Most homes in Idaho have a gas furnace, but some homeowners want to know if they should switch to an electric furnace.
If your home already has a gas furnace and it works properly, it probably doesn’t make much sense to replace it with an electric system. If your existing furnace needs to be replaced, then it’s wise to at least consider your options when it comes to gas vs. electric.
Does your home have a natural gas connection?
Sometimes the gas vs. electric debate is solved before it ever really becomes a debate. Is a gas furnace even an option for you? While most homes in the Treasure Valley have a natural gas line running to them, some homes might not be connected to gas. If you need to add a gas line, you definitely need to figure that into your budget. If you’re in an area that doesn’t offer natural gas at all, an electric furnace is your best bet.
Gas
Assuming you have natural gas at your house, a gas furnace is powerful and highly efficient – you’ll heat your home very quickly. A gas furnace will have a higher cost up front, but ongoing operating costs are lower because gas is significantly cheaper than electricity. This really matters when you live in an area with cold winters like Idaho.
On the other hand, a gas furnace has a slightly shorter expected lifespan than an electric system. And although properly maintained gas furnaces are incredibly safe, some homeowners don’t like the idea of using gas for heat.
See 'Furnace Options' section below for which Trane gas furnaces we offer
Electric
An electric furnace has a lower sticker price and is expected to last 5-10 years longer than a gas furnace; however, the price of electricity means you’ll have higher operating costs over the life of the furnace. Electric furnaces also heat slower than gas furnaces, so you have to give the efficiency advantage to gas.
What’s best in Idaho’s climate?
The gas vs. electric debate can be very different if you live someplace like Arizona instead of Idaho. If you live in a small home in a warmer region, an electric furnace will likely meet your heating needs because it simply won’t need to run as much. For those of us in the Treasure Valley, a gas furnace almost always makes the most sense because the cost of operating an electric furnace will compound significantly over time.
Furnace options at Ashley Heating, Water & Air
Trane gas and oil furnaces are uniquely designed with efficiency and precise temperature control in mind. With one-stage, two-stage and modulating furnaces -- there's a perfect furnace for every home. Trane furnaces are reliable, quiet and guaranteed to keep you comfortable and heat your home even on the coldest days.
XC95M GAS FURNACE (our most efficient model) Up to 97.3% AFUE and communicating technology for optimal efficiency. • AFUE up to 97.3% • Stages: Modulating • ENERGY STAR® Qualified
S9V2-VS GAS FURNACE (our quietest model) Our variable speed Vortica II blower ensures quiet performance. • AFUE up to 97% • Stages: Two-Stage2 • ENERGY STAR® Qualified
S9X1 GAS FURNACE (our most affordable option)
• AFUE up to 96% • Stages: One • ENERGY STAR® Qualified
Contact the pros at Ashley Heating, Water & Air
Have a question about your furnace? Call us at 208-378-9445.
If you need to install a new furnace, leave the work and worry up to Ashley, and we’ll provide a rewarding start-to-finish experience.
Comments