Heating systems are one of the most critical components of home comfort — especially when winter’s chill sets in. Among the most common questions I hear from homeowners and technicians alike is about the role and reliability of heating elements and coils: What they are, how they work, and what happens when they wear out. This is especially true for electric furnaces like the Goodman MBVK and hybrid HVAC systems where electric heat works alongside heat pumps.
In this long-form guide, we’re going to dive deep into:
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What a central air heating element is and how it differs from cooling coils
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The design and function of electric furnace heating elements and coils
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How these elements integrate in the Goodman MBVK platform
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Signs you need electric furnace heating element replacement
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What it costs to replace a furnace heating element or coil
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How HVAC heating elements differ from heat pump coils and AC coils
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Practical diagnostic and maintenance tips
Let’s walk through everything you need to know so you can better understand your system and avoid surprises when it comes to repair or replacement.
1. The Basics: What Is a Heating Element or Heating Coil?
At the heart of any electric heating system — whether it’s a standalone electric furnace or a hybrid setup — are the heating elements or coils. These components are responsible for converting electrical energy into thermal energy. In essence:
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A furnace heating element or furnace heating coil is a high-resistance coil or metal strip that heats up when electricity flows through it.
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In HVAC terms, this is often called an electric furnace heating element or an electric furnace heating coil when referring to electric heat sources.
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The heating element itself produces no air movement — it simply radiates heat which the blower then distributes through your ductwork.
The concept is simple: electricity flows through a conductor with resistance, the conductor warms up, and that heat is transferred directly to the passing air. This is the same principle used in toaster ovens, baseboard heaters, and many industrial heaters — just scaled for larger airflow and higher power.
This type of heating is known as resistance heating, and according to industry resources on Goodman MBVK systems, these coils are designed with durable resistance materials and staged configurations so they heat efficiently without overloading electrical circuits. (Department of Energy)
2. Electric Furnace Heating Elements vs Heat Pump Coils
One common area of confusion in HVAC discussions is mixing up electric furnace heating elements with heat pump heating coils. They both involve coils, but they serve very different functions:
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Electric furnace heating elements: These are true heaters. Electricity flows through a high-resistance coil to generate heat directly. This heat is then distributed by the furnace blower.
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Heat pump heating coil (indoor coil): In a heat pump system, the indoor coil doesn’t generate heat by electrical resistance. Instead, it transfers heat from outdoor refrigerant via refrigerant expansion and contraction. In heating mode, the indoor coil absorbs heat from outside air (even in cold temperatures) and passes it inside.
Where heat pumps struggle in very cold weather, electric furnace heating elements (like those in a Goodman MBVK) provide reliable backup heat. These staged electric elements don’t rely on refrigerant technology — they simply convert electrical input into heat. This distinction is important: heat pumps use coils but are not “heating elements” in the resistance sense. (Sealed)
3. Goodman MBVK Electric Furnace — How Its Heating Elements Work
The Goodman MBVK is a modular air handler that becomes a fully functioning electric furnace when equipped with field-installed heating elements. Here’s how it operates:
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Thermostat calls for heat.
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Electric current flows to the heating elements (usually in stages).
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The furnace heating coils resist the electrical current and become hot.
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The blower motor moves air over the hot coils.
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Warm air is delivered into the home through the central HVAC ductwork.
Unlike systems that burn gas or oil to produce heat, the Goodman MBVK’s heating element system isn’t converting fuel — it’s converting electricity. That makes this type of furnace safer, simpler in many ways, and nearly 100 percent efficient at the point of use, since all electrical energy can be turned into heat. (Goodman)
Another valuable advantage is the staging of heating elements: rather than running all coils at once, the system energizes only the amount of heat needed to satisfy the thermostat. This provides more efficient operation and reduces needless electrical demand.
4. Identifying Common Problems With Furnace Heating Elements
Now let’s talk about the most common furnace heating element problems you’ll see in the field — issues that eventually lead to a need for electric furnace heating element replacement:
a. No Heat or Weak Heat Output
If your electric furnace blower runs but the home doesn’t warm up, that’s often a sign one or more electric furnace heating coils have failed. Because these elements are arranged in parallel circuits, a failed coil doesn’t usually prevent the system from operating, but it reduces total heat output.
b. Intermittent Heating
Sometimes elements fail partially or intermittently. You might experience short cycles of warm air followed by cool air even though the thermostat is calling for heat. This behavior points toward degraded or failing heating elements.
c. Visible Damage or Burn Marks
In some cases, visually inspecting the heating coils inside the air handler can reveal scorching, deformation, or breakage. Any visible physical damage to coils is a sign they need to be replaced.
d. Frequent Breaker Trips or High-Limit Shutoffs
Electric heating elements draw significant current. If elements are shorted or deteriorating, they can overload circuits or cause high-temperature limit controls to shut the system down to protect other components.
When you encounter these symptoms, it often means it’s time for an heating element replacement — furnace elements and coils should be properly sized and rated for your MBVK or electric furnace system.
