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Hey there folks, Tony here 👋—your boots-on-the-ground HVAC tech with 20+ years of experience crawling through attics, garages, and basements. Today we’re talking about something that comes up a lot these days: converting from a gas furnace to an electric furnace.
I’ve seen homeowners jump into this change because of fuel costs, safety concerns, or just wanting to modernize. And while the switch can be a great move, there’s more to it than unplugging one unit and popping in another. So grab your favorite cup of coffee ☕ and let’s get into everything you need to know before making the big switch.
Why Convert from Gas to Electric?
Let’s start with the basics. Why would someone even want to switch from gas to electric? Here’s the short list:
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Lower upfront costs: Electric furnaces are typically cheaper to install than gas furnaces.
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No risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide.
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Simpler design: Fewer moving parts = fewer things that can break.
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Cleaner energy option if your electricity comes from renewable sources.
Plus, depending on your state, you might qualify for rebates and incentives. For example, Energy Star outlines federal tax credits for high-efficiency equipment—including electric HVAC systems.
That said, there are some trade-offs, which we’ll cover in a sec.
Understand the Power Requirements ⚡
One of the biggest shifts in going electric? Power demand. Gas furnaces rely mostly on gas to generate heat and just use a bit of electricity for fans and controls. But electric furnaces? They use electricity for everything.
So before you even shop for a new unit, you’ll need to ask:
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Is your electric panel rated for 200 amps?
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Do you have the proper dedicated circuits available?
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Will you need a panel upgrade or new breakers?
If this sounds like Greek to you, don’t sweat it—but do consult with a licensed electrician. You can also check out this HVAC School article for a deeper dive on electric furnace wiring and load demands.
What Equipment Will You Need?
Now let’s talk gear. If you’re making the switch, here’s what’s generally required:
1. Electric Furnace Unit
Makes sense, right? You’ll need a properly sized electric furnace. Check out the lineup of electric furnaces at The Furnace Outlet for a solid starting point.
Make sure it’s the right BTU capacity for your home—oversizing can be just as bad as undersizing.
2. Breaker & Electrical Wiring
Your electric furnace will likely require a double-pole breaker and heavy-gauge wiring—usually 6-gauge or 8-gauge depending on the furnace’s amp draw. Again, this is where a licensed electrician comes in handy.
3. Thermostat Compatibility
Make sure your existing thermostat supports electric heat. If not, upgrading to a universal model like the Honeywell T6 Pro is a great choice.
4. Ductwork Check-Up
Most homes can reuse existing ductwork, but it’s worth inspecting for air leaks or insulation gaps. This guide from the Department of Energy gives a good overview of what to look for.
The Step-by-Step Process
Converting from gas to electric isn’t exactly plug-and-play. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
Step 1: Get a Load Calculation
Hire a pro or use Manual J tools to calculate your home’s heating requirements. Don’t rely on guesswork here.
Step 2: Plan Electrical Upgrades
As mentioned, this might mean upgrading your panel or running new wires. Don’t skip this—it’s crucial for both safety and code compliance.
Step 3: Remove the Gas Furnace
A licensed HVAC tech will disconnect the gas lines, seal them off, and haul the old unit away.
Step 4: Install the Electric Furnace
Once everything’s wired and ready, the new unit gets installed. This usually includes setting up the plenum, securing the unit, and wiring the blower and heating elements.
Step 5: Final Testing
Double-check airflow, thermostat response, and heating performance. Make sure to do a test run and listen for any weird sounds.
Safety First: Code Compliance & Permits
This ain’t a DIY project for your average homeowner. You’ll need to:
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Pull the proper permits from your local city or county
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Follow the National Electrical Code (NEC)
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Possibly coordinate inspections with your local utility provider
If you’re unsure where to begin, HomeAdvisor’s furnace installation page outlines some of the key requirements.
When Electric Doesn’t Make Sense
Before I let you go, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you when this conversion might not be the best idea:
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Colder climates: Electric furnaces can be less efficient in extreme cold.
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High electricity costs: In states where kWh pricing is sky-high, gas might be cheaper long-term.
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Inadequate electrical panels: If your panel is maxed out, you might be in for a costly upgrade.
Final Thoughts from Tony 🔧
Look, converting from gas to electric isn’t something you do on a whim. But when done right, it can save you money, simplify your maintenance, and reduce your carbon footprint. Just make sure you have the right team, the right tools, and the right expectations going in.
If you're in the market for a reliable electric furnace system, I recommend starting with the electric furnace collection at The Furnace Outlet. They’ve got systems sized and priced for just about any home—and they ship fast too 🛠️.
Need more installation and troubleshooting tips for your electric furnace? Visit my guide right here!
Stay warm, stay safe—and if your furnace ever starts making a noise it shouldn’t, you know where to find me.
Until next time,
—Tony “the Trusted Tech” Marino
