Hey folks, Mike Sanders here. Today, I want to talk about electric furnaces—a topic I get asked about all the time. Whether you’re building a new home, replacing an older system, or exploring energy-efficient heating options, understanding electric furnace pricing, sizing, and features is essential. In this guide, I’ll break down everything from electric furnace prices to installation, sizing for a 2,000 sq ft home, and why an electric HVAC unit might be the right choice for your space.
What Is an Electric Furnace?
An electric furnace is a heating system that uses electricity to generate heat and distribute it throughout your home via ducts. Unlike gas furnaces, which rely on combustion, electric furnaces convert electricity directly into heat using heating elements.
There are several types of electric furnaces:
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Upflow electric furnace – draws air from the bottom and pushes heated air upward through your ducts.
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Downflow electric furnace – ideal for basements or crawl spaces, pulling air from the top and pushing it downward.
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Small electric furnace – compact units suitable for apartments, small homes, or supplemental heating.
Electric furnaces are part of a larger electric HVAC system, which may include an electric furnace with air conditioning, offering both heating and cooling in one centralized system.
For a general overview of electric heating systems, check out Energy.gov’s guide to electric heating.
Understanding Electric Furnace Prices
One of the first questions homeowners ask is: how much is an electric furnace? The answer depends on several factors, including size, brand, efficiency, and installation complexity.
Typical Electric Furnace Pricing:
| Furnace Type | Heating Capacity | Average Price (Unit + Installation) |
|---|---|---|
| Small electric furnace | 20,000–40,000 BTU | $1,500–$2,500 |
| 60,000 BTU electric furnace | 60,000 BTU | $2,500–$3,500 |
| 80,000 BTU electric furnace | 80,000 BTU | $3,000–$4,500 |
| 100,000 BTU electric furnace | 100,000 BTU | $4,000–$6,000 |
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates. Factors like labor costs, ductwork modifications, and regional energy prices can influence the total cost. For a detailed breakdown, HomeAdvisor offers an up-to-date electric furnace pricing guide.
How to Size an Electric Furnace for Your Home
Proper sizing is critical. An undersized furnace won’t adequately heat your home, while an oversized unit wastes energy and can create uneven temperatures.
For a 2,000 sq ft home, you typically need a furnace in the 60,000–100,000 BTU range, depending on insulation, ceiling height, and climate. Here’s a quick guide:
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Moderate insulation, 2,000 sq ft: 60,000–80,000 BTU
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Well-insulated, energy-efficient home: 60,000 BTU may suffice
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Older or poorly insulated home: 80,000–100,000 BTU
A professional HVAC technician can perform a Manual J load calculation to ensure you select the proper size. More on sizing considerations can be found at HVAC.com’s furnace sizing guide.
Benefits of an Electric Furnace
Switching to or installing an electric furnace has several advantages:
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Energy Efficiency – Modern electric furnaces convert nearly all electricity into heat. There’s no combustion loss like with gas furnaces.
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Safety – No gas or combustion means no risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
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Low Maintenance – Electric furnaces have fewer moving parts than gas furnaces, reducing repair needs.
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Quiet Operation – Most electric furnaces operate quietly compared to gas units.
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Flexible Installation – Available in upflow, downflow, and compact models suitable for a variety of spaces.
Integrating Electric Furnaces With AC: Electric HVAC Units
Many homeowners are interested in combining heating and cooling. An electric HVAC system can include both a furnace and an air conditioning unit, providing year-round comfort from a single setup.
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Electric furnace and AC unit – Offers central heating and cooling in one system.
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Electric heater and AC unit combo – Ideal for homes where natural gas isn’t available or homeowners prefer all-electric solutions.
Combining systems can simplify maintenance and improve efficiency.
Upflow vs. Downflow Electric Furnaces
Choosing between upflow and downflow electric furnaces depends on where your unit will be installed:
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Upflow Electric Furnace – Best for basements or floor-level installations. Draws cool air in from the bottom and pushes warm air upward through ductwork.
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Downflow Electric Furnace – Ideal for attics or crawlspaces. Pulls air from the top and pushes it downward.
A proper professional assessment ensures you get the right airflow direction for optimal efficiency.
Electric Furnace BTU Guide
Here’s a quick reference for common electric furnace BTU ratings and typical applications:
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60,000 BTU electric furnace – Suitable for homes around 1,500–2,000 sq ft.
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80,000 BTU electric furnace – Ideal for larger homes or colder climates.
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100,000 BTU electric furnace – Used for very large homes or poorly insulated spaces.
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Small electric furnace – For apartments, small homes, or supplemental heating.
Knowing your home’s heating needs is critical before purchasing. Total Home Supply offers a BTU calculator to help homeowners match the right furnace size to their square footage.
Whole-House Electric Heating Options
Some homeowners prefer whole-house electric heaters instead of patchwork solutions. Modern electric forced air furnaces can efficiently heat an entire home with precise temperature control.
Advantages of whole-home electric heaters:
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Even heating throughout the house
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Reduced maintenance compared to multiple space heaters
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Integration with smart thermostats for energy savings
Pros and Cons of Electric Furnaces
Pros:
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High energy efficiency
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Safety (no combustion)
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Quiet operation
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Minimal maintenance
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Flexible installation
Cons:
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Higher electricity costs compared to natural gas in some regions
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Limited heating capacity in extremely cold climates unless paired with supplemental systems
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Upfront cost can be higher than traditional gas furnaces
Finding the Right Electric Furnace for Sale
When shopping, consider these tips:
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Evaluate your square footage and heating requirements.
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Look for energy-efficient models with high SEER or AFUE ratings.
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Decide between upflow, downflow, or small electric furnace models.
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Compare electric furnace pricing from multiple suppliers.
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Consider integrated options like electric furnace and AC units.
Conclusion
Electric furnaces are a safe, efficient, and flexible heating solution for homeowners. Whether you need an electric furnace for a 2,000 sq ft home, a small electric furnace, or a 100,000 BTU electric furnace, understanding pricing, sizing, and installation considerations is essential. Pairing your electric furnace with air conditioning as part of an electric HVAC system provides year-round comfort while keeping maintenance simple.
For those looking for reliable, high-efficiency systems, check out The Furnace Outlet’s energy-efficient HVAC options.
