Gas vs. Electric Furnaces: What’s Better for Homes in Chicagoland?

Let’s talk about Chicago winters. Anyone who’s lived through one knows that bone-chilling cold that sweeps in from Lake Michigan. Some days hit 45 degrees, almost feeling like spring, until that Arctic air swoops down and reminds everyone why Chicago earned its Windy City nickname.

Picking the right furnace matters here more than almost anywhere else. Between those nasty cold snaps and the constant ups and downs of Midwest weather, heaters work overtime from October through April. Add in today’s soaring energy prices, and the choice between gas or electric becomes even trickier.

In this guide, we’ll look at how both gas and electric furnaces handle Chicago’s brutal winters and which option might make more sense for your home. We won’t be using complex terms or making unrealistic sales pitches – we’ll just be giving timely and practical help to keep you warm through the long Chicago winters.

Understanding Gas and Electric Furnaces

Most Chicagoland homeowners know their furnace keeps them warm, but not everyone understands what’s happening in that big metal box down in the basement. Here’s the scoop on both types, minus the technical mumbo-jumbo.

What is a Gas Furnace?

Gas furnaces work like an indoor bonfire – but way safer. Natural gas burns inside a sealed chamber, creating heat that warms up metal components. A fan then blows air across these hot parts, sending warm air through the ductwork to heat up those freezing Chicago rooms. 

These systems rule the roost in most local neighborhoods, especially throughout the older brick bungalows and two-flats where gas lines have been running since way back.

What Is an Electric Furnace?

Electric furnaces skip the flame altogether. They heat homes using super-hot metal coils, just like the burners on an electric stove. When the house needs warmth, these coils fire up, and a fan pushes air past them into the ducts. 

While less common around Chicago, these systems show up more in newer construction projects and spots where running gas lines would cost too much. Some smaller homes and condos choose electric because the equipment costs less upfront, even though running it usually costs more.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Furnace in Chicagoland

Picking between gas and electric isn’t just about what’s trendy – it’s about what makes sense for Chicago’s unique situation. Let’s break down the real factors that matter when you’re trying to stay warm without emptying your wallet.

Climate

Anyone who’s survived a Chicago winter knows our heating systems earn their keep. When temperatures nosedive below zero and stay there for weeks, your furnace runs almost non-stop from December through March. Lake effect snow, polar vortexes, wind chills that freeze your face off – yeah, Chicago throws everything at us.

That kind of heavy lifting means your furnace needs serious muscle. Gas furnaces typically pump out hotter air faster, which matters when it’s 20 below and the wind’s howling off the lake. Electric furnaces can get the job done too, but they might need to work harder and longer to keep up during those brutal cold snaps.

Energy Costs

Electricity rates keep climbing, while natural gas prices bounce around like a Bulls game score. Right now, gas usually wins the cost battle in Chicago, running about half what you’d pay to heat with electricity.

But here’s the catch – energy prices change faster than Chicago weather. Natural gas prices spike when demand soars, and electricity costs shift based on everything from regulations to renewable energy growth. Smart homeowners watch these trends like hawks.

Initial Installation Costs

Electric furnaces cost less upfront – sometimes thousands less. But although gas furnaces might hit harder at installation, plenty of local rebates help soften that blow. 

Some companies offer decent kickbacks for upgrading to energy-efficient systems. Some neighborhoods even qualify for extra incentives through local energy programs. Plus, that higher upfront cost often pays for itself through lower monthly bills.

Maintenance Requirements

Gas furnaces need yearly safety checks – no getting around it. Carbon monoxide isn’t something to mess with. You’re looking at annual maintenance costs, plus occasional parts replacement. These systems also need proper venting and carbon monoxide detectors.

Electric systems are generally lower maintenance since they don’t deal with combustion. No carbon monoxide worries means simpler safety checks. But both types need filter changes and regular tune-ups to keep running right.

Environmental Impact

Here’s where things get interesting. Gas furnaces pump out greenhouse gases – that’s just facts. A typical gas furnace releases about 6,400 pounds of CO2 yearly. That’s like driving a car 7,000 miles. Electric furnaces don’t create emissions directly, but they’re only as clean as the power grid they use.

The good news? Illinois keeps getting greener. Wind farms are popping up downstate, solar panels are spreading across rooftops, and our power grid gets cleaner each year. For eco-conscious homeowners, electric might win points here, even if it costs more to run. Some folks even pair electric furnaces with solar panels, cutting both emissions and costs.

Bottom line? Both options have their place in Chicagoland homes. Your choice might depend on whether you’re more worried about monthly bills, upfront costs, or environmental impact. Just remember – whatever you pick needs to handle everything a Chicago winter can throw at it.

