Electric furnaces are an effective option for homeowners who need an affordable, low-maintenance heating solution. While these systems have many benefits, they also have some drawbacks to consider before making a decision.
We go over the pros and cons of electric furnace installation below and how the team at N.E.T.R., Inc. can help you choose the right system and install it with care.
Furnace Installation Pros
Affordable and Accessible
One great advantage of an electric furnace is its affordability. Since these systems don’t require gas lines or vents, installation tends to be faster and less expensive.
Uses Existing Ductwork
Another benefit of choosing an electric furnace is that it uses your home’s existing ductwork, which eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming renovations.
Low Safety Risk
Many homeowners choose an electric furnace due to its low risk of safety hazards. Although rare, gas furnaces may leak fuel or produce carbon monoxide, which can potentially cause adverse health effects. Electric furnaces offer a stress-free heating option for your space, so you can stay comfortable without worry.
High-Efficiency Models Save Energy
High-efficiency electric furnaces are designed to convert nearly all of the power they use into heat. This can help reduce energy waste and lower your utility bills without impacting your comfort.
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Furnace Installation Cons
May Have Higher Operating Costs
While electric furnaces can be less expensive to install than a gas furnace, they may come with higher operating expenses if the cost per kilowatt hour of electricity is higher than the cost of natural gas in your region. Make sure you weigh the upfront savings against the potential for higher costs later on, especially if you plan to use your furnace often during the winter.
May Take Longer to Heat Up a Space
Compared to a gas furnace and even ductless systems, electric furnaces can take longer to heat up and bring your space to the desired temperature. This is most noticeable on very cold days or when you are turning up your heat after having it off for a period of time.
Is Electric Furnace Heating Right for Your Home or Business?
Here are some ways to know if heating with an electric furnace is the right choice for your space:
You Have an Open Floor Plan
Electric furnaces are ideal for heating spaces that aren’t divided by a lot of walls or doors. In an open floor plan, air distributed by a furnace can circulate freely. This helps heat your space evenly with consistent temperatures.
There Are Multiple Rooms That Need to Be Heated
That said, electric furnaces can also heat multiple rooms when connected to ductwork. You’ll just need to make sure your furnace is properly sized for the entire home, or else you might have trouble maintaining your desired temperature.
You Already Have Ductwork
If your home or business already has ducts, it’s usually easier and more cost-effective to install an electric furnace. If you don’t, putting in a furnace would require you to build new ductwork. In the latter case, a different heating option may be better.
You Don’t Want to Use Fossil Fuels
If you’re committed to environmental sustainability or want to avoid using fossil fuels for heating, an electric furnace is an ideal choice. These systems are also compatible with renewable energy systems if you want to keep going green in the future.
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Get Reliable Furnace Installation and Service from N.E.T.R., Inc.
At N.E.T.R., Inc., we can help you choose the right furnace and install your new system with care, so you can stay warm no matter how cold it gets outside.
We’ll help you compare pros and cons, understand operating costs, and more to make sure the equipment you choose is the ideal fit for your space. Contact us today at (781) 933-6387 to schedule a quote.
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