Electric furnaces are becoming increasingly popular as a home heating system. This is due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Unlike traditional gas or oil furnaces, electric furnaces do not rely on fuel combustion to generate heat. Instead, they use electricity to power the heating elements. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option.
In this guide, we will explore its inner workings and how they can provide efficient heating for your home. So, if you’re considering switching to an electric furnace or simply want to learn more about them, take advantage of this heating technology overview.
Read on!
Heating Element
The heating element is the heart of an electric furnace. It consists of a series of coiled wires made from a highly conductive material. This includes nickel-chromium alloy.
When electricity passes through these coils, they heat up and transfer that heat to the surrounding air. Without a heating element, an electric furnace would not be able to produce heat. It’s important to ensure that the heating element is functioning properly and is free of any damage.
If you just used your heater for the first time and are asking, why does my heater smells like burning – this is because dust may have accumulated on the heating element during the off-season and is burning off. This is a common occurrence and nothing to worry about.
Blower Motor
The blower motor is a powerful fan that is responsible for circulating heated air throughout your home. Without it, the warm air produced by the heating element would remain in the furnace. This makes it useless for heating your home.
This is why it’s important to regularly maintain and clean the blower motor. This is because a buildup of dirt and debris can affect its efficiency.
Thermostat Control
The thermostat control is what allows you to adjust the temperature and turn your furnace on or off. It works by sensing the temperature in your home and sending signals to the heating element and blower motor to maintain a set temperature.
With advancements in technology, many electric furnaces now come with programmable thermostats that allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. This makes them even more efficient.
Safety Features
Electric furnaces come with various safety features to ensure the safety of your home and family. These may include temperature limit switches, which shut off the furnace if it gets too hot.
It also includes the flame roll-out switches, which detect flames outside of the heating element and turn off the furnace. It’s crucial to regularly check and test these safety features to ensure they are functioning properly.
Electric Control Panel
The electric control panel is the “brain” of your electric furnace. It controls the various functions of the furnace, such as turning on and off the heating element and blower motor and monitoring the temperature.
If you encounter any issues with your electric furnace, the first thing to check would be the control panel. In most cases, it will display error codes that can help you troubleshoot the problem.
Understand How Electric Furnaces Work
Electric furnaces are a great option for efficient and cost-effective home heating. By understanding their inner workings, you can ensure that your furnace is properly maintained and functioning at its best.
So, whether you’re considering switching to an electric furnace or already have one installed, be sure to keep this guide in mind for optimal heating performance. Remember to regularly maintain and clean your electric furnace for optimal performance.
For more helpful reads aside from this electric furnace basics, browse our blog.
