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Are you replacing your old residential gas furnace? Are you exploring the idea of switching to a different fuel source? There are various types of furnaces today, with gas and electric as the most popular fuel types. Although electric heating is becoming increasingly popular, it may not be the best choice for your home. Thus, before you switch from gas to electric, consider the following benefits of maintaining gas as your fuel source. 

Low installation costs

Replacing your gas furnace with the same fuel source may lower the installation costs. Since the furnace uses the same infrastructure as the old one, you don't need to retrofit your central heating system to accommodate the new equipment. On the other hand, electric heaters vary in their mode of heating. Some have ductless heat pumps, while others use ductwork to heat the home. If you choose a ductless heating system, your old ductwork will go to waste. You will also spend more money to install the new system.

Efficient heating

Modern furnaces have a two-stage heating system with a low and a high setting. The lower setting is suitable during mild winters as it delivers moderate heat into the house. The high setting cranks up the heat during the coldest months. This feature allows the furnace to consume significantly less energy to heat your home. Two-stage heating makes gas furnaces usable in areas with mild to severely cold winters.

Sealed combustion

Conventional furnaces use atmospheric combustion. They pull air from the home to aid in the combustion process. If there's incomplete combustion, the gases may mix with the air in your home and expose you to carbon monoxide poisoning. If your old furnace has an open flame, it is an atmospheric combustion furnace.

Modern furnaces have sealed combustion. The appliance has a supply pipe and a return vent. The supply vent pulls air from outside the home for heating, while the return vent removes combustion gases. As a result, your furnace receives enough air to ignite the gas. Any gasses emitted during the process are vented outside the home and do not mix with the indoor air.

Electronic ignition system

The electronic ignition feature is a replacement for the traditional pilot light. A standard pilot needs to stay on at all times, and it requires a constant flow of gas to remain lit throughout. This can lead to gas wastage. Electronic ignitions use power to light the furnace. The pilot light comes on when the system is beginning a heating cycle. There's minimal gas wastage with this system. Also, you don't need to worry about the pilot light going out or requiring re-ignition.

Modern gas furnaces are efficient and can generate significant annual savings. Therefore, as you replace your old furnace, consider sticking to gas as your fuel source. 

If you have additional questions, contact a local gas heating service.