, carbon monoxide, and proper venting. Regularly cleaning the burner and inspecting the flue are also crucial steps.
Since electric furnaces are simpler in design, they generally require less complex maintenance. While annual inspections are still recommended, the focus shifts to checking electrical connections and cleaning heating elements. There’s no need to worry about gas leaks or venting issues.
Professional maintenance is best either way, but it might be helpful to think about the kind of work you’ll need to have done each year.
The Advantage of Modern Systems
Today’s heating systems offer more than just reliable warmth. With powerful Lennox® gas furnaces and electric mini-splits from Mitsubishi, you get advanced features like smart thermostats and mobile apps that let you control your home’s climate from anywhere. You can adjust temperatures on the go, set schedules that match your routine, and keep your energy use in check without sacrificing comfort.
Whichever type of furnace you choose, take time to think about the features you want and look for options that provide them.
Find the Best Furnace Type for Your Needs
At Randazzo Heating, Cooling, and Electrical, we know how important it is to make the right call when it comes to your furnace. If you’re weighing the benefits of a gas vs. electric furnace, let’s talk it through. Our team will help you choose the right fit for your home and your goals and install it quickly and professionally. We’ll help you look at the full picture, from the upfront costs to monthly energy bills, system longevity, and overall maintenance needs.
Reach out today to find out what makes the most sense for you and your home.
