Electric Forced Air Furnaces for Winter Heating
The dead of winter is approaching and if your old heater isn’t doing its job anymore, it may be the right time to have a new forced-air furnace installed. Although certain models run on electricity, they can still decrease the costs of heating your home and be environmentally friendly. There are also gas models, but the electric models are selling better because of their advantages. The following will discuss the basics, benefits, drawbacks, and costs of electric forced-air systems.
Basics
High-resistance wires that are heating elements allow electric forced air systems to produce heat. As electricity flows through these elements, heat is generated as a fan blows, directing the warmed air into ducts that distribute it throughout a home.
Benefits
Featuring a unique design, forced-air heating units can be easily installed onto current central-air systems. Their design also intelligently permits adding central air conditioning later. Many homeowners discover that the installation of new systems is much less costly because major duct alteration is not required.
As far as energy efficiency, forced-air systems are superior to other heating systems. Functioning under the control of a thermostat, they swiftly activate or deactivate as needed or desired by homeowners. Gaining traction is the smart thermostat, which learns from past settings to predict the preferences of users. It eventually programs itself to heat homes at the proper temperatures and time, conserving energy and saving utility costs.
Several of the best-selling models are equipped with a filtration component that traps a good deal of the particles in the air circulating within the units. Cleaner air reduces the chance of allergic reactions or other health issues from heated air. In addition, they are more preferable than other systems because of their quiet running. People often say they are unaware when a forced-air unit turns on or off.
Drawbacks
Forced-air electric heaters require scheduled maintenance as do other systems. Filters need replacement after a period of time. The cleaning of vents and ducts is also important because debris will impede proper airflow and may cause fire. To avoid wasting energy and money from heating areas unnecessarily, forced-air systems should be installed with vents that they can be opened or closed. This may increase the cost of installation if existing central heating systems are not equipped with this feature.
Installation Costs
Purchasing a forced-air electric furnace averages $1,300. However, the majority of homeowners will be unable to install a unit without help. This is where an experienced licensed electrician can come in. The average installation cost will run between $3,500 to $4,000 for a home with vents and ducts that are in good condition. If new vents or significant structural alterations are needed, expenses will be significantly higher. In any case, a new heating system should be considered a long-term investment because the resale value of the home will be increased.
Electrical Peace of Mind
Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs, including:
- Commercial & Residential Electrical Installations
- Marina & Residential Pier Wiring
- Electrical Service & Repair
- Specialty Electrical Services
For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at 410-266-9040. They will be very glad to help you.