How do I Choose Between an Electric vs. Gas Furnace?

October 31, 2024

Just can’t seem to get your home warm enough in cooler temperatures? Well, it may be time to upgrade your heating system! Yet, with so many different types of systems to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Custom Cooling & Heating is here to help you navigate that decision-making process. So, let’s talk about furnaces. In this blog, we’ll answer the question “How do I choose between an electric vs. gas furnace?” 


1. Efficiency and Operating Costs 

Electric furnaces are known for their 100% efficiency (buy $1 of electricity and get $1 worth of heat) and typical lower installation costs compared to gas furnaces. They don't need a flue or vent, so that makes the installation process easier and less expensive than gas furnaces. The downside to electric furnaces is that they can be more costly in the long run to operate in areas with higher electricity rates and sometimes the home doesn’t have the adequate electrical panel size or space for the electric furnace. 


On the other hand, gas furnaces typically have lower operating costs, especially in areas where natural gas is readily available and fairly affordable. The initial investment may be higher, but the long-term savings on energy bills can definitely offset those costs, especially if you chose a 96% - 97%  efficiency gas or propane furnace. 


2. Performance and Comfort 

Gas furnaces are known for their incredible heating abilities. They can warm up spaces of any size and any temperature, getting the job done quickly and efficiently. They provide consistent heat, which can be especially comforting in colder climates.  All new models have a high efficiency blower and many have 2-stage or multi-stage heating capability. 


Electric furnaces may be efficient, but they might struggle to keep up with that same level of heating performance as gas furnaces, particularly in extreme cold conditions. Electric furnaces are typically coupled with heat pumps allowing them to only needed during colder temperatures.  Electric furnaces typically have a louder blower noise due to their design. 


3. Environmental Impact & Sustainability 

Electric furnaces produce zero emissions while in use, making them a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option. Electric furnaces are considered a more sustainable choice, bonus points if they’re powered by renewable energy sources like solar or wind.  Keep in mind a lot of our electrical energy in the midwest comes from either coal fired or natural gas power plants. 


While gas furnaces are efficient, they do produce emissions during combustion, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Luckily, modern technology allows for more environmentally friendly options with lower emissions.  There is not a lot of wasted energy in the combustion process of a 95% or 97% furnace. 


4. Installation and Maintenance 

Electric furnaces are typically easier to install and require less maintenance than gas furnaces. Because they don't require a flue or chimney, there are no concerns about carbon monoxide leaks or gas line connections.  Electric furnaces still need maintenance but there are less components internally to fail than a typical gas furnace. 



Gas furnaces require proper venting and combustion air supply, which might require additional installation considerations. They also need regular maintenance, including annual inspections and cleaning of the burner and flue. 


Making the Right Choice 

Choosing between an electric and gas furnace ultimately depends on what your specific needs, budget, and priorities are. If you’re looking for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, an electric furnace may be the way to go. But if heating capabilities and lower operating costs fit your needs better, a gas furnace may be the better choice for you. 


At Custom Cooling & Heating, we're here to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect HVAC system solution for your home. Contact us today to learn more about our furnace options and schedule a consultation with one of our experts. 

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How to Choose the Right HVAC Filter for Your Home

February 17, 2026
Your HVAC filter might seem like a small part of your heating and cooling system, but it plays a huge role in your comfort, air quality, and system efficiency. The right filter helps keep dust, allergens, and debris out of your home while protecting your HVAC equipment from unnecessary wear and tear. Choosing the wrong one, however, can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and even shorten the life of your system. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we help homeowners make smart choices that improve indoor comfort and protect their investment. With convenient online ordering for HVAC filters and the option to save 10% through auto delivery, maintaining your system has never been easier. Here’s how to choose the right HVAC filter for your home. 1. Understand Your Filter Size Before anything else, you need the correct size. HVAC filters come in many dimensions, and using the wrong size can allow unfiltered air to bypass the system. Your filter size is typically printed on the side of your current filter. It will look something like: 16 x 25 x 1 or 20 x 20 x 4 This represents length, width, and thickness in inches. If you’re unsure, Custom Cooling & Heating can help you identify the correct size, so you can order with confidence. 2. Learn About MERV Ratings MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value . This rating tells you how well a filter captures particles. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles it traps. Here’s a simple breakdown: MERV 1–4: Basic protection, captures large dust particles. MERV 5–8: Good for most homes, captures pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. MERV 9–12: Ideal for allergy sufferers, pets, and improved air quality. MERV 13+: Hospital-grade filtration, may restrict airflow if your system isn’t designed for it. For most residential systems, a MERV 8–11 filter is the sweet spot. It provides excellent air filtration without putting extra strain on your HVAC system. 3. Consider Your Home’s Needs Your household environment should guide your filter choice: Pets in the home: Choose a higher MERV rating to trap pet dander and hair. Allergies or asthma: Look for filters designed to capture allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites. New construction or remodeling: Higher filtration helps capture fine dust particles. Smokers in the home: A stronger filter can help remove smoke particles and odors. The right filter doesn’t just protect your system, but it improves the air you breathe every day. 4. Balance Filtration and Airflow It’s tempting to go with the highest MERV rating available, but more isn’t always better. Filters that are too dense can restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder. This can lead to: Reduced efficiency Higher energy bills Increased wear on your equipment Potential system damage Custom Cooling & Heating recommends selecting a filter that matches your system’s capabilities while still meeting your air quality goals. 5. Choose the Right Filter Type There are several common types of HVAC filters: Fiberglass Filters: Inexpensive, basic protection, lower efficiency. Pleated Filters: Most popular option, better filtration, longer lifespan. Electrostatic Filters: Use static electricity to trap particles, washable or disposable. High-Efficiency Filters: Ideal for allergy control and improved air quality. Pleated filters are usually the best choice for most homes because they balance performance, cost, and airflow. 6. Replace Your Filter Regularly No matter how good your filter is, it won’t work if it’s clogged. A dirty filter reduces airflow, increases energy usage, and allows dust to build up in your system. General replacement guidelines: Every 1–2 months: Homes with pets or allergies Every 2–3 months: Standard households Every 3–6 months: Thicker, high-capacity filters Keeping up with filter changes is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your HVAC system and maintain indoor comfort. 7. Take Advantage of Online Filter Ordering Custom Cooling & Heating makes it simple to get the right filters delivered right to your door. Instead of remembering to buy replacements, you can order your HVAC filters online and know you’re getting the correct size and quality for your system. Even better, when you sign up for auto delivery, you’ll save 10% on your filters while ensuring you never forget to replace them. It’s a smart, stress-free way to keep your system running efficiently all year long. Benefits of auto delivery include: Automatic shipments based on your replacement schedule No last-minute trips to the store Consistent indoor air quality 10% savings on every order 8. Protect Your Investment Your HVAC system is one of the biggest investments in your home. The right filter protects critical components from dust and debris, reduces breakdowns, and keeps energy costs lower. A small decision today can prevent costly repairs down the road. Custom Cooling & Heating is committed to helping homeowners maintain comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. With expert support , quality filters, and convenient online ordering, choosing the right HVAC filter has never been easier. Need more than just filters? We’ve got you covered. Whether you need HVAC maintenance , repairs , or a full system replacement , Custom Cooling & Heating is here to help keep your home comfortable year-round. Order your HVAC filters online today and set up auto delivery to save 10% while staying on top of routine maintenance. And if you ever need additional services, our expert team is just a call or click away. Start your order now and let us handle all your heating and cooling needs with ease.

