Gas or Electric: Make an Informed Decision

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Should you choose gas or electric HVAC systems for your home?

Choosing the type of HVAC system you will use in the home is a big deal. For many home owners, little information is known about such heating and cooling systems, making a choice difficult when it comes to a new installation. For the most part, one has to decide what type of unit to install based on a number of factors including energy efficiency and installation cost. Below is a short guide comparing two energy types to see what might work best for your home.

Electric

Electric heating and cooling is a type of HVAC system that is commonly used in the home. Unit types include ductless systems, central units and even window air conditioning systems. With an electric air conditioning installation, it is important to choose a unit that has a SEER rating that will support your needs. 

The term SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio. This term refers to the amount of cooling output of the air conditioning unit over a typical cooling season. This ratio is divided by the energy it consumes in Watt-Hours. A unit with a higher SEER rating means that the air conditioning system will use less energy to provide quality cooling in your home. It is recommended that you have a unit that functions with a 14 SEER or higher to spend less on cooling your home.

Natural Gas

With a gas installation, there is a little bit more involved than with an electric system. The unit will provide heating due to a gas burner with a fuel source of propane or natural gas. Because of this, additional components are needed during an installation such as piping and a connection to a gas line. An existing home can easily be converted to gas if the home owner so chooses. For new construction homes, a gas installation is easy if gas is installed to the home.

It can be confusing to make the decision between gas and electric units. To find out more, it is recommended that you consult with professional technicians in the heating and cooling industry. At Enercare, we will assist you by providing insight into both types of units. We will help you make an informed decision based on all factors that should be considered including energy efficiency and installation cost. Contact Enercare today to learn more about the many heating and cooling options for your home.