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If you are new to the world of indoor cooling, you may look to compare a gas vs electric air conditioner. Some of the best air conditioners, after all, ship in one of these two types. So what are the main differences between gas and electric AC units, and which one is best for you? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The differences between these two types of air conditioners depend on the overall design, such as when comparing a single-stage vs a two-stage air conditioner. The contrasts could be stark, like when comparing a central air conditioner vs a wall unit, or they could be slight. The primary focal point here is the energy source, as gas air conditioners use traditional liquid fuel and electric air conditioners use electricity, even if you are comparing a Trane vs a Bryant AC.
Insider Tip
No matter which type you choose, don’t forget to regularly change out or clean the air filters.
Beyond fuel source, other differences between these two designs reach much further than, say, when you are comparing a box fan vs an air conditioner. For another cooling option to consider, you can read our chiller vs air conditioner comparison.
Though the price of the air conditioner systems is similar, the same is not true for energy costs. Gas is more expensive than electricity, so you’ll experience an increase in your monthly utility bill during bouts of heavy usage. In other words, a gas AC unit will cost more to operate during the winter months, assuming you have a heat pump, and even during the hotter months in those dog days of summer. If your bill skyrockets during either extreme season, consider splitting the bill up into even chunks throughout the year.
Electric systems are stacked with crucial components, from circuit breaker boxes to junction boxes, to various electrical systems and beyond. This translates to an increase in maintenance costs and an uptick in repair issues. Making innocuous mistakes, such as forgetting to clean the air filter, could overload the electrical system, necessitating costly repairs. Gas systems also fall victim to some repair issues; of course, they are fewer than the ones that impact electric systems
Gas systems are not susceptible to power outages, as they do not rely on your electrical grid to function. Electric AC systems, on the other hand, will completely fail in the event of a power outage unless you have equipped the system with a backup generator.
STAT: Your home’s ductwork is responsible for circulating cooled air through your home. (source)
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