Electric vs Gas Heating: Which One Fits Your Home Best?

(A clear guide for homeowners choosing the right heating system)

If you’re planning to upgrade your home’s heating system, you’ve probably asked yourself the big one: electric or gas?It’s not just about the utility bill — your decision affects comfort, safety, sustainability, and even resale value.

Let’s break it down in plain language, comparing costs, performance, and maintenance so you can confidently choose what’s best for your home.

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🔥 The Basics: How Each Heating System Works

Electric Furnaces like the Goodman 68,240 BTU / 20 kW model convert electrical energy directly into heat using heating elements (similar to a giant version of a toaster). The system’s blower then pushes that warm air through your ducts. There’s no combustion, no exhaust, and no need for gas lines — which makes it a cleaner, simpler system overall.

Gas Furnaces, on the other hand, use natural gas or propane. The gas burns inside a heat exchanger, warming the air that’s distributed throughout your home. Because combustion produces carbon monoxide, these systems always need venting and periodic safety checks.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, both types can achieve excellent comfort, but each has advantages depending on where you live and how your home is built.

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💵 1. Installation & Upfront Cost

If your home doesn’t already have a gas line, running one can add thousands to the project. In contrast, an electric furnace only needs sufficient electrical capacity — which, for a 20 kW model, usually means a dedicated 100-amp circuit.

(Based on national estimates from the Energy Information Administration and HomeAdvisor HVAC cost data.)

For new builds or all-electric homes, electric systems often win on simplicity and safety. But in older homes already equipped with gas service, installation cost may tilt in favor of gas.

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⚙️ 2. Operating Cost — Where the Real Battle Begins

Energy prices vary widely by region. The EIA’s residential energy survey shows that electricity costs about three to four times more per unit of energy than natural gas.

However, because electric furnaces are 100% efficient at the point of use (every kilowatt of electricity becomes heat), while gas systems average 80–98% efficiency, the actual operating cost difference depends on your local rates.

Example:
Let’s assume you need 50 million BTUs of heat per winter.

• At $0.15/kWh (U.S. average), an electric furnace costs roughly $2,200 per season.

• At $1.30/therm for natural gas, a 95% efficient furnace costs about $700–$800 per season.

So, in colder regions with long winters and low gas prices, gas is typically cheaper to run. But in milder climates or areas with low electric rates, the gap narrows — and sometimes electric wins.

The Energy Star Home Heating Guide suggests that pairing electric systems with smart thermostats or solar panels can offset most of the cost difference over time.

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🌡️ 3. Performance & Comfort

Both systems deliver consistent warmth, but their comfort profiles differ slightly.

Gas Furnaces:

• Heat air faster, producing higher supply temperatures (110–140°F).

• Better for extreme cold where quick recovery is important.

• May cause uneven heating if ducts aren’t properly balanced.

Electric Furnaces:

• Deliver gentle, even heat that feels steady.

• Avoid the “blast of hot air” effect from gas systems.

• Great for well-insulated homes or moderate climates.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) emphasizes that correct sizing — not fuel type — determines true comfort. Oversized systems of any type cycle too quickly, wasting energy and creating temperature swings.

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🌍 4. Environmental Impact & Emissions

Here’s where electric furnaces really shine. They produce zero on-site emissions, since there’s no combustion. The only carbon footprint comes from the electricity source powering your home.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, homes powered by renewables (like solar or wind) effectively achieve carbon-neutral heating. Even grid electricity is getting cleaner each year as utilities adopt renewable energy.

Gas systems, while efficient, still emit carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides during combustion. And methane leaks from gas infrastructure can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions beyond what you see on your utility bill.

If sustainability or future regulatory compliance matters to you, going electric aligns with both state and federal energy goals — especially under the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy initiatives.

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⚡ 5. Maintenance & Longevity

Electric systems are simpler — no burners, no igniters, and no exhaust flues to clean. A yearly filter change, an electrical inspection, and coil cleaning usually suffice.

Gas furnaces, while robust, require more detailed servicing:

• Annual inspection of burners and heat exchanger.

• Regular carbon monoxide testing.

• Flue and vent cleaning for safety.

The Energy Star maintenance guide notes that routine servicing extends lifespan and prevents carbon monoxide hazards in gas units.

Average Lifespan:

• Electric: 20–25 years (fewer moving parts).

• Gas: 15–20 years (more wear from combustion).

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) confirms that electric heating systems often outlast their gas counterparts, especially in low-dust or low-humidity regions.

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🧰 6. Safety & Reliability

Because electric furnaces don’t burn fuel, there’s no risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide. They also have built-in circuit protection and thermal cutoffs to prevent overheating.

Gas systems are safe when maintained — but ignoring annual service can lead to combustion inefficiencies, pilot issues, or in rare cases, dangerous CO leaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists heating equipment as a leading cause of CO exposure incidents in winter months.

If peace of mind and simplicity are top priorities, electric wins easily here.

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💸 7. Incentives & Rebates

Electric heating is gaining traction thanks to energy transition programs. Federal and local rebates can offset installation costs significantly.

For example, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) tracks programs offering $500–$2,000 rebates for installing high-efficiency electric or heat pump systems. Some utility providers also give time-of-use discounts for off-peak electric heating.

Gas furnaces, while efficient, generally receive fewer rebates because they rely on fossil fuels.

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🧩 8. Hybrid Solutions — The Best of Both Worlds

If you live in an area with fluctuating temperatures, consider a dual-fuel system: pairing an electric furnace (like the Goodman 20 kW model) with a heat pump or gas backup.

This setup automatically switches between electric and gas depending on outdoor temperature and energy rates. The DOE’s dual-fuel overview shows these systems can cut operating costs by up to 25% annually while maintaining perfect comfort.

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🏁 Jake’s Take: Choosing What’s Right for You

Let’s keep it real — both electric and gas heating can be excellent. The right choice depends on your climate, utility rates, and personal priorities.

Go Electric If:

• You live in a mild or moderate climate.

• You value quiet, clean, low-maintenance operation.

• You want to future-proof your home for renewable energy.

Go Gas If:

• Winters are harsh and long.

• Natural gas prices in your area are low.

• You already have gas infrastructure installed.

For many modern homes, especially new builds or all-electric renovations, the Goodman 68,240 BTU / 20 kW electric furnace hits the sweet spot — steady comfort, safe operation, and zero emissions at the source.

In the next Blog we will learn more about Understanding Furnace Specs: What 68,240 BTU and 20 kW Really Mean

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