Furnaces come in various shapes, styles, and designs, two of the most popular being gas and electric models. Many Ocala, FL, residents wonder if they can replace their gas furnaces with an electric variation and if making the switch is worth the investment. So, can you replace a gas furnace with an electric model?
Fortunately, Fast Air Repair can tell you everything you need to know about switching from a gas furnace to an electric furnace.
Fast Air Repair is Ocala’s professional heating installation company. We offer high-quality heating and cooling services that will keep your HVAC system in impeccable condition throughout the year. From furnace installation to regular maintenance, no job is too big or too small for the experts at Fast Air Repair.
Can You Switch From a Gas Furnace to an Electric Furnace?
Again, gas and electric furnaces represent two of the most popular furnace types in the United States. Although they keep your home warm during the chilly winter, they operate differently and provide different benefits. Many people want to switch from gas to electricity to lower their carbon footprint, while others prefer electric furnaces’ smaller, more compact designs.
So, can you replace a gas furnace with an electric furnace?
In most cases, yes. Most Ocala, FL, homes allow you to replace your old furnace with a new electric variation. However, some require additional services before the installation process. Below are some common services you may need before switching to an electric furnace.
Additional Wiring
Sometimes, additional wiring is needed for the electrical unit to operate. Many modern electric furnaces require more voltage to run, requiring you to upgrade your wiring before installing the furnace.
Fortunately, most electricians can easily install new wiring for your new furnace. If your home already has sufficient wiring and doesn’t require additional breakers or voltage, an HVAC specialist can install your new electric furnace using the existing wiring.
Matching Heating and Cooling Systems
Heating and cooling systems work best when they feature the same energy source. For example, if you have an electric furnace and a traditional gas-powered air conditioner, they won’t work as efficiently as matching electrical systems. Mismatched heaters and air conditioners can also adversely affect your monthly heating bills, making them much more expensive.
Ensure your systems have the same energy source for optional performance and lower utility payments.
Ductwork
Sometimes a home’s ductwork isn’t suitable for electrical furnaces if the ducts were made specifically for gas models. Upgrading your ductwork to correlate with electric furnaces will maximize your unit’s efficiency and your home’s overall comfort level. However, air ducts designed for gas variations typically have the opposite effect, making it difficult to maintain a pleasant indoor temperature during winter.
Before installing your new furnace, talk to a professional HVAC company to assess your home’s ductwork and determine if it needs an upgrade.
Plenum Installation
Many homeowners must install a new plenum before switching from a gas furnace to an electric model. A plenum is a small air distribution box that supplies heat throughout the home whenever the furnace is running. Although installing a new plenum can raise the initial installation cost, it’s relatively affordable and won’t significantly increase the price.
However, you must note that installing any furnace, regardless of its energy source, typically requires a new plenum.
How Much Does Replacing a Gas Furnace With an Electric Furnace Cost?
Replacing a gas furnace with an electrical variation often costs between $2,900 and $9,500. However, several factors affect the installation costs, such as size, model, and labor requirements. Consider some of the factors that affect furnace installation.
- Furnace price: $600 to $2,600
- Gas furnace disposal and removal: $150 to $400
- Electrical wiring upgrades: $1,300 to $2,500
- Inspections and permits: $250 to $1,500
- Labor demands: $600 to $2,500
- Vent and ductwork replacement: $1,400 to $5,600
Benefits of Switching to an Electric Furnace
Homeowners often ask, “Can you replace a gas furnace with an electric furnace, and does it provide any benefits?” Switching to an electric furnace provides several benefits ranging from reduced carbon emissions to safer heating. Continue reading for some common advantages of electric furnaces in Ocala, FL.
Saves Money
Electric furnaces are a more energy-efficient option than gas variations and allow homeowners to save more than $400 yearly. They use refrigerant’s expansion properties to warm your residence, saving you hundreds or more over time. Although they have higher upfront costs, the savings make them more cost-effective in the long run.
The IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) provides rebates for switching to electric furnaces for low—to middle-income households. Low-income homeowners can receive a 100% rebate to install a new electric furnace, while middle-income homeowners receive up to 50%. The IRA also helps pay for additional wiring for qualified households.
The Inflation Reduction Act also offers rebates for switching other gas fixtures and appliances to electric variations. You can receive additional rebates for installing electric stoves, water heaters, dryers, and more, pushing your savings even further. Going all-electric can save you up to $500 a year, keeping more money in your pocket while reducing your carbon footprint.
Talk to your HVAC company and research the Inflation Reduction Act to see if you qualify for rebates.
More Environmentally Friendly
Many Ocala, FL, homeowners want an environmentally friendly alternative to gas furnaces to lower their carbon footprint. Switching to an electric furnace greatly reduces your carbon emissions without sacrificing your home’s indoor comfort. In fact, installing an electric furnace in your home or business can cut your HVAC’s carbon footprint in half, giving you peace of mind when using your heating system.
Safer Operation
Gas furnaces are more prone to carbon monoxide leaks and explosions than electric models, making them more dangerous. Although most gas furnaces feature internal safeguards that prevent these issues, they aren’t 100% effective and can still put you and your home at risk. Electric furnaces don’t utilize combustion and don’t pose a significant safety threat if properly installed.
Additional Tips for Heating Your Home
Although replacing your gas furnace with an electric furnace is a fantastic way to heat your home while saving money and lowering carbon emissions, consider some other ways to enhance your home’s heating abilities. Below, we reveal some tips and tricks for heating your home.
- Install a smart thermostat when switching to an electric furnace
- Only heat areas in use
- Leave the shower door or oven open after use
- Add additional insulation in vulnerable areas
- Purchase a humidifier
Utilizing these tips after installing an electric furnace will help you save money while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. The heating and cooling specialists at Fast Air Repair can provide additional residential heating tips while handling all your furnace installation needs.
Contact Fast Air Repair for Professional Furnace Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Services in Ocala, FL
Next time you ask yourself, “Can you replace a gas furnace with an electric model?” or “Do new furnaces have pilot lights?” contact Fast Air Repair. Our heating and cooling specialists will equip your home with a first-rate electric furnace at a price that won’t break the bank. Whether you need to switch to an electric furnace or want to know about annual fuel utilization efficiency, Fast Air Repair is here for you.
Give Fast Air Repair a call at 352-329-3437 or complete our online form to switch to electric furnaces today!