Helpful parts and troubleshooting guidance for these scenarios are detailed in HVAC specialist articles explaining heating elements and coils in Goodman MBVK electric systems. (Cote's Mechanical)
5. Replacing Electric Furnace Heating Elements and Coils
When Replacement Is Needed
Furnace element failure is common over time — elements weaken, break, or become inefficient. When you observe the symptoms above, it’s time to consider replacement:
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No heat output
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Uneven heat
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Visible damage
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Circuit breaker or safety trip events
Replacement should always be done with compatible coils or elements specified for your specific model. Using incorrect or undersized elements can risk inefficiency or even hazard.
According to available cost guidance, electric furnace heating element replacement costs can vary based on the element size, material, and labor complexity. On average, homeowners can expect costs from roughly $100 to $300 per element, with total labor costs bringing the project into a broader range depending on accessibility and number of elements replaced. (Modernize)
6. Furnace Heating Element Replacement: Cost and Considerations
Replacing an electric furnace heating coil isn’t always a DIY job — these components operate at high voltage and require proper understanding of the system. Here’s what you should factor into your planning:
Typical Costs
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Replacement parts: Modern HVAC elements for electric furnaces generally fall into a $100–$300 range per element, depending on brand, wattage, and HVAC specifications.
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Labor: A professional technician’s labor typically runs $100–$250+ depending on access and complexity.
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Total: Depending on how many elements are involved and local labor rates, total replacement costs might range from approximately $200 to $800+.
Keep in mind that electric furnaces often have multiple elements staged in groups. Losing one element doesn’t mean total failure — your system will limp along with reduced capacity until all affected coils are replaced.
When to Replace vs. Upgrade
If your electric furnace is older (10–15+ years), and multiple heating coils fail or other components begin to show wear, you may want to evaluate whether a full system upgrade (or heat pump hybrid) is more cost-effective in the long run.
7. Distinguishing HVAC Heating Elements from AC and Central Air Coils
While we’ve focused on electric furnace heating elements, it’s worth clarifying how they differ from parts that might seem functionally similar but serve cooling purposes:
AC Heater Coil vs Furnace Heating Coil
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An AC heater coil (sometimes loosely used in homeowner terminology) might refer to an evaporator coil — a key part of an air conditioner or heat pump system that participates in heat exchange, not direct electric heating.
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These coils circulate refrigerant to absorb heat from indoor air during cooling mode. They do not function as electric furnace heating elements.
Heating Element for Air Handler vs Furnace Heating Element
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In split HVAC systems where a central air handler serves both heating and cooling, the air handler may house the heating elements when configured as an electric furnace.
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The air handler’s blower moves air over the heating element coils in winter and over the cooling evaporator coils in summer.
Understanding this distinction helps you correctly diagnose whether you’re dealing with a heating element failure or a broader HVAC coil issue.
8. HVAC Heating Element Maintenance and Longevity
Heating coils don’t last forever, but you can extend their useful life with proper maintenance:
a. Keep Filters Clean
Restricted airflow makes heating elements work harder and can accelerate failure. Replace filters regularly and ensure returns aren’t blocked.
b. Annual System Inspection
A professional HVAC tune-up inspects heating coils for corrosion, continuity, and hotspots — all early warning signs of impending failure.
c. Balanced Load and Staging
Systems with properly staged elements distribute electrical load more evenly, reducing stress on individual coils.
9. Troubleshooting Tips: When You Suspect Heating Element Problems
You don’t always have to call a technician the moment heat output drops. Here’s a structured approach:
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Confirm Thermostat Settings: Ensure your thermostat is set for heat and that fan mode is correct.
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Check Airflow and Filters: Restricted airflow often mimics element failure by starving the furnace of air.
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Listen for Blower Operation: If the blower runs but no heat follows, it’s a strong sign of heating element issues.
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Look for Error Codes: Modern HVAC control boards may flash diagnostic codes indicating open or shorted elements.
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Professional Voltage/Continuity Check: This requires a multimeter and trained hands — correct continuity across each coil confirms integrity.
For complex or high-voltage diagnostics like these, avoid DIY unless you have professional HVAC training — safety should always be the priority.
10. The Bigger Picture: Integrating Heating Elements Into Overall HVAC Strategy
Understanding heating elements goes beyond simply replacing a coil. It ties into your overall home comfort, electrical infrastructure, and future upgrade planning.
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Electric furnace elements are typically robust and predictable, but they can strain older electrical panels.
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Heat pump hybrids may reduce reliance on electric coils where mild weather suffices.
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Element replacement scheduling as part of annual maintenance helps avoid mid-winter failures.
All these considerations factor into long-term comfort and cost management.
Conclusion: Heating Elements Are the Heart of Electric Furnace Heat
Heating coils and elements are the literal heart of the electric heating process. In a system like the Goodman MBVK, these resistance coils form the foundation of how warm air is generated and delivered throughout your home. Whether you’re dealing with a central air heating element, a furnace heating coil, or exploring electric furnace heating coil replacement, understanding the mechanics and maintenance of these components pays dividends in reliability and efficiency.
When it’s time to replace an electric furnace heating element or evaluate performance issues, you’ll now be equipped with the right questions to ask and the right expectations around performance, cost, and long-term HVAC strategy.
