Keeping your home warm is a necessity as the cool seasons approach. Thankfully, you have a few options in terms of the type of system you wish to have installed. The three basic types are a heat pump, a gas furnace, and an electric heating system. While each has its own pros and cons, let’s focus on electric heating systems. Electric heating is typically cheaper and quicker to install and doesn’t require a natural gas line to operate. Learn more about the pros and cons of such a system below or schedule a free quote with us today!
What Are the Benefits of an Electric Heating System?
Lower Cost of Installation
Electric heating systems simply use a resistor to convert electricity into heat. This means there are fewer moving parts and components to install than with a traditional gas system. Electric heating systems also have a smaller footprint and can be retroactively added where there was no existing unit before. Our team can help give you an accurate quote on the installation of an electric system for your home.
Long Lifespan
Many electric heating systems have an estimated life of 25-30 years. When you compare that to the 15-20 lifespan for most gas systems, an electric unit makes a compelling argument. Of course, these estimates take into account routine maintenance, such as changing the air filter and having it inspected to ensure no issues are developing. We offer quick and affordable inspections and recommend homeowners have their systems inspected annually as our technicians can usually catch an issue before it develops into a costly repair or loss of service.
No Emissions or Harmful Fumes
When an electric heating system operates, it does so with virtually no byproducts. Unlike gas, an electric heater produces no smell or harmful carbon monoxide gases that require constant monitoring. Electric heating systems also do not add anything to your home’s air, ensuring your indoor air stays fresh. If the only appliance in your home that runs on gas is your furnace, an electric heating system is a great way to eliminate the need for natural gas.
Can Be Installed Without a Natural Gas Hookup
Though it may sound obvious, not having to run a natural gas hookup to your heating system can save you money and allow for more flexibility. An electric heating system can be placed where your old gas furnace was. Alternatively, it can be moved to another part of the room, independent of the gas line location.
Does Not Require Venting
Because no harmful gases or waste byproducts are produced from an electric heating system, there is nothing to vent. That means you can seal off the current vent in your home if you wish. You also don’t have to install a new vent if your home doesn’t have a place to vent the exhaust.
Less Maintenance and Lower Maintenance Costs
When it comes to maintaining an electric heating system, you only need to worry about keeping it clean and having it inspected. Changing the air filter, as recommended on the packaging, and keeping the system clean of excessive dust goes a long way in keeping an electric heating system running its best for decades. The other important step in ensuring your system is operating efficiently is to have it inspected at least once a year. Our technicians know exactly what to look for and can spot common signs that something needs replacing or repairing, usually before an issue ever surfaces.
Are There Any Downsides to an Electric Heating System?
As with anything, there are pros and cons to an electric heating system. Read below to find some of the most common complaints people have with their electric heating system. This can help you decide if an electric heating system will meet your needs.
Can Be More Expensive to Operate in Extreme Cold
While electric heating is considered 100% efficient, it is not as effective as gas heating. That means that, when the outdoor temperature drops to below freezing, an electric heating system expends a lot of energy keeping your house warm. This poses no risk to the system; it just means you might see a higher energy bill for the month. This is less of an issue in newer homes with more modern insulation. However, it can be an issue with older homes that have less effective insulation.
Can Be Less Effective in Extreme Temperatures
In addition to being more expensive as the temperature drops, electric heating systems can sometimes feel “colder” than their gas counterparts. While they generally keep your home at the temperature you set it to, they sometimes make certain rooms or areas of your house feel cooler only because the air coming out of the vents isn’t as hot.
Takes Longer to Heat
Because electric heating doesn’t produce as much heat as gas heating does, it means an electric system can sometimes take longer to heat your home. In most scenarios, electric heating systems won’t struggle to hold a constant temperature. However, they can take a bit longer to raise the temperature more than a couple degrees.
Repairs Can Be More Complicated
While we never recommend anyone work on any heating system that they are not qualified to work on, repairs on an electric system can sometimes be more time-consuming and expensive. Thankfully, issues are more rare on electric systems. Many customers can get by with little to no work on their electric system (besides general maintenance and inspections) for the entire life of the system.
Should I Get an Electric Heating System for My Home?
While replacing an old system can be a costly endeavor, the monthly savings and reliability of a new system are hard to overstate. Newer heating systems have become incredibly efficient in recent years and tend to last longer than they used to. If your current heater is on its last leg, give us a call today to schedule a consultation and quote on a modern system! We can even take care of the removal and cleanup of your current furnace and offer a “white glove” installation.
If your current gas furnace is still relatively modern and is working fine, we typically don’t recommend our customers replace the existing unit just to upgrade to an electric one. It can be worthwhile due to potential monthly savings, though, so feel free to have one of our experts take a look at your setup to see if the switch makes sense.
We work in the Sacramento area and the surrounding areas including Rancho Cordova, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, Folsom, Elk Grove, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, and more. If you are in the area and are looking for heating installation, air conditioning, or insulation services, give us a call at Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation today! We are available for scheduled or emergency appointments and make it our mission to keep your home safe and comfortable!