When it comes to furnace installation, choosing between a gas furnace and an electric furnace can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re replacing an older heating system or upgrading your home’s comfort. As homeowners, we all want a system that’s efficient, reliable, affordable, and sized perfectly for our space. That’s why today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know so you can confidently decide what type of heating installation is right for your home.
At Chicago Comfort HVAC Services, we’ve helped thousands of customers with home furnace installation, and we’ve seen firsthand how the right choice can improve comfort, lower monthly bills, and boost long-term reliability.
Understanding the Basics of Furnace Installation
Whether you’re planning a residential furnace installation, replacing a broken unit, or comparing DIY furnace installation vs. professional, it’s important to know what actually goes into the process.
A typical heating system installation involves:
- Evaluating your home’s heating needs
- Removing the old unit (if you’re doing furnace replacement)
- Installing the new furnace (gas, electric, or oil)
- Calibrating airflow
- Connecting electrical or gas lines
- Testing for safety, efficiency, and performance
Professional installation ensures the system operates safely and at peak efficiency. It also prevents costly issues that often follow DIY attempts especially for gas lines and electrical wiring.
Gas Furnace Installation: Is It Right for You?
Gas furnaces remain one of the most popular choices for central heating installation, especially in colder climates like Chicagoland.
✔️ Benefits of Gas Furnaces
- Lower operating costs compared to electric systems
- Powerful, fast heat output—great for bigger homes
- Compatible with many high-efficiency models
- Works well for older homes already equipped with gas lines
If you’re considering high-efficiency furnace installation, gas units often offer the best long-term savings.
Potential Downsides
- Higher upfront cost for gas furnace installation
- Requires an existing natural gas line
- More frequent servicing and furnace repair may be necessary
Still, for most homeowners wondering when to replace a furnace, gas models are a reliable, efficient long-term solution.
Electric Furnace Installation: A Modern, Low-Maintenance Option
Electric furnaces have become increasingly popular for smaller homes, townhouses, and properties without a natural gas connection.
✔️ Benefits of Electric Furnaces
- Lower upfront installation cost
- Safe—no gas lines, carbon monoxide, or combustion risks
- Minimal maintenance
- Ideal for mild-to-moderate climates
For many eco-conscious homeowners, the ability to pair an electric furnace with solar or renewable energy makes it an even more attractive heating option.
Potential Downsides
- Higher monthly energy costs
- Slower heating compared to gas
- Not ideal for large homes with high winter heat demands
If you’re researching electric furnace installation near you, Chicago Comfort HVAC Services can walk you through all efficiency options to help offset electricity costs.
Comparing Costs: Gas vs. Electric
One of the most common questions we hear is:
How much does furnace installation cost?
While prices vary based on your home, system size, and brand, here’s a general comparison:
💰 Gas Furnace Installation
- Higher installation cost
- Lower monthly utility bills
- More efficient heating for colder climates
💰 Electric Furnace Installation
- Lower upfront cost
- Higher electricity use
- Lower maintenance costs
If budget is a concern, we can help you compare the cost of furnace installation with different brands like Lennox, Trane, Carrier, and Goodman furnace installation options.
When Should You Replace Your Furnace?
If you’re not sure whether you need a new furnace or a simple furnace repair, here are the most common signs:
- Rising monthly utility bills
- Uneven heating throughout your home
- A furnace over 15–20 years old
- Frequent breakdowns
- Strange smells or noises
- Slow heating response
If any of these ring a bell, it may be time to discuss furnace replacement with a trusted expert.
Why Choose Chicago Comfort HVAC Services?
As one of the best furnace installation companies in the Chicagoland area, we’re known for our:
- Fast service (including emergency furnace installation)
- Experienced local furnace installers
- Honest pricing with no hidden fees
- Knowledge of all major brands
- Certified HVAC professionals
- Friendly, customer-first support
When you search for furnace installation near me or HVAC contractors near me, we want to be the team you trust to keep your home warm no matter the season.
Still Not Sure Which Furnace Is Best for You?
Choosing between gas and electric often comes down to:
- Your home’s existing energy setup
- Your budget
- Long-term energy savings
- Home size and layout
- Efficiency preferences
- Climate
At Chicago Comfort HVAC Services, we’ll walk you through every step so you know exactly what to expect during furnace installation from choosing the right model to final system testing.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort?
Whether you’re interested in gas furnace installation, electric furnace installation, or exploring other options like oil furnace installation, our experts are here to help guide you toward the most energy-efficient heating options for your home.