What is an electric heating system?
Summer and fall are wonderful times here on the East Coast, drawing people from all across the country. And when the cold season arrives, we still have tourists who want to experience that Eastern seaboard winter—as long as there is a working electric heating system. Yes, the winters get chilly out here, and there is nothing better than a roaring fireplace, snuggly blankets, and working heat.
How does an electric heating system work?
Electric heating and air conditioning systems are often part of an HVAC system. Electric heating is created with a heating element, an electrical resistor, and other parts. Electricity converts electrical energy into heating energy using a heating element. Today, most are nichrome wire and ceramic insulators.
Depending on the size of the electric heating system, it will have between three and six electric-resistance elements. Those elements have between 3 and 7 kW each, which works much the same as the elements you see inside your toaster. Inside your electric heating system are other important components:
- Contactor: This controls the voltage to the heating element by way of the thermostat
- Sequencer: This turns the heating element off and on, keeping the current spike low since it doesn’t take much to turn it on.
- Transformer: This provides power to the control circuits for the contractors, sequencer, and thermostat to work.
Which electric heating system is best?
There are several electric heating options for homes, and if your home already had an electric heating system when you purchased it, you probably didn’t consider other options. However, if you plan to upgrade or build a new home, consider this matter now because cooling and heating a home creates about 17% of our carbon footprint. That is more than all the other emissions our homes create.
By choosing a more efficient electric heating system, you’ll save money each month and help the environment. Here are the options available and how they affect your budget and the environment.
Good Electric Heating System
An electric heating system may have 100% AFUE (annual fuel-utilization-efficiency) compared to a rating as low as 55% for a gas heating system. Gas does heat faster, so it runs less, and natural gas is cheaper in most places than electricity. A gas heating system can be rated by Energy Star, whereas electric heating systems aren’t. So, depending on the climate, electric heating is better for some, whereas gas is typically better in colder climates.
Better Electric Heating System
There are better choices for an electric heating system, like electric air-source heat pumps. These will draw heat from outside—even in cold weather—and transfer that heat indoors. No fuel is required, and minimal electricity is needed. This type of electric heating system will use less than half that of an electric furnace system. Additionally, you’ll save on cooling with the heat pump because it also works as an air conditioner.
Another better option for an electric heating system is solar power. A solar heating system uses collectors mounted on south-facing walls. The hot air collected cycles with cool air inside the home, and the solar thermal heat uses rooftop collectors connected to a water tank indoors.
Best Electric Heating System
A geothermal energy system will use up to 50% less than conventional electric heating systems for the most efficient electric heating system. A residential geothermal heating system uses a heat pump that exchanges heat with the earth. The cost of a geothermal heating system is higher, but usually, within three years, it has paid for itself.
Is it expensive to heat a house with electricity?
When looking at it from the outside and comparing natural gas and electric heating systems, an electric heating system is more costly. Based on the raw numbers and comparing electric heating to natural gas heating systems, electric costs up to $800 annually versus $600 for gas heating. If you’re doing a new build, note that installing a gas heating system will cost more than an electric one. This is often a deciding factor when build budgeting is concerned.
Electric Heating System Pros and Cons
Is your old gas furnace not heating as sufficiently as it once was, leaving you thinking about replacing it with an electric heating system? Here are some pros and cons to consider when it comes to an electric heating system:
The Pros of Electric Heating Systems
- Cheaper upfront cost. An electric heating system is more common and less complex to install. That means the technicians are done with installation faster, which leads to savings for you with less labor.
- Minimal disruption with installation. A gas furnace installation will require venting connected to the outside, but electric heating systems won’t. With that in mind, you’ll note you’re not limited to where an electric heating system has to be installed.
- Easy maintenance. Gas or electric heating systems will always need basic maintenance and routine inspections. However, an electric heating system won’t be as risky to your safety if it malfunctions.
The Cons of Electric Heating Systems
- Slow to heat. An electric heating system takes longer to power up and heat up the element to make the air warm.
- It will become more expensive over time. Because electric power costs more than gas power, an electric heating system will eventually cost more, even though it offers 100% efficiency.
All Is Well and Good – Until It Stops Working
You forget to schedule the annual inspection, including cleaning and maintenance. Then you wake up in the middle of the night, and it’s cold. Your electric heating system is not working, so now what?
You can check basic things, like the thermostat, the circuit breaker, and even the electric heating system’s on/off switch. Changing the HVAC filter may be enough to get your heater going. If none of that works, you’ll need to make that phone call for an electric heating system service.
In the future, ask them about a maintenance contract so that you have less chance of these things happening. Meanwhile, if it’s time for you to call for help with your electric heating system in Hendersonville, Mills River, and Asheville, NC, you can contact All About Heat & Air at 828-778-2560.