When it comes to home heating systems, one of the first questions homeowners often ask is: “what type of furnace do I have?” Knowing whether your furnace is electric or gas, understanding its model number, and recognizing its physical features are crucial for maintenance, repairs, and safety. Questions like “how to tell if furnace is gas or electric,” “what does a gas furnace look like,” “furnace model numbers,” and even “do I have a furnace” are more common than you might think.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify your furnace, explain the differences between gas and electric systems, detail the features of the Goodman MBVK electric furnace, and provide tips for locating and interpreting model numbers.
Do I Have a Furnace? How to Check
Before identifying the type of furnace you have, you first need to confirm whether your home actually has one.
A furnace is a central heating system that heats air and distributes it through your home via ducts. Signs that you have a furnace include:
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Warm air coming from vents in multiple rooms
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A large metal appliance typically located in the basement, utility room, or closet
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Visible ductwork connected to the unit
If your home is heated by a space heater, heat pump, or wall-mounted electric unit, you may not have a traditional furnace. But for most homes built in the past several decades, a central furnace is standard.
For a quick homeowner guide on identifying if your home has a furnace, this energy department resource is helpful.
What Type of Furnace Do I Have?
Once you’ve established that you have a furnace, the next step is figuring out the type. The two main categories are gas furnaces and electric furnaces.
Electric Furnace (Goodman MBVK)
The Goodman MBVK is an electric air handler that works with compatible electric heat kits to provide whole-home heating. Unlike gas furnaces, it uses resistive heating elements instead of burners. Key identifying features include:
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No burners, pilot light, or flue pipe
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A blower that circulates air over electric heating elements
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A simpler control panel, often with a reset button and safety switches
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Typically installed in basements or attics, with duct connections for airflow
Gas Furnace
Gas furnaces burn natural gas or propane to heat air. Common characteristics include:
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Burners and a combustion chamber
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A vent or flue to expel exhaust gases
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A pilot light or electronic ignition
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Gas supply line connected to the furnace
Many homeowners ask “what does a gas furnace look like?” Gas furnaces are generally taller, often metal cabinets with a visible burner assembly and flue connection.
For more detailed comparison of electric and gas furnace features, see this guide.
How to Tell if Furnace is Gas or Electric
Determining whether your furnace is gas or electric is usually straightforward if you know what to look for:
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Check for a gas line: A visible black or yellow gas line running into the unit indicates a gas furnace.
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Look for a vent or flue: Gas furnaces need venting to expel combustion gases; electric furnaces do not.
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Examine the heating elements: Electric furnaces like the MBVK have metal coil heating elements, whereas gas units have burners.
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Listen for operational sounds: Electric furnaces often have quieter operation because there is no combustion.
For a step-by-step checklist, this resource provides clear instructions for homeowners.
Furnace Model Numbers: Why They Matter
Every furnace has a model number, which is essential for maintenance, ordering parts, or scheduling professional service.
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On a Goodman MBVK electric furnace, the model number is typically located on a label inside the blower compartment or near the heat kit.
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Gas furnaces also have model numbers on a manufacturer’s label, often near the access panel.
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Model numbers usually include information about the unit’s capacity, efficiency, and configuration.
Knowing your furnace model number allows HVAC technicians to provide accurate service and ensures you order the correct replacement parts when needed.
For more information on locating and interpreting furnace model numbers, see this homeowner reference.
Identifying Your Goodman MBVK Electric Furnace
The Goodman MBVK series has several visual and operational cues to help you identify it:
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Compact metal cabinet often installed vertically in basements or closets
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High-capacity blower that moves air across electric heating elements
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Control panel with reset button and integrated safety features
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No gas line or flue
Once identified, knowing that your system is an MBVK electric furnace helps you understand maintenance needs, troubleshooting procedures, and operational tips.
Maintenance Tips for Your Goodman MBVK Electric Furnace
Proper maintenance ensures that your furnace operates safely and efficiently. Key tips include:
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Replace air filters regularly: Dirty filters restrict airflow and cause the furnace to overheat.
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Inspect and clean blower assembly: Dust and debris reduce efficiency and airflow.
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Check heating elements: Over time, elements can degrade and may need replacement.
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Confirm safety controls are operational: Reset buttons and high-limit switches protect your furnace from damage.
Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your MBVK but also reduces energy costs and improves comfort.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even a well-maintained furnace can experience issues. Common problems include:
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Furnace blowing cold air: Often due to airflow restrictions or staged heating elements.
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Furnace keeps shutting off: Could indicate overheating, electrical issues, or blower motor problems.
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Noisy operation: Loose panels, debris in blower assembly, or fan motor issues.
Understanding the type of furnace you have and its model number helps when troubleshooting or when calling a professional.
Conclusion: Know Your Furnace to Maintain Comfort and Safety
As a homeowner, asking “do I have a furnace?” and “what type of furnace do I have?” is the first step toward responsible maintenance and efficient heating. The Goodman MBVK electric furnace offers a safe, reliable, and efficient heating solution without the complexities of gas combustion. Knowing how to tell if furnace is gas or electric, recognizing what a gas furnace looks like, and locating furnace model numbers ensures that you can manage your system effectively and communicate clearly with HVAC professionals.
Identifying your furnace type is not just about convenience—it’s about safety, comfort, and long-term performance.
