electric fireplaces vs gas fireplaces image
BS and tha
I'm looking at Condos right now one has a gas furnace and water tank, while the other 2 have an electric(forced air) furnace and an electric water heater.
Which is more expensive to run in terms of energy bills? Do Electric Furnaces last longer then gas? Are they cheaper to replace? Does an electric furnace use a heating element or what?(vs a gas using a flame)
The one I'm looking at still has an electric furnace from the mid 70's. Should i be worried?
Answer
Electric is MUCH more expensive to operate. It uses something called "heat strips" to provide heat. Have you ever seen a fake fireplace that provides heat by blowing air over a coil that heats up? It provides heat but is very expensive to run because it has to keep the coil red hot to provide heat. Well that's the same way an electric furnace is going to heat your condo, except it has strips that it heats up and blows air over.
I would definitely go with the one with gas heat. By the way, a forced hot air furnace can still be gas. That's what we had in New Jersey and my bills were not out of line.
A gas furnace costs more to replace, but a lot less to operate. Same with a gas dryer. It's more to purchase, but less to operate.
An electric furnace from the 70's is probably not a very energy efficient model so I would definitely think twice.
Good luck with finding your new condo and happy moving!!
Electric is MUCH more expensive to operate. It uses something called "heat strips" to provide heat. Have you ever seen a fake fireplace that provides heat by blowing air over a coil that heats up? It provides heat but is very expensive to run because it has to keep the coil red hot to provide heat. Well that's the same way an electric furnace is going to heat your condo, except it has strips that it heats up and blows air over.
I would definitely go with the one with gas heat. By the way, a forced hot air furnace can still be gas. That's what we had in New Jersey and my bills were not out of line.
A gas furnace costs more to replace, but a lot less to operate. Same with a gas dryer. It's more to purchase, but less to operate.
An electric furnace from the 70's is probably not a very energy efficient model so I would definitely think twice.
Good luck with finding your new condo and happy moving!!
What is the best way to heat my house this winter?
mcslain
I currently have oil heat, it sucks and the system is old. I already have gas for hot water, so I was thinking about going over to gas heat as well. Only gas heat isn't exactly cheap either and the cost of the installation is certainly a factor. Any suggestions on oil vs heat, or other options like a heat pump, etc etc. What is my best long term bet?
Answer
Fireplace efficiency ranges from -10 to +10%, not very good. With an insert it is better but it is a hassle. The price for oil did spike considerably for awhile but has come down quite a bit from the high. Natural gas is less expensive right now but rate increases are instore for most areas later this year and early next year. Historically oil has been less expensive than NG.
There are a few high efficiency heat pumps available now but cost to operate depends on your electric rate. Usually the best option is to stay with your current fuel and install a new higher efficiency furnace.
In addition it's a really good idea to identify all areas of heat loss in your house and seal them up. Less heat out of the house means less heat has to be put in.
Fireplace efficiency ranges from -10 to +10%, not very good. With an insert it is better but it is a hassle. The price for oil did spike considerably for awhile but has come down quite a bit from the high. Natural gas is less expensive right now but rate increases are instore for most areas later this year and early next year. Historically oil has been less expensive than NG.
There are a few high efficiency heat pumps available now but cost to operate depends on your electric rate. Usually the best option is to stay with your current fuel and install a new higher efficiency furnace.
In addition it's a really good idea to identify all areas of heat loss in your house and seal them up. Less heat out of the house means less heat has to be put in.
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Title Post: Whats the difference between an electric and gas furnace? as far as cost and upkeep go?
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