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Originally Posted by vanblah
The "quality of your heat." Seriously? Hot air=hot air no matter how you heat it. Some systems can be different such as radiant vs. forced air ... but I have no idea what "quality of your heat," is supposed to mean.
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From years of experience I can say that gas heat seems to feel warmer. It has a lot to do with humidity. Gas burning releases a certain amount of moisture where electric heating elements or heat produced from the reverse process of AC (aka, heat pump) dries out the air. Sure, you can add a humidifier but it just isn't the same. Of course, it's great if you like dry skin and to be shocked every time you walk around and then touch something!!
Other benefits of gas include cooking. there's nothing like the immediate change when you turn the knob on a gas range. You want it hot, it's there; not hot - bam. Electric stoves take time to heat and cool.
We have gas everything - stove, oven, heat, water heater and dryer. Lights, a well pump and AC are the only major electric items we use. I have a 5,000 sq. ft. home and our budget monthly payment for electric is $120 while gas is $145. So, year round, I'm paying $265/month. Did I mention I live in Michigan? I also keep my AC on 75 during the day and 72 at night. the heat runs 63 at night and anywhere from 67 to 70 during the day. It varies because I use a programable thermostat. That's something I suggest for everyone. For example, the heat starts up 30 minutes before we get up in the am so things feel real nice when we toss the covers.