In this article…
- Can You Switch An Electrical HVAC System To A Gas One? Pros and Cons
- Is It A Good Idea To Replace My Electrical HVAC System With A Gas One?
Is your electrical HVAC system not heating and cooling your home as well as it used to? Are you ready for a replacement and interested in exploring your options for a new HVAC unit?
If you’ve been dissatisfied with how your electrical HVAC system is performing, you’re probably curious if a gas HVAC system would be a better, more efficient option.
There are various benefits to both gas and electrical HVAC systems, and depending on your wants and needs for your new system, it’s important you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your home and your comfort.
At Wright AC Services, we’ve helped thousands of San Antonio homeowners replace their HVAC systems with new, highly efficient gas and electrical units.
When it comes to replacing your system, you want to have as many of your questions answered as possible before calling an HVAC company for a quote, especially if you’re considering replacing your electrical HVAC system with a gas one.
This article will answer whether you can switch an electrical HVAC system to a gas one, what is involved with this installation, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of making the change.
After reading, you’ll better understand whether this type of project is a good idea and be ready to continue your education on replacing your HVAC system.
Can You Switch An Electrical HVAC System To A Gas One? Pros and Cons
Replacing your electrical HVAC system with a gas system is possible, but it’s not easy.
If you want a gas HVAC system in your home, there are several things required to make it happen.
Firstly, you must have existing gas access in your home for a gas HVAC system to be installed. Secondly, the expertise of a licensed plumber is required to properly install the gas line for the system to code and within city permits.
Other components of an electrical-to-gas HVAC system change include
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is required for gas HVAC systems, typically a chimney or direct vent outside, to ensure carbon monoxide is correctly vented outside the home to avoid potential issues.
- Electrical Changes: While gas systems utilize gas for heating the home, they also require electricity for cooling and other elements. When switching from electrical to gas, the electrical panel may need adjustments or a new circuit.
- Thermostat Upgrade: You may need to upgrade your thermostat to a dual-fuel-compatible one, or additional wiring may be required to meet the new system’s demands.
- Ductwork Adjustments: Minor ductwork adjustments may be needed to ensure the new gas system provides optimal airflow, and new return air vents may be required.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Installing carbon monoxide detectors near the gas system and around the home is not required but strongly recommended for safety.
Making this switch from an electrical HVAC system to a gas one can cost an additional $3,000 – $7,000 on top of the total cost of replacing your HVAC system, which ranges from $8,000 to $25,000 depending on the size of the system, SEER rating (seasonal energy efficiency ratio), labor, installation, and warranty.
What Are The Benefits Of A Gas HVAC System?
Understanding what goes into installing a gas HVAC system instead of an electrical one is a large piece of the puzzle. However, you also want to know what significant benefits a gas system provides to understand if this type of HVAC system is better for you.
Some benefits of a gas system include…
- Lower Operating Cost: In many areas, natural gas is cheaper than electricity, making gas systems less costly to run, especially in colder climates.
- Faster Heating: Gas furnaces heat more quickly than electric ones, making them more effective in colder temperatures.
- Longer Lifespan: Gas furnaces generally have a longer lifespan than electric ones, often lasting around 15-20 years.
- Energy Efficiency for Heating: Gas systems are typically more energy-efficient for heating, especially in homes with higher heating demands.
Overall, gas HVAC systems are an excellent option for homes with existing gas connections. They provide effective heating and are an energy-efficient option for homes in colder climates that require constant and reliable heating.
What Are The Potential Drawbacks Of A Gas HVAC System?
While knowing the benefits of a gas HVAC system is important, you also must understand what potential drawbacks they bring to the table so you have a robust picture of how a gas system works in your home.
Some of the potential drawbacks of a gas system are…
- Safety Risks: Gas systems require proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, and there’s always a slight risk of gas leaks, which can be hazardous.
- Higher Maintenance: Gas systems typically require more regular maintenance due to components like burners and heat exchangers, which can lead to additional costs in upkeep over time.
- Cost of Installing Gas Lines: If a home doesn’t already have a gas line, the cost to install one can be high, adding to the overall expense of a gas system.
- Environmental Impact: Gas systems burn fossil fuels, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. This makes gas heating less environmentally friendly, especially if clean, renewable energy options are available for electric systems.
The cons of a gas electrical system mostly include the dangers of utilizing natural gas in your home and its environmental impact.
Is It A Good Idea To Replace My Electrical HVAC System With A Gas One?
Now that you have an in-depth understanding of what goes into switching an electrical HVAC system to a gas one, along with some of the pros and cons of a gas system, you have a better idea of whether a gas system is right for you and if you should switch your electrical system to a gas one.
A gas HVAC system is beneficial for homes that experience extreme winters and already use gas in their home. However, if you do not currently have a gas HVAC system, it is a costly move with many additional steps required to be installed properly.
So, is it a good idea to replace your electrical HVAC system with a gas one? Well, it all depends on your goals for your new HVAC system.
- If you live in an older home that requires multiple remodels and also live in the northern region with harsh winters, then installing a new gas HVAC system may be right for you.
- But, if you live in a warmer climate, like San Antonio, Texas, and currently do not have a gas HVAC system, replacing your electrical HVAC system with another electrical or heat pump system will probably be more beneficial.
The truth is installing a gas HVAC system in place of an electrical one is not a popular choice because of the added expenses and increased difficulty of installation. But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible.
If you’re interested in making this switch, finding a trustworthy HVAC company is crucial for a successful installation. They will ensure that your system is installed correctly and that the proper measures are put in place, like hiring an experienced plumber, installing ventilation, and following permits and city codes.
At Wright AC Services, we understand the stress you feel when your heating or cooling isn’t working as efficiently as it should, and you want to find the right solution for you without the fear of making the wrong decision.
To find the right HVAC company for you, it’s important you know not only what good qualities to look for but also some red flags to watch out for so you can spot a faulty company and avoid being taken advantage of.
Check out this article, which outlines eight red flags to look out for in an HVAC company, such as uncertified technicians, poor reviews, no photos of their technicians, and more.