Pros and Cons of Gas Furnaces for Chicagoland Homes

Let’s cut through the sales pitch fluff and look at what really works – and what doesn’t – when it comes to gas furnaces in Chicago. After all, most homes around here use gas heat, but that doesn’t automatically make it the right choice for everyone.

Pros

When it comes to beating Chicago winters, gas furnaces pack some serious muscle. They crank out heat fast – we’re talking 120-140 degree air pumping through your vents within minutes. During those brutal January cold snaps when the temperature drops fast, that quick heat matters. Even better, gas furnaces keep pumping out steady warmth no matter how cold it gets outside.

The money side looks pretty good too. Thanks to all those natural gas lines crisscrossing Illinois, fuel costs stay relatively stable and affordable. Most homeowners save 30-50% on heating bills compared to electric, which adds up fast during our six-month heating season. Some high-efficiency models can hit 98% efficiency ratings.

Gas furnaces also last longer in our climate. A well-maintained unit can keep running for 20-25 years, outlasting most electric models by 5-10 years. Plus, when parts eventually wear out, furnace replacements tend to cost less than electric furnace components.

Cons

But gas furnaces aren’t all sunshine and rainbows (not that we see much of either during Chicago winters). 

First off, you need access to natural gas lines. No problem in established neighborhoods, but some newer developments or outlying areas might not have service yet. Adding gas lines? That’ll cost you – sometimes thousands extra.

Then there’s the safety stuff. Carbon monoxide isn’t something to mess around with – just ask any Chicago fire fighter. Gas furnaces need yearly safety inspections, proper ventilation, and working carbon monoxide detectors. Skip the maintenance, and you’re asking for trouble. Plus, older units can develop cracks or leaks, turning a heating system into a serious safety risk.

Installation costs hit harder too. Some older Chicago homes need expensive updates to meet current gas furnace codes – think chimney liners, new venting, or electrical upgrades.

The environmental impact might concern some of you as well. Every gas furnace pumps out greenhouse gases and uses up fossil fuels. While newer models run cleaner than old clunkers, they’re still not as green as electric options. For folks worried about their carbon footprint, this might be a deal-breaker.

And remember, gas furnaces dry out your air something fierce. During those long winter months, you might need a humidifier just to keep your skin from feeling like sandpaper and your hardwood floors from creaking like haunted house props.

Gas furnaces make sense for a lot of Chicago homes, especially if you’ve already got gas service and want lower heating bills. But they’re not a perfect solution. You’ll need to stay on top of maintenance, pay attention to safety, and be ready for higher upfront costs.

Pros and Cons of Electric Furnaces for Chicagoland Homes

Now let’s talk about electric furnaces. While they might not be as common as gas around here, they’re gaining ground, especially in newer construction. Let’s find out why.

Pros

Electric furnaces win the simplicity contest hands down. No gas lines, no venting, no carbon monoxide worries – just plug and play (well, after professional installation, of course). They’re like the smartphone of heating systems – sleek, straightforward, and less likely to need constant attention.

Installation costs are also not as expensive – sometimes half what you’d pay for gas. Plus, they’re perfect for tight spaces since they don’t need clearance for venting or gas lines. Great news for those vintage Chicago cottages and compact condos.

Safety? That’s another win for electric since no combustion means no carbon monoxide risk. You can skip those yearly safety inspections and sleep easier knowing there’s zero chance of gas leaks. They’re also quieter than gas furnaces – no whoosh of ignition or rumble of burning fuel.

Cons

But here comes the punch to the wallet – operating costs. Running an electric furnace in Chicago winters can feel like financing a second mortgage. With ComEd’s rates, heating bills often run 50-100% higher than gas. During those polar vortex months when your heating system works overtime? Ouch.

Then there’s the performance issue. Electric furnaces just don’t pump out heat as fast as gas systems. When it’s 10 below and the wind’s whipping off Lake Michigan, they might struggle to keep up. The air coming from your vents feels lukewarm compared to gas heat, and your system runs longer trying to reach comfortable temperatures.

Power outages pose another problem. No electricity means no heat – period. At least with gas, you might still have hot water even if the blower’s not working. During those nasty winter storms that knock out power, an electric furnace leaves you completely in the cold.

And while electric furnaces might seem greener at first glance, remember that most of Illinois’ electricity still comes from fossil fuels. Unless you’re running on solar panels, you’re just moving the emissions from your basement to the power plant.

Electric furnaces make sense for some Chicago homes – especially newer, well-insulated spaces or situations where gas isn’t an option. They’re simpler, safer, and cheaper to install. But be ready for those higher utility bills and maybe keep an extra sweater handy during the coldest days.

