Are Electric or Gas Furnaces Better? Comparing Options for Kansas Homeowners

A lot of homeowners around Lawrence reach out to us when they are trying to figure out if they should go with an electric furnace or stick with a gas system. It comes up most often when an older furnace is starting to struggle or when someone is moving into a home that needs a new system right away. Both options work, and both can keep a home warm, but they do it differently. If you are not sure which way to go, you are not alone. We walk people through this choice all the time.

This guide gives you a simple look at how each system works, what the costs look like, how they heat during Kansas winters, and where each one tends to shine. By the end, you should have a clear sense of which direction fits your home better.

Comparing Gas vs. Electric Furnace Types for Your Home

An electric furnace warms air using heating elements powered by electricity. The blower moves that warm air through your ducts. A gas furnace burns natural gas to create heat inside a heat exchanger, then sends that heat through the home in the same way. Electric tends to be simpler. Gas tends to heat faster. Both can keep you comfortable through winter.

Upfront, Operating, and Long Term Costs

Electric furnaces usually cost less to install. They do not require venting and can fit just about anywhere. That is why some homeowners choose electric when they need a quick replacement or when natural gas is not available.

Gas furnaces cost more up front, but they usually cost less to run. Natural gas rates in Kansas are generally lower than electricity on a per-BTU basis. Over several seasons, that difference adds up. If you heat a larger home or run your system often, you will likely see lower monthly bills with gas.

Long term, both systems last many years with good maintenance. Electric can cost more to operate. Gas involves more components, but homeowners often save money over time.

Energy Efficiency

Electric furnaces are nearly one hundred percent efficient at the point of use because all the electricity becomes heat. That sounds perfect, but the cost of electricity can outweigh the benefit depending on the size of your home.

Gas furnaces have AFUE ratings that show how much heat they produce from the gas they burn. High efficiency gas units perform well in our region and often deliver more heat per dollar, especially in colder months.

Heating Performance

Kansas winters can drop fast and stay cold for days. Gas furnaces handle these stretches extremely well because they heat up quickly and recover fast when temperatures fall. If you live in a larger home or have long runs of ductwork, gas usually performs better.

Electric furnaces work just fine, but they can take longer to warm the home after temperatures fall. Smaller homes, well-insulated homes, or homes with mild heating needs tend to do well with electric. Homes that lose heat quickly usually lean toward gas.

Maintenance and Lifespan

Electric furnaces have fewer parts and require fewer yearly services. They do not involve combustion, so there is less to inspect.

Gas furnaces need regular checkups for burners, airflow, and venting. Safety checks are important, and tune ups help keep the system working at its best. With routine care, both systems can last well over a decade.

Safety Considerations Homeowners Should Know

Gas furnaces need proper venting and annual checks to make sure carbon monoxide is not entering the home. This is why we encourage yearly service.

Electric furnaces avoid combustion completely, but they still contain high-heat electrical parts that should be inspected for proper operation. Installed correctly, both systems are safe. The key is having a trained technician handle installation and maintenance.

Environmental Impact

Electric furnaces do not create emissions inside the home. Their overall impact depends on how electricity is produced in your area.

Gas furnaces burn natural gas, which does produce emissions, but they heat efficiently and work well during severe cold. Homeowners choose based on comfort, energy rates, and personal preference.

When an Electric Furnace Is Best

Electric furnaces work well for homes without natural gas lines, smaller homes, or homeowners who want a lower upfront cost. They also appeal to people who want a simpler system with fewer maintenance needs. If your home stays warm easily, electric is a solid choice.

When a Gas Furnace Is Best

Gas furnaces are a strong fit for larger homes, colder weather, and homeowners who already have natural gas access. They heat quickly and often cost less to run over time. If you want strong, steady heat during cold snaps, gas usually wins.

Electric vs. Gas Furnace Summary

Here is a quick breakdown that helps homeowners compare:

• Installation cost: Electric usually costs less.
• Operating cost: Gas tends to cost less to run.
• Heating strength: Gas heats faster in cold weather.
• Maintenance: Electric needs less, gas needs yearly checks.
• Lifespan: Both last many years with care.
• Best match: Electric fits smaller or well insulated homes. Gas fits larger homes or colder climates.

How to Choose the Best Heating System for Your Home

Choosing between an electric and gas furnace is easier when you walk through it step by step:

1. Evaluate your home’s size and insulation

Look at your square footage and how well your home holds heat. Poor insulation or larger spaces usually need more heating capacity.

2. Check your access to natural gas and electricity costs

Confirm whether natural gas is available at your address and compare local gas and electric rates. Energy availability and pricing will heavily influence long-term costs.

3. Think about your heating season and how fast your home loses heat

Consider how many months you run the heat and how quickly your home cools down on cold days. Homes that lose heat quickly or run the furnace for long stretches may benefit from a higher-output gas system.

4. Compare long-term energy costs, not just installation price

Upfront cost matters, but monthly bills add up over time. Look at estimated operating costs over several years to see which option makes more sense for your budget.

5. Match furnace capacity to your home

Make sure the furnace’s heating capacity is properly sized to your home. An undersized unit will struggle, while an oversized one can short-cycle and waste energy.

6. Get a professional opinion if you’re still unsure

If the choice still feels unclear, a technician can look at your home’s layout, insulation and energy usage and help you compare both options. A short visit often saves a lot of second-guessing later.

Professional Furnace Installation and Expert Guidance in Lawrence, KS

Choosing a new furnace is easier when you talk with someone who works on these systems every day. Our team helps homeowners compare electric and gas furnace options, so they can choose what fits their comfort, budget, and long-term plans. We offer expert installation, clear estimates, and support for homeowners throughout the Lawrence area.

If you want to talk through the options or schedule an estimate, we are here to help.