Electric resistance heating converts almost 100% of the energy in the electricity to heat. However, most electricity is produced from oil, gas, and coal generators which only convert about 30% of the fuels energy into electricity. Electric heat generated by a residential electric furnace in the home usually costs more that heat generated from appliances such as natural gas, propane and oil furnaces.

Heat in your home can be provided by a centralised residential electric furnace, or by using zonal heaters in each room, both of these options can compose of various heater types.

Zonal heating can result in the heat being distributed more efficiently because they can be switched off when the room is not in use. Also because the heat doesn’t travel through a network of ducting that can result in heat loss.

A residential electric furnace however can accommodate central cooling which zonal heating can’t, because the air conditioning is able to share the furnaces ducting network.

Electricity is an extremely valuable and versatile source of energy. Because this valuable energy source is required for refined power equipment, such as computers, and medical life saving machinery. It should be used as efficiently as possible when being used for less refined  requirements, such has heating your house and other buildings.

Energy Saving

There are many steps that can, and should be taken to ensure you reduce your energy consumption,

whether you are heating your home with a residential electric furnace or any other method. Some of the measures include ensuring that your home is as well insulated as possible.

Consider having new windows fitted if your current ones are ill fitting and allowing air to escape from your home, use zonal heating ensuring it is switched off when the rooms are unoccupied, replace or clean filters regularly if you have a forced air residential electric furnace system.

All of these will make for a more comfortable and energy efficient home, and will save you money.

Insulation

Insulation is so very important when trying to heating costs at a reasonable level particularly in a home that is electrically heated by a residential electric furnace. The ability of insulation to slow heat flow is measured by the R-value ( “R” stands for thermal “resistance” ). The higher the R-value the better the insulation restricts heat flow. However it is important to note that although you may have a high R-value it does not necessary mean your home is well insulated.

The insulation must have been properly installed as well. If there are any gaps and voids in the insulation it will no matter how small they may be create air convection or air leaks.

If you have little or no alternative other than to heat your home with a residential electric furnace, we hope this article will help you keep snug at all times at a reasonable cost.

Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces can be a more expensive long-term heating option because of their duct heat losses. The home’s air is delivered to the furnace through return ducts, and heated air is delivered back to the home through supply ducts. If these ducts run through unheated areas, they lose some of their heat through air leakage as well as heat radiation and convection from the duct’s surface.

Blowers (large fans) in electric furnaces move air over a group of three to seven electric resistance coils, called elements, which are each rated at five kilowatts.

The furnace’s heating elements activate in stages to avoid overloading the home’s electrical system. Overheating is prevented by a built-in thermostat called a limit controller. This limit controller may shut the furnace off if the blower fails or if a dirty filter is blocking air flow.