While heating your home may be one of the furthest things from your mind as we are barely watching those temperatures drop, if you are building a new home it is something you want to consider from the start. Choosing between electricity or natural gas for heating is something you want to carefully consider, both have advantages for your new home. Gerard Construction has a few guided questions as you check this decision off your list.

Is gas even available?

Some homes, especially those in rural areas or homes with acreage, may not have full access to gas as a heating choice. The lines to run gas are more difficult to install and maintain than power lines for electricity leading to the service not even being available at some home build sites. This usually isn’t as much of a problem in urban areas as the lines are oftentimes in place. There are some homes that gas can be run to, but you will need to consider how long you are willing to wait for a company to work with you to put in those lines, it can be a considerable delay in some cases. 

What is your initial investment versus long term savings?

An electric heating element, as part of your HVAC system, is cheaper to install upfront. They are easier to install and are easy to integrate with ductwork and other elements that you are probably putting into your home with an air conditioner anyways. Electric systems often last longer as well, minimizing replacement costs down the road. That said, gas heating is cheaper in the long run. In fact, the winter months make up for many budgets when the electricity costs can drop a bit in homes that were hit hard with bills during summer. 

How quick do you want your home warm?

An electric heater takes longer to begin working than a natural gas heater. According to HVAC.com, “[h]ot air produced by gas heat travels through your home at 120 to 140 degrees, effectively and quickly warming the space.” You will begin to feel the warmth spreading through your home within moments of turning on your gas heat versus waiting for the electric components to heat up. 

Do you have safety concerns?

While Gerard Construction will guarantee our work, overtime there is the chance of a gas heater developing a leak that needs to be addressed for safety purposes. Some health concerns can be exasperated by burning certain fuels. Additionally, there is an increase of fire hazard in these systems because of the presence of these fuels. While it isn’t a risk to every family or home, it is something to be aware of when you are making your decision. 

If you have additional questions about how to warm your new home, with electric or natural gas, contact our team at Gerard Construction. We can advise you through this and all of the decisions related to your new build or remodel. We have built homes for decades and take our customers every step of the way to make their dream home a reality.