Electric vs. Gas Furnace: Which Is Better for Seattle Homeowners?

Seattle is a city known for being chilly. With average lows in the 30s and 40s for seven months of the year, the heating system you choose greatly impacts your comfort and utility bills.

Two of the most popular options for homeowners are electric and gas furnaces. While both will keep your home warm, their cost, efficiency, and longevity differ. Let’s take a closer look at which type of furnace might be best for your Seattle home.

Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces are a great option for many Seattle homeowners due to their simplicity and lower upfront cost.

These furnaces use electric heating elements to warm the air, which is then distributed throughout the house via ductwork.

Pros of Electric Furnaces

• More affordable than a gas system
• Long lifespan of 20 to 30 years
• Quiet operation
• Easy installation
• Low maintenance needs

Cons of Electric Furnaces

• Higher monthly energy bills
• Slower to heat larger homes
• Less powerful in extreme cold

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are known for their powerful, fast heating capabilities. They work by burning natural gas, which heats a metal heat exchanger.

Air from your home is then blown over the hot exchanger, warming it before distributing it through your ductwork.

Pros of Gas Furnaces

• Lower operating costs compared to electric
• Heats up quickly
• Produces higher temperatures
• Efficient in larger homes

Cons of Gas Furnaces

• Higher upfront cost
• More complex installation
• Requires a natural gas line
• Safety hazards without routine maintenance
• Shorter lifespan compared to electric

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Furnace

There are several factors Seattle homeowners should keep in mind when choosing between an electric and gas furnace:

Installation Costs

The cost of installing a furnace can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the home and the specific furnace model chosen.

• Gas furnace installation cost: A gas furnace in Seattle, including installation, typically ranges from $3,800 to $10,000.
• Electric furnace installation cost: Electric furnaces are generally less expensive, with installation costs in Seattle ranging from $2,000 to $7,000.

The higher end of this spectrum is for more powerful or high-efficiency models or if additional work like gas line installation or ductwork adjustment is required.

Rebates

There are financial incentives available for Seattle homeowners who choose energy-efficient furnace options:

• Federal tax credit: Homeowners can qualify for up to $600 in federal tax credits for ENERGY STAR®-certified gas furnaces with an AFUE rating of 97% or higher.
• Utility rebates: Puget Sound Energy offers a $250 rebate for natural gas furnaces with an AFUE rating of 95% or higher. A $750 Efficiency Boost rebate is available based on income.

Energy Efficiency

Furnace efficiency is measured by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. It’s expressed as a percentage of how much fuel a furnace converts into heat. A furnace with an AFUE of 97% converts 97% of its fuel into heat and loses 3% to exhaust.

• Gas furnaces: Look for gas furnaces with AFUE ratings of at least 90% to maximize efficiency.
• Electric furnaces: All electric furnaces have an AFUE of 100% because of how they work — there’s no exhaust with electrical resistance heating, so they don’t lose any energy to exhaust.

Operating Costs

While electricity in Seattle is significantly cheaper than the national average, it all comes down to usage.

Gas furnaces typically heat the air more quickly. They can produce heat at higher temperatures, which means they consume less natural gas overall to heat a home than the electricity electric furnaces would need to achieve similar results.

So, while electric furnaces are cheaper to install and more energy-efficient, gas furnaces typically cost less to operate.

Lifespan

Electric furnaces tend to last longer, typically 20 to 30 years, while gas furnaces usually last 15 to 20 years. You need annual tune-ups to maximize your system’s lifespan and avoid premature replacement.

Maintenance

Both electric and gas furnaces require regular maintenance for safe and energy-efficient operation. However, gas furnaces need more monitoring due to the risks of carbon monoxide and natural gas leaks.

We recommend scheduling fall tune-ups for both types of furnaces to prevent breakdowns during the winter.

Choose AAA Heating & Air for Furnace Installation in Seattle

A furnace is a big investment, so get help choosing and installing yours from a locally owned and trusted HVAC contractor.

With over 35 years of experience serving the Puget Sound area, AAA Heating & Air Conditioning is the trusted resource for furnace installation among King, Pierce, and Snohomish County homeowners.

We offer upfront pricing, free estimates, and financing options to make your installation as seamless as possible. Don’t settle for less regarding your home’s comfort — choose AAA Heating & Air.

Contact our team to schedule furnace installation in Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Maple Valley, or Seattle.