Omaha winters don’t ease in slowly. The temperature drops fast, the air dries out, and overnight lows can stay below freezing for weeks at a time. When the wind rolls across the Missouri River and pushes wind chills into the single digits, your home needs a heating system that can respond quickly and reliably. That’s why many homeowners upgrading their heating in Omaha or eastern Nebraska start with one big question: gas furnace or electric furnace?
Both systems can work well here, but they don’t perform the same in our climate. Below is a clear breakdown of how each system handles Nebraska’s winters, how they impact energy bills, and which homes are better suited for each option.
Choosing the Right Furnace for Your Omaha Home
Omaha isn’t a mild-winter city. January averages hover in the 20s, but cold fronts often drop temperatures to zero or below. Homes, whether they’re older houses in Dundee or newer builds in Elkhorn, need a furnace that can produce strong, steady heat without running nonstop.
Across Eastern Nebraska, gas furnaces are still the most common choice, mainly because:
- Natural gas is widely available
- Gas systems heat quickly
- They stay efficient in sub-freezing weather
However, electric furnaces absolutely have their place. Homes without natural gas service, rural properties around Douglas and Sarpy counties, or new construction designed around electric systems often perform very well with electric heat.
The key is matching the system to your home’s size, insulation, and heating demands.
How Gas Furnaces Perform in Nebraska’s Cold, Dry Climate
Stronger Heat Output for Sub-Freezing Days
Gas furnaces deliver hotter supply air, which helps your home warm up quickly after the thermostat kicks on. This makes a big difference during cold snaps when temperatures drop below zero and wind chills cut through older insulation.
Better Operating Costs in Winter
In Nebraska, natural gas prices are generally more stable and cost-effective during the winter months. For many homeowners, a gas furnace Omaha installation means lower monthly heating bills, especially in larger homes or homes with older ductwork.
Consistent Comfort in Drafty or Older Homes
From Benson to South Omaha, many older homes simply lose heat faster. Gas heat handles these conditions more effectively than electric resistance heat.
Safety & Efficiency With Professional Maintenance
Because gas furnaces involve combustion, yearly maintenance is essential. Thermal’s licensed, background-checked technicians clean burners, test ignition systems, and check heat exchangers, all crucial for both efficiency and safety.
How Electric Furnaces Perform in Omaha
A Good Fit for Homes Without Natural Gas
Some developments, rural properties, and new subdivisions don’t always run gas lines. In these areas, an electric furnace Omaha homeowners choose can be the simplest, cleanest option.
Lower Purchase & Installation Cost
Electric furnaces generally cost less upfront, which can be appealing when planning a furnace installation in Omaha on a budget.
Clean, Quiet, and Low-Maintenance Operation
Electric systems don’t burn fuel, so there’s no combustion chamber, no exhaust, and no risk of flue leaks. They also tend to run quieter, helpful in multi-level homes where noise travels.
Works Well in Smaller or High-Efficiency Homes
If you live in a newer, tightly insulated home in places like Millard or Papillion, an electric system may have no trouble keeping up. Pairing an electric furnace with a heat pump can also significantly cut winter heating costs.
Energy Efficiency & Environmental Impact
Both gas and electric systems can achieve high efficiency when properly maintained. Modern gas furnaces reach AFUE ratings of 95 percent or higher, while electric furnaces convert almost 100 percent of their electricity into usable heat.
In terms of environmental impact:
- Gas produces emissions on-site.
- Electric furnaces shift emissions to the power grid, and Omaha’s grid is gradually shifting toward cleaner sources.
Either way, routine tune-ups from Thermal Services help reduce energy waste, improve airflow, and extend system life
Contact Thermal Services for Expert Furnace Installation in Omaha
When you’re choosing between gas or electric heating, proper installation is just as important as the system you pick. Thermal Services offers same-day and 24/7 HVAC service, free replacement quotes, upfront pricing, and financing options for qualified homeowners.
Call Thermal Services today to schedule furnace installation in Omaha, NE, and get a system built for our Nebraska winters.
