The two most common choices for home heating these days are natural gas furnaces or an air source electric heat pump. So, which is better? Ultimately, only you can make that decision for your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home, but Merts Heating & Air Conditioning wants to make sure you have all the information you need to make that decision.
The choice may be made for you
For some of you, there may be very little choice in the matter. If there is no natural gas service to your home you can opt for propane, but that means having a large tank on your property. If you don’t want that then a heat pump is likely the best choice, but let’s do a little more comparison work before making a decision.
Natural gas is king
There are good reasons why this is true. In terms of efficiency and cost, gas makes the most sense if it’s available. Modern gas furnaces have heating efficiency ratings of 95% or higher and thanks to record supplies natural gas prices have stayed low.
When gas is not available
Air source heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heat, but electricity will almost always cost more than natural gas. Ten or 20 years ago Merts would not have recommended heat pumps because of the cold Illinois and Northwest Indiana winters, but technological advances have changed that. Heat pumps are able to provide comfort even when the temperature drops down close to zero. Another advantage is heat pumps also provide air conditioning during the summer.
So Merts recommends natural gas, right?
For the most part this is correct if natural gas service is available. Gas furnaces are extraordinarily reliable and safe, but there is always some risk. Choosing an electric heat pump means there is NO risk of a gas explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. If that’s important to you then a heat pump may be the best choice.
Merts is ready to help
If you have any more questions about heating efficiency and which system is best for you, call Merts Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your free no-obligation estimate. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.