🤝 Meet Mike Sanders: Let’s Pick the Right Furnace, Together
Howdy, folks. Mike Sanders here—your plainspoken HVAC guy who tells it like it is. If you’re reading this, odds are you’re weighing whether to install a new electric furnace. Maybe your old system is on its last legs. Maybe you’re building new. Or maybe you’re trying to cut ties with gas for good.
Whatever the reason, this guide is here to make sure you pick the right unit the first time. No upsells, no confusion, just real advice from someone who’s installed and repaired more electric furnaces than he can count.
We’ll cover sizing, features, installation needs, power requirements, and everything in between. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for—and how to avoid costly mistakes.
📊 Step 1: Know Your Heating Needs
The first thing you need to figure out is how much heat your home actually requires. That depends on:
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Your total square footage
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Local climate zone
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Home insulation
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Ceiling height
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Window size and quality
A basic rule of thumb is 30 to 60 BTUs per square foot, depending on how cold your winters get.
| Climate Zone | BTUs per Sq Ft | Example for 2,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (e.g. CA, FL) | 30-35 | 60,000 - 70,000 BTUs |
| Moderate (e.g. TN) | 40-45 | 80,000 - 90,000 BTUs |
| Cold (e.g. MN, ME) | 50-60 | 100,000 - 120,000 BTUs |
Want a more accurate approach? Ask your HVAC tech for a Manual J Load Calculation, or try a reliable calculator like the one on LoadCalc.net. It takes your home’s insulation, windows, and layout into account.
🔢 Step 2: Understand Electric Furnace Sizing
Once you have a BTU target, match it to the kilowatt (kW) output of electric furnaces. Every 1 kW generates about 3,412 BTUs of heat.
Example:
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A 15 kW furnace puts out ~51,180 BTUs
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A 20 kW furnace puts out ~68,240 BTUs
You don’t have to do this math yourself. Most manufacturers label their units by BTU output or kW. Just make sure you don’t oversize too much—an oversized unit can short-cycle, wear out faster, and cost more to run.
🔋 Step 3: Know Your Electrical Capacity
Before buying any electric furnace, you’ll need to check your home’s electrical panel. These systems pull a lot of current, and your panel has to be able to handle the extra load.
Most residential electric furnaces require:
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240V supply
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60 to 100 amp dedicated breaker
If your panel is older or maxed out, you might need an electrical upgrade. That can add $1,000 to $3,000 to the install. An electrician or HVAC pro can tell you what’s safe and code-compliant.
For safety specs, check out NFPA's guide to the National Electrical Code.
⚖️ Step 4: Compare Features and Options
Here are the most important features to compare when choosing an electric furnace:
1. Blower Motor Type
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PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor): Cheaper, but less efficient
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ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor): Quieter, more energy-efficient, variable-speed
2. Heating Stages
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Single-stage: On/off operation; least expensive but can feel drafty
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Multi-stage or modulating: Adjusts output for better comfort and efficiency
3. Air Filtration Compatibility
Make sure your furnace supports MERV-rated filters or media cabinets for better air quality.
4. Smart Thermostat Compatibility
Some electric furnaces pair better with smart thermostats. If you want zoning or Wi-Fi control, confirm compatibility.
🚧 Step 5: Think About Installation Logistics
Electric furnaces are easier to install than gas, but you still need a pro. Before you buy, think through these factors:
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Duct size and condition: Leaky ducts = wasted heat
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Location: Garage, basement, closet? Clearance space matters
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Permit requirements: Electrical work usually needs inspection
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Airflow testing: Don’t skip this! A furnace needs proper static pressure
Looking to understand your installation needs better? Visit HomeAdvisor’s Furnace Installation Guide for detailed cost breakdowns and checklists.
📈 Step 6: Know What It Costs to Operate
Electricity is 100% efficient in terms of energy conversion, but that doesn’t mean it’s always cheaper to run.
Here’s a quick math example:
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15 kW unit x 1 hr = 15 kWh
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If your rate is $0.13/kWh, that’s $1.95/hour
Over a cold month? That can add up.
Check your state’s rates on the U.S. Energy Information Administration to budget smartly.
Pro tip: Using a smart thermostat and sealing ductwork can cut your usage by 10-20%.
🚀 Bonus: Pair It With Solar or an R-32 AC
Electric furnaces pair beautifully with solar energy or with modern cooling systems that use R-32 refrigerant, which has a lower global warming potential than older R-410A units.
If you plan to run both heating and cooling through the same ductwork, make sure the air handler and coil are compatible. For an R-32 system overview, check out this Daikin breakdown of R-32 advantages.
✅ Final Checklist Before You Buy
Before you place that order, here’s a last run-through to make sure you’re covered on all fronts:
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Have you confirmed your home's heating load?
Use a Manual J or BTU-per-square-foot estimate based on your climate zone and home insulation. -
Is the furnace capacity (in kW or BTUs) matched to your needs?
Oversizing can lead to inefficiencies and wear; undersizing won’t keep you warm enough. -
Have you verified your electrical panel capacity?
Most electric furnaces need 60–100 amps on a 240V line. Don’t skip this—it's a common holdup. -
Is your ductwork sealed, insulated, and properly sized?
Leaky or undersized ducts kill efficiency and comfort. A quick inspection can go a long way. -
Have you picked your feature set?
Choose between single-stage vs. multi-stage heating, PSC vs. ECM motors, and check for smart thermostat compatibility. -
Are you clear on installation logistics?
Think through location, permits, airflow testing, and whether your HVAC pro is experienced with electric systems. -
Have you calculated long-term operating costs?
Factor in your local kWh rate and potential energy savings with smart controls or solar integration. -
Are you pairing with cooling?
If so, confirm compatibility with your air conditioner or heat pump—especially if using R-32 refrigerant.
Once you’ve got all that squared away, you’ll be in great shape to make a decision that keeps your home warm, efficient, and worry-free for years to come.
🏠 Need Help? Here’s Where to Start
Choosing the right electric furnace isn’t rocket science, but it does take some homework. If you know your heating load, panel capacity, and the features that matter most, you’ll land a system that keeps you warm for decades to come.
If you're ready to explore models and specs, check out The Furnace Outlet's full collection of electric furnaces. Their team can help match the right unit to your needs without the pressure.
Stay safe and stay warm,
Mike Sanders
