When our customers need to replace their old HVAC systems, or are building a new home, they often ask us which energy source is cleanest, cheapest and most reliable. Is it better to go with natural gas or with electricity?
At Maertin Heating and Cooling, we’re always happy to give you a straight and clear answer! And the answer to this question is…it depends. Here in the Midwest and Chicagoland, we experience both subzero temperatures and day over 100˚, making for a slightly more complicated decision-making process, especially when using clean, renewable energy is your goal.
Increasingly, around the globe, electricity appears to be the best option in terms of both cost and sustainability. In our climate of extremes, new electric technologies are becoming more and more efficient in heating and cooling our homes and businesses.
Nearly half of U.S. homes rely on natural gas for heating, which can often offer cleaner and cheaper energy than electricity generated from non-renewable sources. While electricity offers potential sustainable and clean energy production, at this point, electricity is only as clean as the fuel that produces the power. For instance, a natural gas furnace would provide cleaner and cheaper heat compared to electric heaters powered by a coal-fired plant.
Today, natural gas offers a cleaner energy solution over some electricity options, but that advantage will quickly fade as renewable and clean electric energy sources come online. Electricity is always needed for homes to stay cool in warm months.
If you’re committed to going all-electric, we can solve those extreme cold problems with electric heaters or radiant heating solutions. Ask us about a mini-split, an efficient HVAC system with a small back-up furnace for days when that heat pump can’t find heat.
We are also proud to now offer the Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat systems. These units can be used to heat or cool your entire home or can be installed in a garage or shed – anywhere electricity can be available – to give you more living space. These units will work effectively and efficiently even when the temperature outside is 13 below zero. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act that contains climate and clean energy provisions, buyers can get an instant credit of $1,350 from ComEd and a $300 tax credit.
A helpful study on the economic pros and cons of electrifying homes shows that Americans building new homes and those replacing failing HVAC systems may find electricity the better option, considering both the upfront cost of installing a new system and the future energy savings, especially when the electric power is coming from a clean and renewable source.
Homeowners who are carefully maintaining their still-working natural gas systems would be hard-pressed to recognize many economic benefits of going all-electric. The long-term savings in energy efficiency would be swallowed by the greater costs of converting equipment unnecessarily. However, if you know that your electric energy is coming from a clean, renewable and reliable source, the cost may be worth it to you to help battle climate change.
More and more, government agencies and utilities are offering incentives that can change how you calculate the affordability of your own particular HVAC project. At Maertin Heating and Cooling, we can help you decide what is right for your home, your budget and your energy goals. Give us a call at 708-479-9350 to schedule your consultation.