Comparing Types of Furnaces

Gas vs Electric Furnace

The gas vs electric furnace comparison obviously starts with fuel source, but there are some significant differences between the two in terms of installation and operating costs, expected lifetime and climates for which they are best suited.

Natural gas furnaces typically heat the home faster because they can generate warm air at higher temperatures than an electrical heat system. Because of this and due to generally lower costs for natural gas, these furnaces are best suited for colder, northern climates where the heating season is longer and more intense.

Keep in mind that other differences between gas and electric furnaces include installation and maintenance costs and expected lifespan. In these areas, electric models can have the advantage. Electric furnaces don’t require venting systems or gas hookups and can cost less to purchase and install. Gas furnaces also require more standard maintenance, so those costs will be higher as well. Electric units are often quieter than gas models and often can last longer too.

Gas vs Oil Heating

Making the decision between gas vs oil heating often comes down to the availability of the fuel source. For example, in rural areas and some older neighborhoods, natural gas pipelines aren’t, making oil heating a good option. Both use internal combustion to create heat, and both are very effective options for colder climates. However, they do have a number of differences, that we will highlight here:

Natural gas furnaces typically have a lower initial costs for the furnace itself, and the gas is supplied through a pipeline infrastructure which may not be available in certain areas.

Oil burning furnaces convert more heat per BTU than other heating sources, however they typically have slightly lower AFUE efficiency ratings than natural gas models and they also require a storage tank for fuel which can add cost to an oil furnace installation.

Both types of furnaces require regular maintenance, but gas furnaces don’t have the soot and dirt buildup of oil furnaces which can add time and cost for professional cleaning.

Oil Furnace vs Electric Furnace Cost

Looking at the oil furnace vs electric furnace comparison, let’s start by analyzing upfront costs. Average cost, including furnace installation is about $400 - $600 more for an oil furnace.¹ If you need to also install a tank for the fuel oil, add another roughly two thousand dollars for the oil furnace.¹ Both types of furnaces are often installed as a central, forced air type of system.

In terms of comfort, fuel oil heated homes heat up faster because oil furnaces create higher temperatures than electric furnaces. And, oil furnaces tend to be a better choice for colder climates, while electric furnaces are more commonly used in warmer climates with less need for heating.

Looking at long-term costs, fuel oil prices tend to fluctuate more than electricity. For 2020, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) was predicting the cost for heating with fuel oil vs electric heat to be very close – around $1200 per heating season.² However, cost comparisons for the winter of 2014-2015 were quite different – an average of $960 for electric heat vs $1851 for heating oil.²

Benefits Overview for Types of Furnaces

As we compare gas vs oil vs electric furnaces, there really is no clear winner for all situations. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The best fit is the one that matches your climate as well as your personal expectations for comfort, initial and long-term costs, and available fuel sources in your area. Here is an overview of pros and cons of each:

Gas Furnaces

Benefits:

• Low fuel costs
• High energy efficiency / low operating costs
• Warmer heating temperatures for colder climates
• No fuel tank needed

Disadvantages:

• Requires pipeline infrastructure to deliver the natural gas which might not be available in all areas
• Installation requires outside venting and gas hookup which may increase initial cost
• Potential for natural gas leak or CO infiltration

Oil Furnaces

Benefits:

• Generates more heat per BTU than natural gas
• Fuel oil can be delivered to remote areas where gas lines are not available

Disadvantages:

• Higher first cost for the furnace compared to natural gas
• Higher fuel oil prices and more cost volatility
• Lower energy efficiency (AFUE) than natural gas models
• Needs more maintenance due to more dirt and soot buildup, oil filter changes, and chimney cleaning

Electric Furnaces

Benefits:

• Lower initial cost for furnace & installation
• Longer average lifespan
• Quiet operation
• No potentially harmful gas byproducts

Disadvantages:

• Generates lower heating temperatures
• Less capable in colder climates
• High AFUE (efficiency) means it’s efficient at converting fuel to heat – but doesn’t reflect how expensive it can be to rely totally on electric resistance heating

Forced Air Furnace

Contact A Carrier Expert For More on Gas, Oil, and Electric Furnaces 

Still having trouble deciding which option is best for you? Carrier has you covered. Not only do we offer a comprehensive family of furnaces available for residential use, we have a nationwide network of experts ready to help determine the right option for your home. Find a local Carrier expert

¹https://homeguide.com/costs/oil-furnace-cost
¹https://homeguide.com/costs/electric-furnace-cost
² https://www.smarttouchenergy.com/resources/guide-to-home-heating-systems/oil-heating-versus-electric-heating