Why Your Furnace Runs Constantly (And What That Means for Your Home)

January 5, 2026
If it feels like your furnace never shuts off, you’re not imagining things and you’re not alone. One of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners is why their furnace runs constantly, especially during colder months in Nebraska. While some run time is normal in winter, a furnace that seems to run nonstop can be a sign of underlying issues that affect comfort, efficiency, and energy costs. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we help homeowners understand what their heating system is telling them and when it’s time to take action. Here’s what it means if your furnace is running constantly and what you should do about it. Is It Normal for a Furnace to Run All the Time? During periods of extreme cold, your furnace may run longer cycles to keep your home at the set temperature. This can be completely normal, especially if outdoor temperatures are well below freezing. However, if your furnace rarely shuts off or struggles to reach the desired temperature, there may be an issue affecting performance or efficiency. Understanding why your furnace runs constantly starts with identifying the most common causes. Common Reasons Your Furnace Runs Constantly 1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter A dirty air filter is one of the most common and easily fixable reasons a furnace runs nonstop. When the filter is clogged, airflow is restricted, forcing the furnace to work harder and longer to circulate warm air throughout your home. What this means for your home: Reduced airflow can lead to uneven heating, higher energy bills, and unnecessary wear on your furnace. Regularly changing your air filter helps your system run more efficiently and maintain proper airflow. You can buy your air filters online and save 10% on auto ship. 2. Thermostat Issues or Incorrect Settings Sometimes the problem isn’t the furnace itself, it’s the thermostat. Incorrect settings, calibration issues, or an aging thermostat can cause your system to run continuously. What this means for your home: If your thermostat isn’t accurately reading the indoor temperature, your furnace may think it needs to keep running even when your home is already warm. A properly functioning thermostat helps regulate heating cycles and prevents unnecessary run time. 3. Poor Insulation or Air Leaks If warm air is escaping your home through poor insulation or drafts, your furnace will continue running in an attempt to maintain the desired temperature. What this means for your home: Heat loss forces your system to work harder, increasing energy usage, and reducing comfort. Sealing air leaks and improving insulation can significantly reduce furnace run time and improve efficiency. 4. Mechanical or Maintenance Issues Worn components, improper airflow, or lack of regular maintenance can also cause excessive run time. Small issues can add up, reducing efficiency and shortening the lifespan of your furnace. What this means for your home: Ignoring these issues can lead to more serious repairs down the road. Routine maintenance helps identify and correct problems before they impact system performance. What Constant Furnace Run Time Means for Energy Costs When homeowners ask why their furnace runs constantly, energy efficiency is often the biggest concern. A furnace that runs longer than necessary uses more energy, which can lead to noticeably higher heating bills. Addressing airflow issues, maintenance needs, and insulation concerns can help your system operate more efficiently, saving money while improving comfort. When Should You Call a Professional? If your furnace is running constantly and you’ve already checked the air filter and thermostat settings, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a closer look. Ongoing run time can signal issues that aren’t visible to the average homeowner. A professional inspection can help determine whether your furnace needs adjustment, repair , or routine maintenance to restore proper operation. How Custom Cooling & Heating Can Help At Custom Cooling & Heating, we help homeowners diagnose heating issues, improve efficiency, and stay comfortable throughout the winter. Whether it’s routine maintenance, system repairs, or evaluating overall performance, our goal is to help your furnace work the way it should efficiently and reliably. We focus on practical solutions that extend the life of your system and help prevent costly breakdowns during the coldest months of the year. Take Control of Your Home’s Comfort If you’re wondering why your furnace runs constantly, don’t ignore the signs. Addressing the issue early can improve comfort, lower energy costs, and protect your heating system. Contact Custom Cooling & Heating today to schedule an inspection or maintenance service and ensure your furnace is running efficiently all winter long.