Furnaces are often considered the best heating source during harsh winter weather. Natural gas has long been the most popular fuel choice for heating U.S. homes, but electricity is gaining ground.
Electric furnace popularity can be attributed to the fact that they don’t use non-renewable energy and are cleaner to operate. With the right electric furnace, you can save money and keep your home more comfortable.
What is an electric furnace and how does it work?
An electric furnace is a heating system that uses electric heat coils to warm air which is circulated throughout the home by a blower fan. The blower fan pushes out the hot air through the ductwork into your house. One of the main benefits of an electric furnace is its efficiency. These furnaces have a 100% efficiency rate, meaning that all of the electricity they consume is converted into heat. This makes them an affordable option for heating homes and businesses, especially in areas where electricity is less expensive than other fuel sources. Electric furnace are also relatively easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice among homeowners and business owners.
Electric furnace are available in multiple types, and can be compared to other types of furnaces to determine which is best for a particular home. Using a home electric furnace has several advantages, including cleaner air, lower operating costs, and improved comfort. It is important to size the electric furnace correctly for a house and climate; looking for the electric furnace’s heating capacity based on the home’s needs. The cost of operating an electric furnace for a house should also be taken into consideration.
Choosing an electric furnace
There are a few different electric furnace types to choose from, including a forced air electric furnace and a radiant electric furnace. A forced air electric furnace use a blower or fan to circulate warm air throughout the space. A radiant electric furnace use heated coils or panels to warm surfaces and objects in the room. Both types of Electric furnace can be controlled using a thermostat, allowing users to set and maintain a desired temperature.
When it comes to selecting an electric furnace, there are a few key factors to consider. One important factor is the size of the furnace, making sure that it is sized correctly for the space. You should also consider the efficiency of the electric furnace; a more efficient model will save you money on energy bills in the long run. Other factors to consider include the reputation and customer service of the manufacturer, ease of repair and maintenance services, and any additional features.
Forced air electric furnace
A forced air electric furnace is a type of electric furnace that uses a blower to circulate warm air throughout a space. A forced air electric furnace is a type of electric furnace that uses a motorized fan to circulate air throughout the home.
This type of furnace is popular because it is relatively inexpensive to install and maintain, and it can be easily controlled with a thermostat. However, one drawback of a forced air electric furnace is that it can be noisy, as the blower can be loud. Additionally, the air circulation can cause dust and allergens to circulate through the air, which may be an issue for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Parts of an electric furnace
Electric furnace are gaining ground as a popular heating source in many regions. Traditional furnaces are considered to be the best source of heating in cold regions, but Electric furnace are a close second. Their popularity is due in part to the fact that they use energy more efficiently.
- Heating Element: The heating element is responsible for converting electrical energy into heat energy. It is an important part of the electric furnace, as it is the component that actually produces the heat. A malfunctioning heating element can cause the furnace to not produce heat. The estimated repair cost for a heating element is around $100-$300 and replacement cost can be around $300-$500.
- Blower Motor: The blower motor is responsible for circulating the heated air throughout the home. It is important because it ensures that the heat produced by the furnace is distributed evenly throughout the home. A malfunctioning blower motor can cause the furnace to not circulate heat properly. The estimated repair cost for a blower motor is around $200-$500 and replacement cost can be around $500-$800.
- Thermostat: The thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature in the home. It is important because it tells the furnace when to turn on and off, and at what temperature to operate. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the furnace to not turn on or to turn on at the wrong temperature. The estimated repair cost for a thermostat is around $150 and replacement cost can be around $250.
- Limit Switch: The limit switch is responsible for preventing the furnace from overheating. It is important because it shuts off the furnace if it gets too hot, which can prevent damage to the furnace and to the home. A malfunctioning limit switch can cause the furnace to overheat and shut off frequently. The estimated repair cost for a limit switch is around $150 and replacement cost can be around $250.
- Fan Relay: The fan relay controls the blower motor, it is responsible for turning the blower motor on and off. It is important because it ensures that the blower motor runs only when the furnace is producing heat. A malfunctioning fan relay can cause the blower motor to run constantly, which can be costly in terms of energy consumption. The estimated repair cost for a fan relay is around $150 and replacement cost can be around $250.
Pros and cons of an electric furnace
Pros
- Generally less complex than gas furnace, so they can be less expensive to repair.
- Typically quieter than gas furnace.
- Good option for homes without access to natural gas or propane.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Good option for homeowners who want a clean, efficient heating source.
- Electric furnaces don’t require a vent because they do not produce any emissions.
Cons
- Shorter average lifespan than gas furnace, usually around 10 to 15 years
- Tend to be less energy efficient than gas furnace.
- Cost of electricity is generally higher than that of natural gas, which can make electric furnace more expensive to operate.
- Require a larger electric service to run, which can be a problem for older homes.
- May not produce enough heat for large or poorly insulated homes.
High efficiency electric furnace
A high efficiency electric furnace is a type of electric furnace that uses heat coils to generate heat. It is a popular choice for residential customers in the United States, as it offers several advantages, including improved air quality, energy efficiency, and cost savings. It is important to choose the best high efficiency electric furnace for a particular home.
