by Deborah Percy

Created on: November 03, 2009   Last Updated: November 04, 2009

There are a number of benefits to having an electric furnace in comparison to one powered by fossil fuels. Safety, low maintenance, and simple installation, can be coupled with alternative technology and are all factors which an electric furnace has in its favor.

* Alternative Power Source

Many home owners are generating their own electricity usually by using solar panels or wind turbines. Some even have a surplus which they are able to sell back to the electricity grid. This is not an option for everyone but ideal for those with certain types of property in special, windy or sunny locations. An electric furnace is ideal for these homes because the power is free; there is no pollution and no greenhouse gases or other fumes.

Electricity which comes in cables from major companies is not a green fuel. Even though there is no pollution at the point of use, most electricity in the U.S. (70%) is generated from fossil fuels at the power station, with the usual polluting consequences.

* Power Supply

Generating power in our back yard is not an option for most of us. One electricity company providing power to the property can make for simple administration, just one bill to pay. Almost all of us have electricity, but not all of us have gas; there is no advantage to dealing with two utility companies. If there was an electrical power cut, this would stop most gas furnaces and boilers from operating because they also rely on electricity to run vital parts of the system.

* Safety

An electric furnace, if correctly installed, is perfectly safe without the risks associated with gas and oil. There is no possibility of a fuel leak or carbon monoxide poisoning.

* Maintenance

An electric furnace requires little attention. Servicing by a professional can be less frequent, there is no flue vent to check and no chimney to clean. There are none of the checks and tests associated with gas.

* Low Use, Warm Climate

Electric furnaces are simple machines and easier to install than gas or oil. Even if electricity is more expensive, if the actual furnace use will be low due to a warm climate, then it may not be cost effective to invest in a more expensive fossil fuelled appliance. In addition, the home owner may also not want the upheaval of a gas installation, especially if this will involve a propane or oil storage tank on the premises.

Many homes have electric furnaces because gas or oil are not convenient options but in some properties

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