Are Electric Furnaces the Most Energy Efficient Option?

Heating your home could cost as much as half of what you spend on energy each year. That's why checking the furnace's energy efficiency rating is a must. However, what exactly does it mean for a heater to be considered "energy efficient?" You should know a few things before judging an electric furnace's efficiency.

Understanding Energy Efficiently Ratings

The energy efficiency of a piece of equipment is measured by comparing how much fuel it uses to how much heat it makes. Almost all the electricity an electric furnace uses is transformed into usable heat. There are efficiency ratings that can be used to compare different furnace models.

Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) states that a gas furnace normally turns 80% of its fuel into heat. Older models are much less efficient than newer ones; they usually only produce around 70%. Nowadays, furnaces with efficiency ratings of more than 90% are available.

Efficiency, measured by Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), is another evaluation technique. Due to its focus on cooling, it is a good indicator of how well air conditioners perform. Since heat pumps can provide air conditioning during the hotter months, they can also be rated according to SEER.

Heat pump efficiency is measured using the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). The more efficient it is at transforming electrical energy into heat, as measured by ratings like AFUE and SEER, the better the rating will be.

Locations like Washington County and beyond, where winters may be brutal, highlight the importance of efficiency. When rating heat pumps and air conditioning systems, the Department of Energy considers the area and climate; if your household's energy needs are little, an extremely efficient system can be overkill.

Are Electric furnaces more efficient?

But does that mean electric heating systems have lower operating costs? Even though electrical heating systems can convert all their energy, they are cheap. Compared to other fuels like natural gas, electricity costs are typically higher.

Most energy a gas system uses is wasted as heat and exhaust. If your home is already wired for natural gas, this is your best bet for reducing your monthly utility costs. To be sure, the cost of your home's heating system is only one factor to think about.

Passing an electric current across a conductor produces heat in electric furnaces. Most electric heating appliances require multiple heating elements to prevent home circuit overload. This means that heating the space requires a substantial quantity of energy input.

Safety and Comfort

Electric furnaces are typically quieter than gas or oil because of their lower size and fewer moving parts. They also present less threat than their oil, propane, or natural gas alternatives. These are the routes to take if you want to be as comfortable as possible.

Carbon dioxide emissions can be rather high from gas furnaces. A reliable heating system will have built-in safety features to identify potential risks. Check the functionality of the fire and CO detectors.

Carbon monoxide poisoning has been linked to various severe health problems and death. Before the Washington County winter sets in, Best Owner Direct HVAC suggests giving your heating system a once over. You must ensure that your safety equipment is operational so that you can be warned of potential hazards.

Some people may feel threatened by the prospect of such dangers occurring. As long as you keep up with routine maintenance, your chance of carbon monoxide poisoning is minimal. You may set up an electrical system to give yourself peace of mind.

Cost of heat and fuel generation

A heat pump is a more efficient heating and cooling system that would better fit your house in Washington County. They can bring in the warm air outside and disperse it throughout the structure. The procedure can be reversed using a refrigerant to cool the interior during the warmer months.

The Department of Energy says that a heat pump must have at least a SEER rating of 14. The maximum score for modern systems is 20. Oregon has around 110 days of freezing weather every year, so it's important to have a high-quality furnace.

Another scenario in which a heat pump could be useful is for additions. It's perfect for a guest room or a suite for your mother-in-law. It's better than extending your central heating system in such a situation.

If you live in Washington County and Beyond, and are in the market for a new heat pump, Best Owner Direct HVAC is the company to contact. We focus on Trane and Carrier products, but our skilled technicians are also familiar with other major brands.

Operation and Maintenance consideration

In addition to efficiency, other factors that affect expenses include longevity and the need for repairs. An electric furnace has a 20- to 30-year lifespan. However, gas furnaces typically last between 10 and 15 years. Electric heating systems are more durable because they only have one moving part. There are no moving parts; some can heat your home without a fan.

The ignition, burner, and heat exchanger of a gas furnace need to be taken care of so that the unit works at its best and doesn't catch fire. Since these heating systems use gas combustion to make heat, they must be checked on all the time to ensure nothing bad happens. 

If you fail to do regular maintenance, the heating system will have to work harder than necessary. Some people may be put off by gas because of the initial outlay of cash and the time it takes to set up the necessary infrastructure.

Another advantage of electric heating systems is that they don't need fuel storage tanks like natural gas or oil furnaces. The upkeep on these tanks can be rather pricey. If you don't have access to natural gas lines, an electric furnace is the most cost-effective way to heat your home instead of a gas furnace.

Control Systems and Efficiency

Thermostats are everywhere in homes and businesses to control the temperature of electrical systems and save money. Modern iterations of these gadgets can be configured for more precise temperature control.

By connecting the item to a smart system, you can get the most out of it in terms of energy efficiency, convenience, and comfort. It's possible to tell the system to turn on the heat before you get home. When no one is home, it can sense when the building is empty and reduce energy consumption accordingly.

You may reduce your monthly energy costs by monitoring your power usage and using tools like status reports. Smart systems will be more efficient with zoning than with only a thermostat.

Smart zoning systems will have a motorized damper that will let you control how much heat goes to each zone. Because of this, they don't have to work as hard to keep the temperature comfortable. Zoned heating and cooling systems cut energy costs by as much as 30 percent and help your furnace last longer.

Remember that the most energy-efficient furnace installation will depend on various circumstances. Our experts can look at your home and suggest a heating system that will use less energy. If you're looking for a comprehensive suite of HVAC services in the Washington County and beyond, go as far as Best Owner Direct HVAC. Indoor air quality and duct cleaning services are also available from us. We guarantee your complete satisfaction, or we will refund your money.