The furnace itself may include a heating element, a blower to circulate the air, and various controls and sensors to regulate the temperature and ensure safe operation. Electric furnaces are known for their efficiency and reliability and are a popular choice for both residential and commercial heating needs.
Electric Furnace Parts
The main components of an electric furnace include:
Heating Element: This is the component that generates heat and is typically made of resistive wire that is heated when an electric current is passed through it. Blower: The blower is responsible for circulating the heated air throughout the building. It typically consists of a fan and a motor. Thermostat: This device controls the temperature in the building by regulating the flow of electricity to the heating element. Control Board: This component controls the operation of the electric furnace, and may include various sensors and switches to monitor and regulate the furnace’s functions. Ducts and Vents: These are used to distribute the heated air throughout the building. Air Filter: It is responsible for filtering the air that is circulated through the furnace. Limit Switch: A safety component that monitors the temperature inside the furnace and shut down the furnace if it becomes too hot. Relays and Contactors: These are responsible for turning the heating element and blower on and off as needed.
Note: The exact parts and configuration may vary depending on the specific model of the electric furnace.
Working on Electric Furnace
An electric furnace works by converting electricity into heat to warm a building. The process consists of the following steps: The thermostat senses the temperature in the building and sends a signal to the control board to start the heating process. The control board then sends an electrical current to the heating element, which generates heat through a process called resistance heating. The blower, powered by an electric motor, circulates the heated air throughout the building through a system of ducts and vents. The air filter removes any contaminants from the air before it is circulated. As the building warms up, the thermostat sends a signal to the control board to decrease the electrical current to the heating element. The limit switch monitors the temperature inside the furnace and will shut down the furnace if it becomes too hot. When the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat sends a signal to the control board to shut off the heating element and the blower, and the furnace will stop running until the thermostat signals it is necessary to start the process again. Overall, an electric furnace converts the electrical energy into heat, which is then distributed throughout the building using a blower and a system of ducts, and controlled by a thermostat and control board to maintain the desired temperature.
Electric Furnace: The Best Heating Option?
Electric furnaces are a popular and efficient option for heating homes and buildings, but they may not always be the best choice depending on a variety of factors. Some advantages of electric furnaces include: Pros:
They are reliable and require little maintenance. They are easy to install and can be used in a variety of settings. They are highly efficient, as all the energy used is converted into heat.
Cons:
Electric furnaces may be more expensive to operate than other types of heating systems, particularly if electricity rates are high in your area. They are not suitable for extremely cold climates. They are not suitable for large commercial buildings, as the energy consumption would be too high. Ultimately, the best heating option will depend on your specific needs and circumstances, such as the climate, the size of the building, and the cost of electricity in your area. It’s important to consult with a professional HVAC contractor to help determine the best option for your home or building.
Cost of Electric Furnace & Factors That Affect
The cost of the electric furnace depends on its quality and the quality is determined by specific factors. Let’s have a look at the factor that you must consider:
Electric Furnace Quality: Electric furnace quality depends on various factors that include efficiency, brand reputation, materials used, features, serviceability, and performance. These must be checked and made along with your requirements. Electric Furnace Performance: Electric furnace performance can be determined by looking at its efficiency rating, noise level, temperature flow, and control. Sizing an Electric Furnace for Your Home: Now, coming to the size of the electric furnace, it solely depends on where you live. Whether you’re living in a villa or a little apartment. As it will be according to the size of your living space.
