By Alex Largent, Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Introduction: The Real Question Behind Furnace Choices
If you’re worried about high utility bills every winter, or you’ve been told you need a new furnace but aren’t sure which type is best, you’re not alone. Many homeowners across Steubenville, Weirton, Wintersville, and the Ohio Valley face this decision every year. The choice can feel overwhelming—especially with contractors throwing around efficiency ratings and quick price tags without explaining the long-term differences.
After 20 years in HVAC, countless installs in the Ohio Valley, and advanced certifications like NATE Senior Efficiency Analyst, I’ve seen firsthand what works and what fails. The truth is, the biggest factor in your furnace’s performance isn’t just whether you choose gas or electric—it’s how the system is installed and commissioned. Skip that step, and even the most efficient furnace will let you down.
In this guide, I’ll compare gas furnaces and electric furnaces (often paired with heat pumps in our region), lay out the pros and cons of each, and give you clear, local insights so you can make the best decision for your home.
What Is a Gas Furnace?
A gas furnace uses natural gas or propane as fuel. The fuel is ignited, producing heat that warms air, which is then circulated through your ductwork.
- Gas furnaces are the most common heating system in our area because Dominion Energy natural gas is widely available and relatively inexpensive.
- Modern models can reach 96% AFUE efficiency, meaning only 4% of fuel is wasted.
What Is an Electric Furnace?
An electric furnace uses resistance heating—similar to a large version of your toaster. Electricity passes through coils, generating heat that warms air and circulates it through ducts.
But here’s the important detail for our region: in the Midwest, including Steubenville and Weirton, electric furnaces are usually paired with a heat pump.
- Heat Pump + Electric Furnace Combo: The heat pump provides efficient heating during milder weather. The electric furnace serves as backup (auxiliary) heat when temps drop below freezing.
- This pairing makes electric furnaces a much smarter option in our area compared to running them alone.
Gas vs Electric Furnace (Often with Heat Pump): Key Comparisons
What’s cheaper to run in Steubenville: gas or electric furnace?
- Gas Furnace: Lower monthly bills in our region because natural gas is much cheaper than electricity.
- Electric Furnace Alone: Can cost 2–3 times more per month than gas.
- Heat Pump + Electric Furnace: Much more efficient than electric-only. In fall and spring, the heat pump does most of the work, keeping bills far lower than resistance heating alone.
How much does each system cost to install?
- Gas Furnace: $5,800–$7,500 in Steubenville and Weirton for a new system installed by Honest Fix【17†source】.
- Electric Furnace + Heat Pump: $8,500–$12,500 for the full system installed. The furnace itself is cheaper than gas, but the added heat pump raises the total investment.
Which furnace lasts longer in Weirton winters?
- Gas Furnace: 15–20 years when installed and commissioned correctly. Requires annual maintenance and proper venting.
- Electric Furnace: 20–30 years since there are fewer moving parts. Still requires annual maintenance but is simpler.
- Heat Pump: 12–15 years, depending on usage and maintenance.
What installation details matter most?
- Gas Furnace: Needs proper venting, gas lines, flue sizing, and commissioning to run safely【17†source】.
- Electric Furnace + Heat Pump: Requires careful airflow testing, duct design, and commissioning. The dual system must be balanced so the switch from heat pump to furnace happens smoothly.
This is where most contractors cut corners. I’ve personally walked into homes in Weirton where a gas furnace had been oversized, vented with the wrong PVC diameter, and never commissioned. The homeowner wondered why the system short-cycled and their gas bills were high. The truth? The furnace was never installed right in the first place.
Which is safer?
- Gas Furnace: Safe when installed properly, but risks include gas leaks or carbon monoxide if shortcuts are taken.
- Electric Furnace + Heat Pump: No carbon monoxide risk, but higher electrical demand. AEP Ohio electricity supplies most of the region, so it’s critical to make sure your home’s panel is sized correctly to avoid overload.
Who is each system right for?
- Gas Furnace Is Best For:
- Homes with natural gas service in Steubenville or Weirton
- Families looking for lower heating bills in cold winters
- Homeowners planning to stay long-term and want efficiency to pay off
- Electric Furnace + Heat Pump Is Best For:
- Homes without natural gas service
- Smaller or well-insulated homes with modest heating needs
- Homeowners who want efficient year-round heating and cooling in one system
My Local Experience: A Tale of Two Winters
A couple winters ago, I worked with a homeowner in Wintersville who had been quoted for a huge 120,000 BTU gas furnace. Another contractor told him “bigger is better.” When we ran a proper Manual J load calculation, we found he only needed a 70,000 BTU furnace. We installed, commissioned, and tested it properly—and his gas bill dropped nearly 25%.
On the other side, I helped a family in Weirton with an old electric furnace. Their heating bills were nearly $600 a month in January. They didn’t have natural gas service, so we replaced it with a high-efficiency heat pump paired with a new electric furnace for backup. Their bills were still higher than gas would have been—but much lower than before, with dramatically better comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Gas furnaces cost more upfront but save on utilities in our region.
- Electric furnaces are almost always paired with heat pumps in our area, making them far more efficient than electric-only setups.
- Neither system will last if it isn’t installed and commissioned properly.
At Honest Fix, every installation includes Manual J sizing, full commissioning, and our Lifetime Trust Shield guarantees—so you know your system is installed to last.
Your Next Step
If you’re deciding between a gas or electric furnace with a heat pump, your best move is to get a free exact quote from a company that does more than just sell equipment. At Honest Fix, we size, install, and commission every system the right way—because shortcuts cost you in the long run.
Call today to schedule your free exact quote. We’ll walk you through both options and help you make the right decision for your home in Steubenville, Weirton, Wintersville, Toronto, or Mingo Junction.
Frequently Asked Questions (Voice Search Ready)
How long does a gas furnace last in Steubenville?
A gas furnace in Steubenville usually lasts 15–20 years. With annual maintenance and proper commissioning, homeowners get the longest life and consistent comfort.
Is a heat pump with electric furnace cheaper to run than gas in Weirton?
A heat pump with an electric furnace can save money in mild weather. In Weirton winters, natural gas usually delivers lower bills during the coldest weeks.
Do electric furnaces always need a heat pump in the Ohio Valley?
Most homes in the Ohio Valley pair an electric furnace with a heat pump. This setup keeps bills affordable since the heat pump handles moderate temperatures.
What’s the safest furnace for homes in Wintersville?
Gas and electric systems are both safe if installed correctly. Gas furnaces need carbon monoxide protection, while electric furnaces require proper panel sizing and load testing.
Which system is best for older homes in Toronto, OH?
Older Toronto homes with gas service usually benefit from a gas furnace. If gas isn’t available, pairing an electric furnace with a heat pump is the better choice.
