Furnaces in Fresno, CA by Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning

Gas vs. Electric Furnaces: What Makes Them Different

Gas furnaces have long been the norm for many homes heating with a furnace, but gas isn’t always available to every homeowner, making an electric furnace a good option for certain properties. There are some basic commonalities between gas and electric furnaces, such as both systems needing a blower and ductwork to deliver warm air to your living spaces. But the way each generates heat is quite different.

In a gas furnace, natural gas is used to generate heat. The process is fairly simple: the gas jets in the burner are lit, and the burner heats a component called the heat exchanger. The warm air generated on the outside of the heat exchanger is blow into your home while the toxic byproducts from the combustion process are vented directly through the heat exchanger and out your flue. With an electric furnace, there is a single point of heat generation: the heating element. The heating element consists of multiple layers of tightly–wound metal coils that, when electrified, heat to a point of being red–hot. This generated warm air is then blown into your home; there is no need for a flue because there are no toxic byproducts to vent.

Which Is Best for You?

When choosing a furnace for your home, whether it be a replacement furnace or a brand new installation, it is important to work with an expert. Type of fuel is an important factor when choosing a furnace for your home, but so is size and energy efficiency. Working with an installation expert, like the ones at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning, ensures that you’ll purchase and install a system that fits with your home, your needs and your family. Do you need a new furnace, or have a new home that needs a heating system? Call us today and schedule an appointment with one of our specialists!

We Install, Repair, Replace and Maintain Furnaces

Working with a company that offers comprehensive furnace services throughout the Fresno, CA area is good for both you and your heating system. If your current system is off–track and in need of maintenance, or it’s time to consider a replacement, call the company you can count on for furnace repairs, installations, and maintenance: Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning.