One of the first questions I hear from homeowners is, “What type of furnace do I have?” It’s a simple question, but the answer isn’t always obvious. Many people aren’t sure if their system is gas or electric, what it looks like, or even how to find its model number. Others ask, “Do I have a furnace at all?” If you’ve ever felt lost staring at your HVAC system, this article is for you. Using the Goodman MBVK electric furnace as a reference point, I’ll walk you through how to identify your furnace, determine its fuel type, locate model numbers, and understand what to look for in both gas and electric systems.
Step 1: Do I Have a Furnace?
Before you start inspecting, you need to know if what you’re looking at is actually a furnace. A furnace is a central heating unit that warms your home by circulating heated air (forced air systems), hot water (hydronic systems), or steam. Most homes in the U.S. use a forced-air furnace connected to ductwork.
Signs you have a furnace:
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Ductwork leading to vents throughout the house
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A unit in a basement, utility closet, or attic
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A control panel or thermostat wired to the system
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Gas piping or electrical connections feeding a central unit
If your home has none of these features, you may have a ductless system or a space heater instead. For a detailed breakdown of identifying heating systems, the Department of Energy provides a helpful overview (DOE guide to home heating systems).
Step 2: What Type of Furnace Do I Have?
Once you’ve confirmed that you have a furnace, the next question is fuel type: gas, oil, or electric. This is crucial because maintenance, troubleshooting, and efficiency depend on knowing your furnace type.
Electric Furnace
An electric furnace uses electric resistance heating elements instead of burning fuel. Key characteristics include:
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No gas piping
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No venting or flue
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Heat is generated by electricity passing through metal coils
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Often quieter than gas systems
The Goodman MBVK electric furnace is a variable-speed air handler that pairs with electric heat strips to provide efficient, responsive heating. It is completely combustion-free, which means no pilot light, no burners, and no carbon monoxide concerns (Goodman MBVK air handler series).
Gas Furnace
A gas furnace burns natural gas or propane to produce heat. Features that distinguish a gas furnace include:
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Gas piping connected to the unit
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A burner compartment visible through access panels
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A flue or vent for combustion gases
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A pilot light or electronic ignition system
If you’re trying to answer “what does a gas furnace look like?”, look for metal burners, a flame sensor, and a venting system leading outside. Gas furnaces tend to be taller and bulkier than electric units.
For homeowners transitioning from gas to electric or comparing systems, HVAC.com provides a clear side-by-side comparison (HVAC.com furnace types explained).
Step 3: How to Tell if Your Furnace Is Gas or Electric
Even with these features in mind, some systems are tricky. Here’s a simple checklist to determine fuel type:
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Look for fuel lines – Gas or oil lines indicate a combustion furnace.
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Check for venting – A flue or exhaust pipe signals a gas or oil furnace.
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Inspect heating elements – Electric furnaces have metal coils instead of burners.
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Review the thermostat wiring – Some electric furnaces connect directly to high-voltage wiring.
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Check for a pilot light or ignition module – Only gas furnaces will have these.
This step answers the question how to tell if furnace is gas or electric. Even if your furnace is tucked behind panels, the presence or absence of a vent and gas line is the simplest indicator.
Step 4: Identifying Your Furnace Model Number
Whether you have an electric or gas furnace, knowing the furnace model number is essential for:
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Ordering replacement parts
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Scheduling service
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Checking warranty coverage
On most furnaces, the model number can be found:
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On a metal plate inside the furnace door
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On the side panel of the unit
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Near the electrical connections
Goodman furnaces, including the MBVK, display the model number prominently on a label with serial numbers and other specifications. For guidance on reading model and serial numbers, Goodman provides resources for homeowners (Goodman furnace model and serial number guide).
Step 5: Recognizing Electric Furnace Components
For electric furnaces like the MBVK, it’s helpful to understand key components:
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Electric heating elements – Metal coils that generate heat
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Variable-speed blower – Distributes warm air evenly
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High-limit switches – Protect the system from overheating
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Control board – Manages heating stages and blower operation
These components replace what you’d see in a gas furnace, like burners, gas valves, and ignition modules. Recognizing these differences helps answer questions like how to reset electric furnace heater or how to troubleshoot electric furnace issues.
Step 6: Safety Considerations
Understanding your furnace type also informs safety practices:
Electric Furnace Safety
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Never attempt to bypass high-limit switches
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Ensure breakers are properly rated and functional
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Keep access panels secure to prevent accidental contact
Gas Furnace Safety
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Confirm proper venting to avoid carbon monoxide
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Inspect burners for corrosion or soot
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Never attempt to relight a gas furnace without understanding ignition procedures
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission emphasizes following manufacturer instructions for both electric and gas furnaces (CPSC heating safety guide).
Step 7: When to Call a Professional
Even if you can identify your furnace, there are times when professional service is necessary:
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Repeated trips of safety limits or circuit breakers
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Unexplained cold air from a normally functioning electric furnace
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Strange noises, smells, or unusual cycling
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Difficulty locating or interpreting the model number
A licensed HVAC technician can verify your furnace type, inspect components, and provide safe operation guidance.
Step 8: Using This Knowledge for the Goodman MBVK
If your system is a Goodman MBVK electric furnace, understanding its operation and identifying components helps you:
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Recognize why electric furnaces don’t have pilot lights
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Locate model and serial numbers for parts or warranty claims
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Differentiate between normal startup behavior (like gradual airflow) and issues that need service
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Safely perform routine maintenance, such as filter changes or blower inspection
Electric furnaces like the MBVK are designed for efficiency and reliability, but only when homeowners understand how they operate and identify components correctly.
Conclusion
Answering what type of furnace do I have involves more than just looking at the unit. By learning how to tell if furnace is gas or electric, what a gas furnace looks like, and how to locate furnace model numbers, homeowners gain confidence and control over their HVAC system. Even the simple question do I have a furnace requires inspection, but armed with these guidelines, identifying your system becomes straightforward.
For homeowners with the Goodman MBVK electric furnace, understanding these basics ensures proper maintenance, safe operation, and easier troubleshooting—keeping your home warm efficiently and safely.
