Do you need to get a new furnace for your home? If so, you'll have to make a decision about what type of fuel source it will use. Furnaces typically use either gas or electricity to power the appliance, with there being some big differences between the two. By knowing that those differences are, you can make an informed decision about what is best for your home. 

1. Gas Furnaces

It is only possible to have a gas furnace in your home if you have a natural gas connection. If you want to make the swap from electric to gas, you must figure out if it is possible to have a natural gas connection installed to your home. Even if it costs more to have a gas line installed, know that you will see cost savings over the years due to gas furnaces being more affordable to run. This is one of the biggest factors people use when deciding on what type of furnace to use since your furnace will likely last for the next 20 to 30 years. 

Gas furnaces are also known for being quite powerful. It is easy for them to produce the heat needed to meet the demands of your home without putting too much strain on the equipment. This is the main reason why gas furnaces tend to last longer than their electric counterparts. You'll also notice that a gas furnace will start producing hot air very fast, which helps get your home to a comfortable temperature in a shorter period of time. 

2. Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces have a benefit of being much more affordable to install, which may be ideal for those homeowners on a tight budget and do not have the cash on hand to purchase a more expensive furnace. Even though the furnace may cost more money in the end, the primary concern is about paying for the furnace at the time of replacement. In addition, every home has electricity, so it should always be an option to get an electric furnace.

You'll also find that electric furnaces tend to be more energy-efficient. Sometimes the concern is not about how much money it costs to run the furnace, but the impact it has on the environment. Electric furnaces can also be powered by solar power or wind power, making an impact on the environment minimal. 

Electric furnaces also will not use gas combustion to power the furnace. This gives homeowners peace of mind that they don't have to worry about gas leaks that can happen in their home due to a problem with their furnace.