Gas or Electric?

rsteve12

I am building a new 2000 s.f. house in southern Michigan and with gas natural gas prices expected to rise 60% this winter, would it behoove me to buy an electric furnace? Electricity is only supposed to rise 5%.

Thanks,
Russell

Teetorbilt

You need to study a bit more. Most electric is tied into fossil fuels. When you have completed your study, you will find that the parmeters have changed. I'm trying to figure it out too. For the time being, I'm going electric. It is the least inconsistant of the two.

FPL may be taken to the mat, watch for the results. If FPL/gov't wins buy,buy,buy,.

Mike Swearingen

I grew up in the East Texas oil field where everything was on natural gas.
I've lived in NC for almost 30 years, and we've always been all-electric with hi-efficiency heatpumps, in lieu of propane gas or fuel oil here.
Electricty may get a fuel surcharge added here and there, but I still think that it's the best way to go. Less cost over time, especially with a well-planned system to handle the extremes of whatever climate you're in. Make certain that you get three bids with professional load calculations completed by the bidders for your specific home to size the system(s) properly.
Some people like zoned heating/cooling, and I had zone controls put into our last HVAC system when we replaced it in 1998, but I eventually disabled it due to the extra maintenance expense. Couldn't really see where zone control was saving me anything with the maintenance hassle of it. Your call.
Good Luck!
Mike

username

We are building a house in Ohio and have decided to go the geothermal route. Last house had propane and cost us a small fortune through the winter.