There are a number of factors that can affect the efficiency of an electric furnace, including size, age, and maintenance. One important factor is the size of the furnace. If the furnace is too small, it will have to work harder to heat the space, resulting in higher energy consumption and lower efficiency.
If the furnace is too large, it will waste energy by heating the space beyond what is needed. Age is also a factor, as older Electric furnace may not be as efficient as newer models due to wear and tear and outdated technology. Proper maintenance is also crucial for maintaining the efficiency of an electric furnace. This includes regular cleaning and replacement of the furnace filter, as well as annual tune-ups by a qualified technician.
Is a new electric furnace more efficient?
A new electric furnace is more efficient, but costs more to run. While a new electric furnace is far more efficient at converting electricity into heat than other types of furnaces, this long-term efficiency is counterbalanced by energy prices. An electric furnace will lose efficiency over time due to factors such as buildup of dust and debris on the heating elements, insulation deterioration, or wear and tear on the blower motor. Regular maintenance can extend the efficiency for a new furnace.
How much does an electric furnace cost?
When selecting the best electric furnace for your home, it is important to consider the cost of installation and the cost of electricity. According to homeadvisor.com, Electric furnace prices average a range from $150 and $10,400.
A new electric furnace cost to install can range from $2,805 to $6,780, averaging $4,692 for materials, equipment, and labor. Real total costs vary by local labor rates, brand choice, and a few other factors. However, Electric furnace have higher operational costs than gas furnaces.
Electric furnace repair costs are usually are usually less expensive than gas because repairs require less labor. The average electric repair is often less than $300, but gas repairs can run from $300 to $1,200.
Gas vs. electric furnace
When comparing electric furnace vs gas, When comparing electric furnace vs gas, it’s important to consider several factors, including:
- Lifespan: The average lifespan of a gas furnace is typically longer than that of an electric furnace. A gas furnace can last between 15 to 20 years, while an electric furnace typically lasts between 10 to 15 years. However, the lifespan of a furnace can vary depending on a number of factors such as the quality, maintenance, and it’s operating environment.
- Upfront cost: Electric furnace tend to have a lower upfront cost than gas furnace, but installation can be more complex and expensive.
Repair cost: Electric furnace are generally less complex than gas furnace, so they can be less expensive to repair. However, they also tend to require more frequent repairs. - Energy Cost: Natural gas being generally more affordable and more energy efficient, a gas furnace typically has a lower energy cost than an electric furnace.
- Operating cost: Operating a gas furnace generally costs less than that of an electric furnace. This is because natural gas is typically cheaper than electricity, and gas furnaces are also typically more energy efficient than Electric furnace. The cost of operation can vary depending on a number of factors such as cost of natural gas and electricity and the efficiency of the furnace.
- Environment: Gas furnace release carbon monoxide and other pollutants, while electric furnace don’t produce any emissions.
Best electric furnace brands
When choosing the best electric furnace brand, it is important to compare multiple brands and read reviews of the best electric furnace brands.
- American Standard: American Standard offers central furnaces in single and multistage configurations, with some models capable of an AFUE rating of more than 90 percent. These furnaces meet Energy Star requirements and are known for their quiet operation. The average price of an American Standard furnace is $3,000.
- Bryant: Bryant offers central furnaces in single and multistage configurations, with some models capable of an AFUE rating of more than 90 percent. These furnaces meet Energy Star requirements and are known for their quiet operation. Bryant also has a new line of hybrid heat systems. The average price of a Bryant furnace is $2,300.
- Carrier: Electric furnaces by carrier have excellent energy efficiency and value. Carrier offers central furnaces in single and multistage configurations, with some models capable of an AFUE rating of more than 90 percent. These furnaces meet Energy Star requirements and are known for their quiet operation. Carrier also has a new line of hybrid heat systems. The average price of a Carrier furnace is $2,800.
- Lennox: Lennox offers central furnaces in single and multistage configurations, with some models capable of an AFUE rating of more than 90 percent. These furnaces meet Energy Star requirements and are known for their quiet operation. The average price of a Lennox furnace is $2,500.
- Rheem: Rheem offers central furnaces in single and multistage configurations, with some models capable of an AFUE rating of more than 90 percent. These furnaces meet Energy Star requirements and are known for their quiet operation. The average price of a Rheem furnace is $2,300.
- Trane: Trane offers central furnaces in single and multistage configurations, with some models capable of an AFUE rating of more than 90 percent. These furnaces meet Energy Star requirements and are known for their quiet operation. The average price of a Trane furnace is $3,000.
- Goodman: Goodman is known for offering the most affordable furnaces, making them the best value for money.
Daikin: Daikin is one of the oldest HVAC companies and is known for offering excellent value and customer service.
The brands of electric furnaces are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, as they offer several advantages, including improved air quality, energy efficiency, and cost savings.
Additionally, it is important to compare different electric furnace brands and read reviews of the best electric furnaces before making a purchase. With a variety of electric furnace brands available, we can help you find the furnace that best suits your needs.
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