The furnace is at the heart of forced air heating, where a blower forces warmed air through ducts to heat your home. There are five basic types of furnaces, depending on what powers them. All have pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Natural Gas Furnaces
Most furnaces in the United States are powered by natural gas. The pros of this type of furnace are that it heats up right away, it’s a little bit more environmentally friendly, and it costs less to run, at least in the long term. A natural gas furnace is a good choice for a large house.
The cons of natural gas are that if it leaks, it can lead to dangerous carbon dioxide poisoning, and it costs more to install. You’ll also need to hook the furnace up to a gas company, and you may live in a place where that’s not feasible.
Pros and Cons of Electric Furnaces
Electric furnaces are also popular. They’re less expensive to install than gas or propane furnaces, and they’re very efficient. On the other hand, they do eat up a lot of electricity, which means higher energy bills. They also don’t heat your home as well during cold winters. Plus, if your power goes out, you’re out of heat.
Oil-powered Furnaces Pros and Cons
People may prefer oil furnaces because they bring a lot of heat, and they have a long working life. Like propane furnaces, they’re also appropriate for places that can’t access a gas company. The cons of owning an oil furnace are that they’re expensive to operate, they’re a bit dirty, and they need a lot of care.
Propane Furnaces Pros and Cons
Propane is another name for liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG. It’s brought to your home via truck, then pumped into a tank near your house. Other than that, a propane furnace acts much like a natural gas furnace, though it costs less to operate. It also heats up quickly and has the advantage of being able to be used in homes that don’t have access to a gas company.
The drawbacks of propane furnaces are that they’re less efficient than gas furnaces, they’re pricey to install, and you need to have space for the tank.
Wood Furnaces Pros and Cons
Wood furnaces are great for cold climates and for people who want to save a bit of money. They can be less expensive to install than other types of furnaces, produce lots of heat, and are just the thing for people who live in remote areas. Cons of a wood furnace are that it’s not as efficient as the other kinds of furnaces, you’ll have to find a place to store lots of wood, and you’ll need to clean up all the resultant ash.
Learn More About Furnaces
If you’re looking for a furnace that’s just right for your home, furnace technicians can help. Schedule furnace installation services in Salt Lake City, Utah with our professionals at Whipple Plumbing.
