Electricity consumption is a primary concern for homeowners looking to balance comfort and energy costs, especially when it comes to heating their homes. Furnaces, as essential heating systems in many American households, vary in their electricity usage based on type, size, and efficiency. Understanding how much electricity a furnace uses can help homeowners manage utility bills and make informed decisions when selecting or upgrading their heating systems.
| Furnace Type | Average Electric Power Consumption | Typical Usage Hours | Estimated Monthly Electricity Usage (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Resistance Furnace | 10,000 to 15,000 Watts (10-15 kW) | 100-200 hours | 1,000 to 3,000 kWh |
| Gas Furnace (Electric Blower only) | 400 to 600 Watts | 100-200 hours | 40 to 120 kWh |
| Heat Pump Furnace | 1,000 to 3,000 Watts | 100-200 hours | 100 to 600 kWh |
Types of Furnaces and Their Electricity Consumption
The electricity usage of a furnace depends largely on its design and fuel source. Furnaces fall into several categories, each using electricity differently:
Electric Resistance Furnaces
These furnaces use electric resistance coils to generate heat, similar to a giant space heater. Because they rely solely on electricity, their consumption can be very high. Typically, an electric resistance furnace uses between 10,000 and 15,000 watts. Running for several hours daily during cold months can lead to significant electricity bills.
Gas Furnaces With Electric Blower
Gas furnaces generate heat by burning natural gas or propane, but they still require electricity to power the blower motor and control systems. This means their electricity consumption is much lower than electric resistance furnaces. The blower typically uses between 400 and 600 watts, leading to more efficient electricity usage.
Heat Pump Furnaces
Heat pumps operate by extracting heat from outside air or ground sources and transferring it indoors. They use electricity primarily to power compressors and fans, consuming between 1,000 and 3,000 watts, much less than electric resistance furnaces. Heat pumps also double as air conditioners in the summer, providing year-round climate control.
Factors Influencing Furnace Electricity Usage
Several factors affect how much electricity a furnace will use over time. Understanding these elements can help homeowners optimize energy consumption.
- Furnace Size: Larger furnaces consume more electricity due to bigger motors and heating elements.
- Efficiency Rating: Furnaces with higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings use less energy to produce the same amount of heat.
- Climate: Colder regions require furnaces to operate longer or at higher capacity, increasing electricity usage.
- Thermostat Settings: Setting a thermostat to lower temperatures when away reduces furnace runtime.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance such as filter changes ensures the furnace runs efficiently.
Calculating Your Furnace’s Electricity Consumption
To estimate the electricity your furnace uses, consider the following formula:
Electricity usage (kWh) = Power (kW) × Operating Hours (h)
For example, a gas furnace blower consuming 500 watts (0.5 kW) running 150 hours in a month will use:
0.5 kW × 150 h = 75 kWh
This simple calculation can help predict monthly electricity consumption and compare furnace models.
Comparing Electricity Costs for Different Furnace Types
| Furnace Type | Average Monthly Electricity Use (kWh) | Average Cost per kWh | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Resistance Furnace | 2,000 kWh | $0.13 | $260 |
| Gas Furnace (Electric Blower Only) | 75 kWh | $0.13 | $9.75 |
| Heat Pump Furnace | 300 kWh | $0.13 | $39 |
Tips to Reduce Your Furnace’s Electricity Consumption
Minimizing electricity use while maintaining comfort is achievable with the following strategies:
- Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace: Modern furnaces with higher AFUE ratings reduce energy waste.
- Use a Programmable Thermostat: Program heating schedules to avoid running the furnace when the house is unoccupied.
- Seal and Insulate Your Home: Prevent heat loss through windows, doors, and walls, enabling your furnace to work less.
- Optimize Airflow: Clean or replace air filters regularly and ensure vents are unobstructed.
- Consider a Heat Pump: For moderate climates, heat pumps use electricity more efficiently than electric resistance furnaces.
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule professional tune-ups to keep heating systems operating at peak efficiency.
Electric Furnaces vs. Gas Furnaces: What Are the Electrical Differences?
While both electric and gas furnaces use electricity, their roles differ. Electric furnaces consume electricity to generate heat directly, making their electric consumption significantly higher. In contrast, gas furnaces primarily use gas for heat, with electricity mainly powering fans and controls. This results in substantially lower electric usage in gas furnaces compared to electric models.
Impact of Furnace Electricity Use on Overall Home Energy Bills
Heating is often the largest energy expenditure in American homes during the winter. Furnaces can account for 40% to 60% of a household’s total energy consumption. Electric resistance furnaces, due to heavy electric loads, can cause steep electricity bills, especially in colder climates. Gas furnaces offer savings on electricity but may use natural gas costs instead.
Homeowners should evaluate both electricity and fuel costs when choosing heating systems to balance comfort and affordability effectively.