Can You Replace a Gas Furnace With an Electric?

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 both keep your home warm during the chilly winter months, they operate differently and provide different benefits. Many people want to switch from gas to electricity to lower their carbon footprint, while others prefer the smaller, more compact design of electric furnaces.

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 we list some common services you may need before switching to an electric furnace.

Additional Wiring

Sometimes you need to install additional wiring for the electrical unit to operate. Many modern electric furnaces demand 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 has sufficient wiring already 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.

Always ensure your systems have the same energy source to ensure 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.

Talk to a professional HVAC company to assess your home’s ductwork and determine if it needs an upgrade before installing your new furnace.

Plenum Installation

Many homeowners need to 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 your home whenever you run your furnace. Installing a new plenum can raise the initial installation cost, but it’s relativity affordable and won’t significantly increase the price.

However, you need to 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 make 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 low- to middle-income households with rebates for switching to electric furnaces. 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 provides a great way to reduce 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 makes a fantastic way to heat your home while saving money and lowering carbon emissions, consider some other ways to take your home’s heating abilities to new heights. Below we reveal some tips and tricks to heat 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 and make the switch to electric furnaces today!