In this article…
- Can You Replace A Gas HVAC System With An Electrical System?
- Should I Replace My Gas HVAC System With An Electrical One?
Whether you’ve noticed your air conditioning not cooling your home as well as it used to or know your HVAC unit is due for a replacement, you want to consider all your options before making a decision on what type of new system is best for you.
Maybe you have an old gas system and want to switch to an electrical one. Or maybe you’ve thought about installing a gas system and want to know what goes into it and if it’s worth it.
No matter your need for a new HVAC system, understanding your options and finding the best solution for you is essential.
So, if you have a gas HVAC system and wonder if you can switch to an electrical system or vice versa, you want to know if it’s possible, what challenges may occur, and what costs associations come with it to choose the right system for you.
As the trusted San Antonio HVAC experts since 1979, Wright Home Services offers full HVAC system replacements for both gas and electrical systems.
While any decision regarding your heating and cooling is up to you, we’re here to provide you with the right education to guide you to the best decision for you and your home.
If you want to replace your gas HVAC system with an electrical one (or electrical to gas), there are several things you should know before making a decision.
This article will outline what must be done to replace a gas system with an electrical one, what must be done to replace an electrical system with a gas one, if one is better than the other, and what to consider to find the right HVAC system for you.
Can You Replace A Gas HVAC System With An Electrical System?
A gas HVAC system uses natural gas or propane that burns to heat your home. For cooling, a gas system still uses electricity to power the air conditioning and distribute it throughout your home.
An electrical HVAC system works to heat and cool your home by strictly using electricity. A heat pump is a popular type of electrical system that heats and cools the home by also moving air in and out of the house.
This energy-efficient type of HVAC system transfers heat to and from the home when needed. It pulls heat from the ground and transfers it into your home during the winter and works to push hot air out of your home during the summer.
One of the most common types of heat pumps is the air-source heat pump, which takes heat from the air outside your home and pumps it inside through refrigerant-filled coils.
Replacing a gas system with an electrical one is a fairly simple process, similar to replacing an electrical unit with another electrical unit.
Some components that must be upgraded or replaced include:
- Electrical Panel Upgrade: Electric furnaces require 120 volts to power for both heating and cooling, so your panel may need an upgrade to handle the increased load.
- Ductwork Adjustments: Depending on the current layout of your ductwork, it may need adjusting once your new electrical system is installed for proper efficiency.
- Furnace Replacement: The gas furnace would be removed and replaced with an electric furnace or heat pump.
- Utility Coordination: If your gas HVAC system was the only appliance using gas in your home, you may need to disconnect the gas line if it’s not needed anywhere else.
The cost to replace your gas system with an electrical one ranges around $8,000 – $25,000, depending on the size of your home and the system needed. This cost includes equipment, installation, labor, and warranty.
What Are The Benefits Of An Electrical HVAC System?
If you’re considering replacing your gas HVAC system with an electrical one, you also want to know what the benefits of an electrical system are.
Let’s explore some of the top benefits of a new electrical HVAC system over a gas system.
- Safety: Electric systems don’t produce carbon monoxide or use open flames, making them safer in terms of combustion risks that come with natural gas and propane.
- Lower Installation Cost: Electric systems are typically less expensive to install because they don’t require gas lines or ventilation systems.
- Good for Mild Climates: Electric heat pumps can double as air conditioners and are very efficient for both heating and cooling in milder climates.
- Low Maintenance: Electric systems typically have fewer components that need regular maintenance, resulting in potentially lower upkeep costs.
What Are The Potential Drawbacks Of An Electrical HVAC System?
While you want to know the benefits of a new electrical HVAC system, understanding the potential drawbacks is equally as important.
Some possible negatives of an electrical HVAC system include:
- Higher Operating Costs in Colder Climates: Electric heating can be expensive to operate in colder, Northern climates, as it takes more electricity to generate heat, especially if you’re using an electric furnace instead of a heat pump. However, for homes like in San Antonio, electric systems rarely have trouble keeping up with the mild winters.
- Heating Efficiency Drops in Extreme Cold (for Heat Pumps): Heat pumps lose efficiency in very low temperatures, which can lead to higher electric bills or the need for an additional heat source. However, heat pumps are equipped with an emergency heat kit that can be turned on when temperatures drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dependence on Electricity: Electric systems won’t work during power outages unless you have a generator or backup system, which can be a downside in areas with frequent outages.
- Upfront Cost for High-Efficiency Systems: While electric systems like heat pumps can be highly efficient, the upfront costs for advanced models may be high, especially for dual-fuel or geothermal systems.
Should I Replace My Gas HVAC System With An Electrical One?
While there are many benefits of an electrical HVAC system and a few drawbacks, you want to know if replacing your gas system with an electrical system is really a good idea.
Overall, heat pump electrical systems are an energy-efficient replacement for gas systems.
If you live in a warmer climate and don’t experience extreme snow storms or power outages, replacing your gas system with an electrical heat pump can lower energy consumption and heat and cool your home more efficiently.
Choosing the right HVAC system for you all depends on your budget, wants, and needs in terms of energy efficiency, how you use your system, and more.
You may want to switch your gas HVAC system to an electrical heat pump if
- You don’t want gas in your home anymore
- Your gas system is 15+ years old
- You want a more energy-efficient HVAC system
- You live in a warmer climate without harsh winters
Any HVAC system replacement is an investment, so making sure you have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision is critical to meeting your needs and keeping your home comfortable.
At Wright Home Services, we’ve been San Antonio’s trusted HVAC experts since 1979, and we’re here to provide you with all you need to know, no matter the project at hand.
If you’re considering a full HVAC system replacement, whether a gas, electrical, or heat pump, one of the biggest things you want to know and understand is how much it’s going to cost and what factors affect the cost.
To help guide you through your project, check out this article that details how much a full HVAC system replacement costs, including ranges and determinants that impact the cost.
