Hey, Jake Lawson here. If you’re shopping for a heating system or an electric HVAC unit, you’ve probably come across a confusing mix of terms: electric furnace prices, electric furnace for 2000 sq ft home, electric heat furnace, and more. Choosing the right system for your home isn’t just about cost—it’s about efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about electric furnaces, including sizing, electric HVAC systems, installation considerations, and maintenance tips. We’ll also look at pricing for different capacities, from a 60,000 BTU electric furnace to a 100,000 BTU electric furnace, and explore options for both small and whole-home setups. If you want an example of a modern, reliable system, check out the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 bundle to see the quality and efficiency standards you can expect in today’s HVAC systems.
What Is an Electric Furnace?
An electric furnace is a heating system that uses electricity to generate heat, distributing it through your home via air ducts, baseboards, or radiant panels. Unlike gas or oil furnaces, an electric home furnace doesn’t rely on combustion, which eliminates the risks associated with carbon monoxide and fuel storage.
There are several types of electric furnaces:
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Central electric furnace: Provides heating for your entire home through a duct system.
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Upflow electric furnace: Draws cool air from the bottom and distributes heated air through ducts.
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Downflow electric furnace: Draws cool air from the top and pushes heated air downward, typically used in basements or lower levels.
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Small electric furnace: Compact units designed for smaller homes or rooms.
Electric furnaces can also integrate with an air conditioning system, creating an electric furnace and AC unit that provides year-round comfort. For a deeper overview of electric furnace types, check out Energy.gov’s guide on electric heating systems.
How Much Is an Electric Furnace?
One of the first questions homeowners ask is: “How much is an electric furnace?” Prices vary depending on capacity, brand, and features. Here’s a rough breakdown:
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Small electric furnace: $500–$1,200
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60,000 BTU electric furnace: $1,000–$1,800
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80,000 BTU electric furnace: $1,500–$2,500
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100,000 BTU electric furnace: $2,000–$3,500
Keep in mind that these prices cover the unit only and don’t include professional installation, which can add $1,000–$3,000 depending on the complexity of the system and your home layout. For a detailed guide to furnace pricing, see HomeAdvisor’s average furnace cost breakdown.
Choosing the Right Electric Furnace for a 2,000 Sq Ft Home
For a home around 2,000 square feet, you’ll need a system that balances power, efficiency, and cost. Typically, a residential electric furnace with 80,000–100,000 BTU capacity is sufficient. Here’s what to consider:
1. Heat Load Calculation
Before buying, calculate your home’s heating requirements. This takes into account:
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Square footage
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Ceiling height
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Insulation quality
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Number of windows and sun exposure
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Climate zone
A professional HVAC technician can perform a Manual J calculation to ensure your whole home electric heater is correctly sized. For more on this, check out HVAC.com’s guide to sizing your furnace.
2. Upflow vs. Downflow
Choose upflow or downflow electric furnaces based on your home’s layout:
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Upflow: Best for homes with basements or lower-level air returns.
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Downflow: Ideal for homes where the furnace sits in the attic or upper level.
3. Efficiency
Most modern electric furnaces have efficiency ratings close to 100%, meaning nearly all electricity converts to heat. However, pairing your furnace with a high-efficiency electric HVAC system and programmable thermostat can optimize energy use. For tips on efficiency upgrades, see Energy Star’s HVAC efficiency guide.
Integration With Air Conditioning
Many homeowners want an electric furnace with air conditioning to cover both heating and cooling needs. This creates a complete electric HVAC system. Benefits include:
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Year-round comfort without separate systems
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Streamlined installation
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Reduced maintenance compared to having multiple units
If you’re considering a central electric furnace and AC, ensure your system is compatible and professionally installed.
Understanding Electric Furnace BTU Ratings
BTU ratings measure the heating output of a furnace. Here’s a quick reference for electric furnaces:
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60,000 BTU electric furnace: Small to medium homes, 1,200–1,500 sq ft
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80,000 BTU electric furnace: Medium homes, 1,500–2,000 sq ft
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100,000 BTU electric furnace: Larger homes, 2,000–2,500 sq ft
Correct sizing ensures comfort, energy efficiency, and longer equipment life. Oversized furnaces cycle too quickly, wasting energy, while undersized units struggle to heat your home.
Common Types of Electric Heating Units
Electric furnaces come in several forms:
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Electric forced air furnace: Uses a blower to circulate warm air through ducts.
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Whole house electric heater: Designed to heat the entire home efficiently.
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Electric forced air: Similar to above but can be paired with AC.
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Small electric furnace: Ideal for apartments, studios, or individual rooms.
These units can also be found as electric heater and AC units, providing both heating and cooling in one system.
Maintenance Tips for Electric Furnaces
Maintaining your electric furnace is crucial for performance and longevity:
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Regular filter changes: Replace every 1–3 months depending on usage.
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Inspect electrical connections: Ensure all wiring is secure and intact.
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Clean air ducts: Keep airflow consistent and reduce dust accumulation.
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Professional annual inspection: Have a licensed technician check the system yearly.
For more detailed maintenance guidance, see HVAC.com’s furnace maintenance tips.
Pros and Cons of Electric Furnaces
Pros:
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Safe: No combustion, so no carbon monoxide risk
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Efficient: Nearly 100% of electricity converts to heat
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Low installation complexity: Especially compared to gas lines
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Quiet operation
Cons:
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Higher operating costs in areas with expensive electricity
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Slower to heat large spaces compared to gas furnaces
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Limited effectiveness in extremely cold climates without supplemental heat
Electric Furnace Pricing Summary
Here’s a concise look at electric furnace prices by type and size:
| Type/Size | Price Range (Unit Only) |
|---|---|
| Small electric furnace | $500–$1,200 |
| 60,000 BTU electric furnace | $1,000–$1,800 |
| 80,000 BTU electric furnace | $1,500–$2,500 |
| 100,000 BTU electric furnace | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Electric furnace with AC unit | $2,500–$5,000+ |
Conclusion
Choosing an electric furnace involves balancing price, capacity, efficiency, and your home’s specific needs. For a 2,000 sq ft home, most homeowners will find an 80,000–100,000 BTU electric furnace to be ideal, providing reliable, safe, and efficient heating. Pairing it with an electric HVAC system ensures year-round comfort, while proper sizing and professional installation maximize performance and longevity.
For a benchmark of modern system quality, the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 bundle showcases the efficiency and build standards you can expect from today’s high-quality HVAC equipment.
