Learn about Electric Furnace

An electric furnace is an air heating unit with an electric element. They are a centralized heat source and are connected to a forced-air distribution system (ductwork).

Efficiency is rated as Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). All-electric furnaces have an AFUE of 100%; however, some models are designed to be compatible with heat pumps, which can obtain much higher efficiencies.

The electricity generation source is important when considering an electric heat source. If renewable energy such as wind, solar, or hydro is used to generate electricity, then electric heat may be a sustainable option.

Electrical resistance heaters were developed in the late 1800s, and at the time some of them used light bulbs as a heating element. This shows what the original incandescent light bulbs mostly produced - heat!