An electric furnace is a type of heating system that burns fuel to produce heat, which is then distributed to the home through a network of ductwork and forced air distribution system. The main advantage of an electric furnace over a gas burner is that it doesn’t require a gas line to be installed, making it a much easier installation process for new homes. Additionally, an electric furnace can be installed almost anywhere in the home, including unfinished basements and crawlspaces. Also, when compared to natural gas, the upfront cost of an electric furnace installation will likely be much lower. However, you will also need to consider the fact that you will need to spend more money on maintenance as an electric furnace is more complex than a gas-fired system.
BASICS OF ELECTRIC FURNACE INSTALLATION
To begin your installation, you will first need to determine the correct size for your furnace. The size of your furnace will depend upon the square footage of your home, as well as the type of fuel that you are burning (natural gas, propane, or electricity). Once you have selected the correct size, you will need to select the correct HVAC system that your property will be using. The HVAC system will determine the type of ductwork that will need to be installed, as well as the type of blower that will be used to distribute the air throughout the home. The main type of HVAC system used with electric furnaces is called a variable-air-volume system, or VAV. VAV systems are commonly used with electric heat rather than a heat pump because electric heat is more efficient than a heat pump.
BENEFITS OF AN ELECTRIC FURNACE OVER A GAS FURNACE
Electric furnaces are a more cost effective option than gas-fired heating systems for many homes. The reason for this is because you do not need to install a gas line in your home in order to run a gas-fired system. However, you will need to consider the fact that you will also need to purchase an electric panel in order to receive the electricity that will be used to power the system. Another benefit of an electric furnace over a gas-fired system is that it can be installed in almost any space within your home, including basements and crawlspaces. Additionally, an electric furnace can be installed almost anywhere, including spaces with little to no access, making it a very flexible option. Another benefit of an electric furnace is that you can remotely control it from your computer or phone, which is a feature that is not offered by a gas-fired system.
WHY CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC FURNACE?
The main benefit of an electric furnace over a gas-fired system is that an electrical connection can be made without the need for a gas line. Thus, if you are in the process of building a new home, you can choose to install an electric furnace instead of a gas-fired system. Additionally, an electric furnace can be installed almost anywhere within a home, including crawl spaces and basements. Also, if you have an existing home with an existing gas-fired system, you can choose to replace it with an electric furnace. Another benefit of an electric furnace is that it is a more eco-friendly option. The EPA recommends that you use an electric furnace if you have an old gas furnace that is more than 15 years old.
DRAWBACKS OF AN ELECTRIC FURNACE
As mentioned above, one drawback of an electric furnace is the fact that you must provide an electrical connection in order to run the system. Additionally, the initial cost of an electric furnace is likely to be higher than a gas-fired system. However, you will also need to consider the fact that you will need to spend more money on maintenance for an electric furnace. Another drawback of an electric furnace is the fact that you can’t use it in the same locations as a gas-fired system. For example, you cannot install an electric furnace in a crawl space and still maintain access to the home.
PROS OF A NATURAL GAS FURNACE
One advantage of a natural gas-fired system is that you can use it in the same locations as a gas-fired system. For example, you are able to use a natural gas-fired furnace in a crawl space or unfinished basement. Also, a natural gas-fired system is more efficient than an electric furnace, which means that you will likely spend less money on fuel. Additionally, natural gas-fired systems are much simpler to maintain and operate than an electric furnace.
SUMMING UP
There are a number of benefits to installing an electric furnace in your home. The first benefit is that an electric furnace can be installed almost anywhere in the home, including crawl spaces and basements. Additionally, an electric furnace can be installed in spaces with little to no access, making it a very flexible option. Another benefit of an electric furnace is that it is a more eco-friendly option. The EPA recommends that you use an electric furnace if you have an old gas furnace that is more than 15 years old.