Choosing the finest furnace for your house can be difficult, especially in light of the numerous alternatives on the market. The kind of fuel to be utilized in the furnace is an important consideration when choosing. Electric and coal furnaces each have pros and cons. Here is a guide to assist you in choosing between an electric baseboard vs a coal furnace.
Electric Furnace
By turning electricity into heat, an electric baseboard produces heat. Homeowners who want hands-free and simple-to-install heating systems frequently choose it. The benefits and drawbacks of electric baseboard heaters are listed below.
- Advantages
Safe and Clean: Electric baseboards are a safe and clean choice for home heating because they don’t emit dangerous gases.
Simple Installation: Electric furnaces are easy to install and don’t really need any upkeep.
Compact Size: Electric furnaces are perfect for houses with limited space due to their size.
Energy Efficient: Electric furnaces are extremely energy-efficient. All the energy put in the heater is turned into usable heat.
- Disadvantages
High Power Bills: Despite being energy-efficient, electric furnaces still use a lot of power, which drives up energy costs. Cost per kWh seems to be continually on the rise.
Limited Heating Capacity: Electric heat has a limited heating capability, which might not be adequate for households in colder areas.
Coal Furnace
A dependable and affordable solution for home heating, coal furnaces are a long-standing and well-liked choice. These furnaces burn coal as their fuel source to generate heat. Here are a few of the drawbacks and benefits of coal furnaces.
- Advantages
Cost-Effective: Because coal is less expensive than electricity, coal furnaces are a budget-friendly choice for heating houses. Cut heating costs by 2/3!
Reliable: Even in severe weather, coal furnaces will produce abundant heat.
Longevity: Coal furnaces last longer than electric furnaces in terms of longevity. Most are over 30 years.
- Disadvantages
High care: Compared to electric furnaces, coal furnaces need more care, including routine furnace and chimney cleaning. As well as loading the fuel every day and removing the ashes.
Fire Risk: If not installed and maintained properly, coal furnaces provide a fire risk.
Deciding Factor
When choosing between electric baseboard and a coal furnace, it’s crucial to consider aspects like installation and maintenance costs, fuel availability and costs, heating capacity, and environmental effects. The climate in your area should also be taken into account because it has an impact on the furnace’s effectiveness and capacity for heating.
Electric baseboard can be the ideal choice for you if you place a high priority on ease and have a limited amount of room. However, a coal furnace might be a good fit if you’re looking for a reasonably priced and dependable heating system and don’t mind routine maintenance.
Your objectives and preferences will determine the best furnace for your house. The cost, upkeep, and fuel accessibility should all be considered when choosing between an electric and a coal furnace. To select the finest heating system for your house, research and speak with experts.