Best Electric Furnace
BTU and KW: BTU, or British thermal unit, and KW or Kilowatt, are the two different units to measure the heat capacity of the electric furnace for a set time, i.e. for an hour or minute. A higher BTU/KW range means the electric furnace will work faster with better heating capacity. Most electric furnace models have a BTU range of 15000 BTU to 60000 BTU or 5KW to 29 KW. In some models, the heating capacity is denoted by the unit KW or kilowatt. As per mathematical calculation, 1 KW = 3142 BTU. The general rule states that for proper heading in a moderate climate, each square foot of your room will need 25 to 45 BTU. Hence, a room with a higher area will require a heating furnace with a higher BTU or KW rating. Here is how to choose the furnace size depending on the room size-
Here are some suggestions of Best electric furnace products:
Best Electric Furnace List
Best Electric Furnace Reviews
1. Garrison Electric Furnace
Garrison has been a trusted name in American and Canadian households for their wide range of electric furnaces and space heaters. Their MBR 1200AA1HKR20C has been one of the top-selling models since its launch. The impressive size of 68240 BTU and 20KW power will give you the needed warmth even during chilly days with heavy snow. On top of that, it has a certified energy star rating and will cut down your electricity bills for the long term. The best part? It comes factory Assembled and tested for assured service. On top of that, the brand also offers great warranty features for its buyers. Each machine has a ten-year warranty period applicable to the whole machine, including all its parts. You can connect to Garrison Company’s dedicated telephone hotline for assistance after purchase. Features:
It has control circuit staging and ETL listing for a better energy-saving network. The whole model is made with a rust-proof heating element to prevent rust. The machine has a wiring furnace so that you can install it with air handlers without difficulty. Dimension: 17.5 inch(W) X 21 inch(D) X26 inch(H) The whole machine has a warranty of ten years.
Pros:
A completely assembled electric furnace with pre-installed heating coils makes installation Great warranty period Excellent service with faster heating
Cons:
You may need the help of a trained HVAC expert if you do not have enough knowledge about the wiring or the electrical components. Without copper wires, it may not work properly. Some users complained that they got a heater with the wrong pre-wiring work done. It will only work if your home has 200 amp services.
2. Garrison 51 Electric Furnace
The second model in the list is the MBR1200AA1HK Electric Furnace from Garrison. It is one of the most energy-efficient models from Garrison that guarantees faster cooling. Since it comes with a 15KW power capacity and 51180 BTU rating, you will always be satisfied with the heating. The machine is made with alloy steel to prevent rust or other damage. This model has different flow directions to ensure the room gets heated uniformly, and you can also adjust the airflow at your convenience. It is one of the few machines that work as a cooler besides working as an electric furnace. The cooling fan is separated from the heating parts, and you can easily enjoy some cool breeze during the scorching summer. On top of that, Garrison also offers ten years of warranty features with round-the-clock assistance. Features:
The forced air furnace has a multi-speed PSC blower motor that offers airflow in different directions like down flow, up the flow and Horizontal flow. It can also cool the air if needed. It also comes with a fan for the cooling mode, which is isolated from the heating coils. The foil-faced insulation is placed with glue to reduce noise while the machine works. Since it runs on electricity, you do not need to worry about refueling it from time to time. Dimension: 17.5 x 17.5 x 26 inches Weight: 62 pounds Ten years of warranty. You can contact the Garrison service executives with their official phone numbers to get help.