Which Furnace Is Better for Specific Situations?

Let’s get real – there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for Chicagoland homes. Your perfect furnace depends on where you live, what you can spend, and even how guilty you feel about your carbon footprint. Here’s how to figure out what makes sense for your situation.

Urban vs. Suburban Homes in Chicagoland

City dwellers, especially in older neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Wicker Park, usually have easy access to gas lines. These vintage homes were built when gas was king, and their existing setup often makes gas furnaces the no-brainer choice. Plus, those classic Chicago two-flats and bungalows already have the right venting systems in place.

Out in the suburbs? That’s where things get interesting. Newer developments in places like Naperville or Arlington Heights might not have gas lines yet. Sure, you could pay to run them, but sometimes going electric makes more sense – especially in those modern, well-insulated homes where heating doesn’t have to work quite so hard.

Budget-Conscious Homeowners

Let’s talk money. If you’re watching pennies right now, electric furnaces win the upfront cost battle. You’ll spend roughly half what a gas system costs to install.

But hold up – that’s not the whole story. Gas furnaces usually cost way less to run month after month. After 8-10 years, that gas furnace starts paying you back. Kind of like investing in a good winter coat – costs more now but saves money in the long run.

Eco-Conscious Homeowners

Green-minded folks face some tough choices here. Gas furnaces burn fossil fuels right in your basement. But electric furnaces aren’t exactly innocent either, since most of ComEd’s power still comes from non-renewable sources.

Here’s where it gets interesting though. Illinois keeps adding wind farms and solar fields, making electricity gradually greener. Some clever homeowners pair electric furnaces with solar panels, creating their own mini green energy system. Can’t do that with gas.

Want to go green with gas? Look for super high-efficiency models that squeeze more heat from less fuel. Some newer units hit 98% efficiency – pretty impressive for a fossil fuel burner. Plus, many local companies now offer carbon offset programs for gas customers.

So, for most Chicago city homes with existing gas lines, a high-efficiency gas furnace probably makes the most sense – especially if you’re planning to stay put for a while. But if you’re building new in the burbs, care more about upfront costs, or are serious about going green (and have the budget for solar), electric might be your better bet. 

Just remember – either way, good insulation and regular maintenance matter more than which type you choose.

Recommendations for Chicagoland Homeowners

After wading through all this furnace talk, you’re probably wondering, “Just tell me what to get already!” While there’s no perfect answer for every home, here’s how to narrow down your best bet for staying warm without burning through your savings.

Your Best Bet Might Be Gas If…

• You’ve already got gas service
• Your winter heating bills give you nightmares
• You’re planning to stay in your home 10+ years
• Your home faces those brutal lake-effect winds
• You’ve got the budget for a higher upfront cost

Electric Might Make More Sense If…

• You’re in new construction without gas lines
• The installation budget is tight right now
• You’re planning to add solar panels
• Your home is smaller or super well-insulated
• You really don’t want to deal with yearly safety inspections

Making Either Type Work Better

Here’s the thing – even the best furnace can’t overcome a drafty house. Before dropping thousands on new heating equipment, tackle these basics:

• Seal those leaky windows (we all have them)
• Add insulation – especially in those vintage Chicago attics
• Install a smart thermostat (some utility companies even give them away free)
• Change those filters monthly during winter (seriously, just do it)
• Get your ducts cleaned and sealed (you wouldn’t believe what’s in there)

Get Expert Eyes on Your Situation

Reading blog posts is great (thanks for sticking with this one!), but nothing beats having a pro check out your specific setup. Local HVAC companies know which systems handle Chicago winters best. Many offer free consultations and can spot issues you might miss.

Remember, you’re not just buying a furnace – you’re investing in Chicago winter survival gear. Take your time, do your homework, and choose what makes sense for your specific situation. Your future warm-and-cozy self will thank you.

Stay Cozy, Chicago: The Final Word on Furnace Choice

Whether you go with gas or electric, the key is getting it right the first time. Since 1926, Precision Today has been helping Chicagoland homeowners make smart heating choices – and we’ve seen every winter challenge this city can throw at a furnace. We jump on it today because when you need warmth, waiting is never an option.

Our highly trained and thoroughly professional technicians don’t just install systems – they help you pick the perfect match for your home. With our Zero Problems Plan and same-day service, you’ll never have to worry about facing a Chicago winter unprepared.

Ready to make your furnace decision? Let’s talk about keeping your home cozy and efficient. Call Precision Today at (630) 425-8995 for a free consultation. After 97+ years in the industry, we know everything there is to know about beating Chicago winters!