Fossil fuels are so prevalent that it seems like everyone has easy access to them, but this isn’t true. Many rural areas do not have natural gas lines, and some people simply prefer not to use fossil fuels. Not too long ago these things would have prevented the installation of a furnace, but today’s electric furnaces offer homeowners another choice when it comes to furnace installation.
How Does an Electric Furnace Work?
Electric furnaces use a component called a heating element to generate heat. Heating elements have a number of tightly-wound metal coils that, when electrified, become red-hot and generate heat. When the air around the heating elements reaches the right temperature, the furnace’s blower turns on and pushes the warm air into the ductwork for dispersal into your home’s living spaces.
Why Consider an Electric Furnace?
As mentioned above, not everyone has access to a natural gas line – but one thing just about everyone has access to is electricity. If you have ductwork in your home, but do not have natural gas, you have the option of installing an electric furnace. Electric furnaces have come a long way over the years, especially in terms of energy efficiency. In fact, because electric furnaces do not lose any fuel to combustion byproducts, there are many electric furnaces that have an AFUE rating of 100%. Another reason to consider the installation of an electric furnace is lifespan. The average lifespan of an electric furnace is 20-30 years; comparatively, the lifespan of a combustion furnace is 15-20 years. Lastly, electric furnaces are very clean because they do not consume fossil fuels; this means you don’t have to worry about soot and ash around your unit.
Have Questions? Work with an Expert
If you are in need of a new heater and are considering a furnace installation in Hammond, take the guesswork out of the process by working with a trained expert from start to finish. The specialists at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning can assist you with all of your heating needs, so call us today!