Winters in the Chicago suburbs can get cold, so it’s important to have the right type of heating system for your home. Understanding the differences between gas and electric heaters will help you determine the best system for your needs. The experts at G&R Heating and Air are here to explain the pros and cons of these popular heating systems.
How Does a Gas Heater Work?
A gas heater or gas furnace works by burning natural gas or propane in a burner. The heater is directly connected to a gas line that runs to your home. The burner heats the metal heat exchanger as cold air from the room is blown over it. This process allows the heat exchanger to absorb heat and circulate warm air back into the room through ducts while venting the exhaust gases outside.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when looking at how a gas heater works:
- Fuel source: Gas heaters use natural gas or propane as the primary fuel source to generate heat.
- Combustion chamber: The gas or propane is ignited inside a burner located in the combustion chamber.
- Heat exchanger: When the pilot light is lit, the flame heats a metal heat exchanger, which transfers the heat to the air flowing over it.
- Blower fan: The blower fan forces warmed air through your ductwork and into your home via vents in different rooms.
- Exhaust fan: As the gas burns, the combustion gases are pushed outdoors through a component called the flue or exhaust pipe.
- Return ducts: When the indoor air temperature increases, vents distribute the warm air throughout your home, and cold air is redirected to the furnace through return ducts.
- Thermostat: When the thermostat senses that the preset temperature has been reached, it shuts off the gas valve until the indoor air temperature drops below the preset temperature again.
Pros and Cons of Gas Heaters
When weighing gas vs. electric heat, it’s important to look closely at the pros and cons of each. Here are some of the most important pros and cons of gas heaters.
Pros
- Gas heaters typically heat your home faster than electric heaters, so your home stays warm and cozy throughout the frigid Chicago winters. These heaters work faster than electric heaters because they reach maximum temperature as soon as the burners turn on.
- Gas heaters are more affordable and cost-efficient because natural gas and propane tend to cost less than electricity.
- If you opt for a new gas heating system, it can be connected to your home’s existing HVAC system. You won’t need to completely overhaul or replace the rest of the system as long as the heater can connect to a fuel line.
- Most people prefer gas heaters for their affordability and the fact that they tend to heat homes faster. This is a plus if you’re a landlord looking to rent your property or you’re planning to sell your house. Gas heaters typically boost home resale value.
Cons
- Although gas heaters are affordable in terms of operating costs, they’re more expensive to install upfront. This could be an issue if you need a new heating system installed and you’re on a tight budget.
- Gas heaters tend to have a shorter service life than electric heaters. A well-maintained gas heater should last between 15 and 20 years, while a comparable electric heater should last between 20 and 30 years.
- Gas heaters use a complex combustion process and may require more professional maintenance than electric heaters.
- Homeowners with a gas heater should install carbon monoxide detectors throughout their homes. Gas heaters and/or gas lines can potentially leak, resulting in dangerous carbon monoxide that could enter your home.
How Does an Electric Heater Work?
Electric heaters convert electrical current into heat energy through a heating element. This component generates heat when electricity flows through it. The heat is transferred to the surrounding air, warming the indoor air.
Here are some important factors to remember about how electric heaters work:
- Heating elements: Electric heaters use a wire or coil made of a material with a high electrical resistance. This component heats up as the electricity passes through it.
- Joule heating: An electric heater operates on the principle of Joule heating, in which electric current flowing through a resistor converts electrical energy into heat.
- Heat transfer: Once the heating element gets hot, it transfers heat to the surrounding air through convection, the movement of air. It may also use radiation, depending on the heating system’s design.
- Different types: Some electric heaters use a fan to circulate warm air, while others are baseboard heaters with heating elements embedded in a metal casing. Radiant electric heaters emit infrared radiation outward.
Pros and Cons of Electric Heaters
Here are the pros and cons of electric heaters to help determine the differences between electric and gas heating.
Pros
- Electric heaters are easier to install than most other heating systems, as they typically only need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
- These heaters have fewer moving parts than gas heaters, making them easier to operate and maintain.
- Electric heaters don’t burn fuel, so there’s no risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Some homeowners say electric heaters provide better and more precise heat control thanks to adjustable temperature settings.
- Electric heaters have no emissions, making them more environmentally friendly than gas heaters.
Cons
- Electric heaters are more expensive to operate because electricity costs more per unit of heat than propane or natural gas.
- If you have a large home or need to heat large spaces, electric heaters heat these areas less effectively than gas heaters.
- Electric heaters may make the air inside your home dry, causing issues like dry skin or eye, nose, and throat irritation.
- Some electric heaters require a dedicated circuit to run, resulting in higher installation costs.
Which Heater Is Right for You?
Before you call G&R Heating and Air for your next heater installation, consider these factors to help you determine which heater is right for you:
- Cost: Gas heaters usually cost less to operate than electric heaters, especially if you already have access to a gas supply or an existing gas line. However, if you don’t have a gas line, an electric heater is likely less expensive to install.
- Safety: Electric heaters are safer to operate because there are no worries about gas line leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Eco-friendliness: If you want a heater with a lower environmental impact, electric heaters are better because they don’t burn gases, and they’re even more eco-friendly if your electricity comes from renewable resources.
Considering a New Heater? Contact the Professionals at G&R Heating and Air
Now that you know more about the differences between gas and electric heaters, you can make an informed decision about how to heat your home. G&R Heating and Air installs a wide range of heating systems for our customers throughout the Chicago area. If you’d like to learn more about heating systems in Northern Illinois or if you need to schedule a free second opinion, contact us today!