Pros:
Less noise while cooling or heating Cooling and heating in one machine Multi-directional airflow Energy efficient Round-the-clock service helpline
Cons:
The machine requires professional installation Some complained about receiving a broken machine
3. Miller Electric Furnace
Miller has been providing great models of electric furnaces for a long time, especially for smaller and mobile homes. Since the brand randomly spot-checks all the machines, their products are always of premium quality. The model comes with better ductwork and vents to ensure it can be reinstalled if you change your home and remain safe without any hazards. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with its size of 53000 BTU and 15KW power capacity. Its body is durable and will last for more than a decade with proper care and maintenance. The machine is versatile, offers excellent heating and maintains the heating effect for extended periods without using much energy. Features:
The electric furnace is made of powder-coated steel to ensure it is not easily damaged. The fully insulated furnace cabinet for safer operation It comes with an easy open door that you can access any time you want. Besides heating, it also filters the air for added safety Dimension: 24 x 20 x 29 inches(LxWxH) Weight:75 pounds
Pros
Great design Good heating With the air filtration method for filtering air before heating The machine is versatile Easy to install
Cons
Some people received a defective product Requires expert installation The furnace often makes loud noises while working
4. Goldman Electric Furnace
The fourth electric furnace model is from Goodman. The brand has been one of the top HVAC systems providers in the US since 1975. With their pocket-friendly model ranges, you will always be spoilt for choice. The model we are recommending comes with a size of 34120 BTU and 10KW power. Hence, if you have a small home, you can install it without much hassle. It has a rust-resistant nickel chromium-made smart heating strip for faster and effortless cooling. On top of that, the heating coils are separately tested and ensured to ensure temperature control remains active to its finest level. Since the machine comes with most of the pre-installation work done, you can easily install it even by yourself. On top of that, Goldman offers a ten-year warranty for the machine parts. Features:
The model has a ten-year warranty (for selected parts) from the company. The machine has rust proof body with compact wiring It has an Energy Star rating from renowned brands Factory-installed circuit breakers and branch circuit system Dimension:21 x 17.5 x 26 inches Weight:79 pounds
Pros:
Fuse-linked secondary temperature control Ten years warranty Good after-sales service Works great Makes less sound An easy-to-install model with a plug-in wiring harness connected to the air handler Rust-proof nickel chromium heating coil
Cons:
The installation kit that comes with the model is incomplete. You may need to buy some parts separately. The installation instructions are not clear to many people.
Buying Guide For Electric Furnace
Here we have prepared a buying guide for you to make it easy to purchase it. You must consider these factors before making the right decision.
1. Size
The best size of electric furnace for your home or building will depend on several factors, like size of the space to be heated, the insulation of the building, and the local climate. A furnace that is too small will have to work harder to warm the space, while a furnace that is too large will waste energy. To determine the best size of electric furnace for your space, you should consult with a professional HVAC contractor. They will take into account the factors mentioned above, and will also perform a load calculation to determine the heating requirements of your home or building.
2. Power
The best power for an electric furnace will depend on several factors, such as the size of the space to be heated, the insulation of the building, and the local climate. Generally, the power output of an electric furnace is measured in kilowatts (kW). To determine the best power output for your electric furnace, you should consult with a professional HVAC contractor. A load calculation takes into account the square footage of the space, the number and type of windows, the R-value of the insulation, and other factors that can impact the heating needs of your home or building.
3. Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of an electric furnace is typically measured by its AFUE rating (its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ). The AFUE rating is a measure of how much of the energy used by the furnace is converted into heat, as opposed to being lost as exhaust or waste. The higher the rating, the higher the furnace efficiency. The AFUE rating can range from 95% to 100% for electric furnaces. A furnace with an AFUE rating of 95% means that 95% of the energy used by the furnace is converted into heat, while 5% is lost as exhaust or waste. According to the US Energy Department, the minimum AFUE rating for electric furnaces is 95%. However, many newer models have an AFUE rating of 98% or higher.
4. Heating Zone
When buying an electric furnace, it’s essential to think about the heating zone in which it will be used. Heating zones are defined by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and are based on the average outdoor temperature for a given area. They are used to determine the minimum efficiency requirements for heating equipment.
5. Climate
When considering climate while buying an electric furnace, it is important to take into account the average temperature range and the severity of cold weather in the area where the furnace will be installed. This will determine the size and efficiency rating of the furnace that is required.
Conclusion
An electric furnace for your home or even a mobile home can be an excellent investment with a warm and comfortable winter season for you and your family. You can consider all the recommended models here and choose anyone you like. If you want to buy a machine for a large room, get the Garrison Electric Furnace.
For those looking for a machine that cools and heats with the same efficiency, the MBR1200AA1HK Electric furnace from Garrison is an ideal choice because it has a multi-flow heating and cooling system. An Garrison 51 Electric Furnace or Miller Electric Furnace will be enough for families with medium to smaller rooms. You can get the Goodman 10KW electric furnace with a smaller room.
Please remember that it is always better to search a little and learn more about the ratings and reviews related to the particular model to make the proper choice. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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