Choosing between sources of energy to use for your home heating system can be a tough call.
Natural gas and electric heat both come with their own set of upsides and downsides, and it is up to the homeowner to decide which one to use.
Costs are often an imperative factor to homeowners, which will be outlined in this section.
Natural Gas Heating
Natural gas is considered to be an efficient method of heating up your home, which is an important factor to Lehigh Valley and to a greater extent, all northeast Pennsylvania residents, as winters are often times harsh and long here.
Because the state of Pennsylvania has a higher cost on natural gas compared to the national average, it can quickly become a financial liability to many homeowners, if left unbudgeted.
Nevertheless, thanks to technological developments, Pennsylvania residents have saved over $30 billion on natural gas over the past decade.
Despite speculation over the rising costs, it remains the most economical option (usually less than $500) for most residents, due to its competitive pricing scheme.
Electric Heating with Heat Pumps
Quickly becoming a new favorite among residents, it comes with several advantages over traditional gas or oil-based energy.
During warmer periods of the year, when weather conditions are milder, it can provide a sufficient level of heating to homeowners in and around Bethlehem and other parts of the northeast.
In addition, it produces less noise when compared to gas or oil heating, while also being eco-friendly and safer than combustion-based systems. Despite the 3% rise in costs over the past year, the price for electric heating in Pennsylvania still hovers around the national average of 500$ per annum.
It is important to keep in mind that the size of the house and its location will affect costs.
If you are in the market for a new heat system or thinking of switching - we believe heat pumps are the way to go. Heat pumps are quiet, efficient and easy to maintain for any age homeowner. The downside of this system is that they can be expensive to install pending on your current situation.
Electric Baseboard Heating
Although they are not as common as other home heating systems, baseboard heating remains in a lot of homes and businesses throughout the Lehigh Valley area.
Being far more discreet than anything else on the list, they make an excellent choice for those who may be disturbed by loud noises. With its simple installation process, alongside individual zone heating controlled by a digital thermostat, it has seen a rise in popularity over the past few years.
However, this method is expensive when compared to an electric heat pump or gas based heating, typically between $500 and $1500.
Fortunately, there are many calculators that can help you figure out the most efficient heating method for your home, such as this one. If you're in need of a heat pump install contractor, then contact the Deluxe Plumbing & Heating company via (610) 628-1724 to find out more.