Should you Convert to Gas or Electric HVAC in San Jose?
Heating your home with gas is generally cheaper and more efficient, but it’s not a perfect system. Gas heaters tend to have a higher carbon footprint and more maintenance costs. Electric systems are generally more expensive month-to-month, but the initial investment can be lower than a gas system. If you’re thinking about converting from gas to electric, here are some things to consider about your HVAC in San Jose.
Get a Certified Installer
Converting from gas to electric is a little easier than going the opposite way, but whichever route you take, make sure to find a qualified service provider who can work on the gas lines. There may be regulations you have to follow to meet any local codes. You want to make sure the lines are capped off properly and that the new system is installed correctly.
What Size Heater Do You Need?
Heat energy is measured in British thermal units, or BTUs. The BTU rating tells you how much capacity your heater puts out each hour. Generally speaking, you want 20 BTUs for each square foot of living space. A 1,000-sq.ft home would need about 20,000 BTUs. There are other considerations, though. A well-insulated home may get by with fewer BTUs, while an older home that is not insulated as well may need more. Larger homes may also require more BTUs to put out enough heat for the larger areas.
Consider Other Options When Switching
A gas furnace can often be converted from propane and vice versa, but you can’t convert gas to electric. You’ll need to purchase a new furnace. You may want to consider a Mitsubishi heat pump installation, but you should discuss it with the technician to make sure it will work for your home. You want to make sure your heater can manage the heat load for your home based on size and climate. Heat pumps are good alternatives, because they can also cool your home in the summer. But there are many variables that need to be considered.
The Best Company for HVAC in San Jose
Element Home Solutions can help you make the decision about whether to switch from gas to electric. We handle installation and heating repair in the Bay Area for homes of all sizes. Contact us today!
