Gas vs. Electric Heat
Many people wonder about the benefits of using electric over gas heating and vice versa. This debate seems to frequently come up when deciding what kind of heating system to choose that will best suit your needs. For that reason, we will be discussing gas vs electric heat to help you make the most informed decision possible.
Gas Heat
A gas heater uses burning natural gas, butane, propane, or liquefied petroleum to heat a space.
Heaters that use gas heat work by passing cold air over a heat exchanger, this cold air is then warmed by gas combustion. After being warmed, the air can be pushed through heating ducts and into the desired heating spaces and can be controlled by a thermostat. For this article we are looking at natural gas in particular.
As an energy efficient way to heat your home, natural gas provides benefits such as:
- Less dry air
- Low cost in areas where the cost of natural gas is low
- The option of adding a humidifier to gas furnaces for added comfort
Electric Heat
Electric heaters work on the principle of Joule heating where an electric current runs through a resister with finite conductivity and electric energy is converted to heat through resistive losses in the material. Newer electric heaters commonly use nichrome wore as the active element or resister.
For those who don’t have natural gas lines or when natural gas is too costly, electric heat can offer:
- Convenience or easy installation
- Can be used in explosion proof areas
- Better temperature control
- Spot heating
- Portable
- Lower installed costs
Factors to Consider
There are other factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing the right type of heating such as:
- The size of the room or space to be heated
- Utility rates
- System durability
- Maintenance and repair costs
- Installation cost
- Tax credits
If you are looking for a more all around convenient heating system that can be used in a variety of applications, then electric heating may be the best choice for you. Learn more about the customized heating options one of INDEECO’s heaters can offer you by contacting our knowledgeable experts at 314-644-4300 or visit our website for a full line of products at www.heatrex.com.