Should I Convert to a Gas Furnace?
Other People Are Reading
-
Natural Gas is Efficient and Cost-Effective
-
Natural gas is a highly efficient fuel source. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a high-efficiency natural gas furnace has an estimated efficiency of 97 percent, compared with 89 percent for high-efficiency oil systems and 80 percent for a typical central heating system. Using the DOE's Heating Fuel Comparison Calculator, it's possible to see how heating with natural gas can be a favorable option when compared with oil or electric heat.
-
Cost of Upgrading vs. Return
-
The cost of a new furnace may not be worth it for the return in energy saving. The DOE estimates upgrading from an older furnace that heats at 70 percent efficiency to a 95 percent efficient furnace can save $26 of every $100 in heating costs. However, upgrading to a more efficient furnace may not be worth the several thousand dollars it costs to install a new gas furnace.
Bottom Line
-
Follow the U.S. government's Energy Star program recommendations and consider converting your furnace to gas if it's more than 15 years old, needs frequent repairs or produces higher energy bills than you expect.
References
- Photo Credit house image by Cora Reed from Fotolia.com
