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An electric furnace is a central heater that warms air with electric heating elements and a blower, then pushes that air through ducts to your rooms. It often shares the same indoor cabinet and blower your air conditioner uses. If you are comparing options and wondering how furnaces work, this guide explains the steps, parts, care, and how Filterbuy fits in.
It is a tall metal cabinet about the size of a narrow refrigerator. You will see a removable front panel for service, an electrical disconnect nearby, and a large return duct at the bottom or side. The supply plenum leaves the top or side and feeds ducts to your rooms. The filter sits at a wall or ceiling return grille or in a slot at the cabinet. Some homes have filters at more than one return.
Your thermostat calls for heat and the control board or sequencer turns the heating elements on in stages so the electrical load ramps up smoothly. After a short delay the blower starts to prevent a blast of cool air. Room air passes through the return filter, across the hot elements, and into the supply ducts. Safety limits monitor temperature and shut the elements off if the cabinet gets too hot. When the thermostat is satisfied the elements turn off and the blower runs a bit longer to move remaining heat into the ducts.
Electric resistance heat turns nearly all incoming electricity into space heat at the point of use. That is simple and reliable. Operating cost depends on your local electricity rate and climate. In many regions a heat pump can heat at lower cost because it moves heat rather than creating it. Some homes use a heat pump most days and keep the electric furnace as backup called auxiliary or emergency heat during rare cold snaps.
Pick what fits your climate, utility rates, and ductwork. Many homes pair a heat pump for everyday heating and cooling with an electric furnace as auxiliary or emergency heat.
A licensed pro should size the system with Manual J and set blower speed for proper airflow. Airflow must be high enough to move heat without tripping safety limits. If you also have central air the same blower must meet cooling airflow targets. Tight ducts and a clean filter help in both seasons.
Your return filter protects the blower and helps reduce airborne particles when the fan runs. Use the exact size and install with the arrow toward the blower. Choose the highest MERV your system can handle while keeping airflow within spec. Many homes use MERV 11 or MERV 13 for finer capture if cabinet and ducts allow it. A portable room True HEPA unit can add room level polishing, especially in bedrooms.
Pick the exact size your system uses and install it with the arrows aligned. Choose the MERV level that fits your home. MERV 8 for basic dust. MERV 11 for pets and fine dust. MERV 13 for finer particles if your system allows.
Filters are not washable. Check monthly and replace every one to three months.Filterbuy makes it easy. USA-made quality and fast free shipping. Custom sizes and subscriptions available so changes stay on time.
It is a central heater that warms air with electric elements and pushes it through ducts with a blower.
The thermostat calls for heat, elements warm up in stages, the blower starts after a short delay, and warm air moves through the ducts.
At the point of use it turns nearly all electricity into heat. Cost to run depends on electricity price, climate, and thermostat settings.
An air conditioner only cools. A heat pump cools and heats by reversing the cycle. An electric furnace only heats with elements and uses the same ducts.
Often yes. A heat pump moves heat and can be cheaper to run. Many homes keep the electric furnace as auxiliary or emergency heat for rare extremes.
A tall metal cabinet with a service panel, a return duct connection, a supply plenum, and an electrical disconnect nearby.
At a hallway or living room return grille or in a filter slot at the cabinet near the blower. Some homes have more than one filter. The arrow on the filter points toward the blower.
Use the exact size. Choose Filterbuy MERV 11 for a strong balance of airflow and capture or MERV 13 if your system allows. Add Odor Eliminator with activated carbon if smells are a concern.
Check monthly and replace every one to three months based on dust, pets, smoke, or long fan runtimes.
The electric furnace does not create carbon monoxide. CO alarms are still recommended if you have any fuel burning appliances in the home.
