When you buy a generator, you want to know that it will keep you safe from the worst weather in your area. Can a generator, however, power an electric furnace?
During power outages, portable and standby generators can keep your home warm. Generators with at least 15,000 watts are required for electric furnaces and boilers.
The generator you bring with you to power your electric furnace, on the other hand, should be relatively powerful. If the generator’s wattage is insufficient, it will be unable to keep the entire house warm. Fortunately, we researched and analyzed the necessity of an electric furnace and its other peculiarities here.
Also check: How Much Does It Cost To Run An Electric Furnace?
Can a generator power an electric furnace?
Consider the wattage of power required by your electric furnace when determining whether a generator can power it. To heat your home, an electric heater must have at least 15,000 watts.
If the house loses power, the generator should be able to meet the furnace’s needs. Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming increasingly isolated. Thankfully, some stationary generators can meet this demand. Unfortunately, most small backup generators do not have enough power to heat a space adequately.
Portable generators vs. standby generators
If you already own a portable generator, you may be able to use it when your furnace or the rest of your home loses power. However, before relying on these models, think about wattage.
Portable generators are just as powerful as standby generators, but they are designed to be mobile. Many smaller models can turn on the lights and power the outlet. They cannot, however, meet the requirements of electric furnaces. Check the label on the back of your portable generator to see how many watts it can produce. You can also calculate the total wattage by multiplying the generator voltage by the amperage.
Is it expensive to run an electric furnace?
Electric furnaces typically have high operating costs. Electric furnaces do not use natural resources to heat homes, so they require a significant amount of electricity from the local grid. Because of the demand and slow-activating sensors in your electric furnace, your monthly electricity bill may be higher than you think. However, purchasing an electric furnace is less expensive than buying a propane furnace. If you save money on the initial installation, you might be able to recoup the cost after the stove.
If you’re concerned about the cost of your monthly electricity bill, don’t decide on your own. In advance, consult with a local expert about utility costs.
Which is more cost-effective to heat with: electricity or propane?
Using natural gas or propane to heat your home is less expensive than using an electric furnace. Gas stoves, to be sure, have high installation costs. Converting a natural gas stove to a propane stove can also be costly. However, these units are less expensive by the month. You should be aware of the drawbacks of using gas heating.
The initial cost of installing a furnace can put future budgets under strain. Similarly, gas stoves have a shorter lifespan than electric stoves. A typical gas furnace will last for 20 years.
On the other hand, electric furnaces typically have a lifespan of 30 years or more. With that in mind, be prepared to budget for the initial installation of your gas furnace and any subsequent repairs.
How do you use electric heating to keep your home warm?
Here are your options if you want to reactivate your electric furnace during this year’s cold weather.
Spend money on regular furnace maintenance.
Electric furnaces have a long lifespan, but they still require maintenance regularly. Build a good relationship with a professional in your area to keep your electric furnace in the best possible condition. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to schedule regular furnace maintenance. Furnace maintenance and inspections keep your equipment operational all year. Scheduling with the same team of field experts regularly has numerous advantages. You can also avoid damage to your furnace, rendering it inoperable.
Get your ducts checked by an expert.
The team responsible for inspecting the furnace body must also examine the ducts. The weakest point is usually the stove ducts, as warm air is more likely to escape. You can collaborate with our expert team to eliminate or check for duct leaks that can cause your home to overheat.
Insulate Your Residence
In conjunction with the electric furnace, the insulation heats the entire house. If you haven’t insulated a significant portion of your property yet or haven’t inspected your insulation in several years, it may be time to consider additional insulation options.
You can consult with a local contractor about the inspection and replacement of insulation in your home. There are also insulations designed specifically for stove ducts. Of course, you want to reduce fire risk in your home. Various types of duct insulation can prevent air leaks while remaining safe.
Keep an eye out for leaks throughout your home.
Water and ice tend to lower the overall temperature of your home. To avoid unnecessary cooling, look for damage to the foundation, basement, or crawl space.
This damage is varied and can be challenging to track, especially if you have no idea how the damage will appear. Cracks, foundation subsidence, and leaks are some of the most common causes of temperature fluctuations in your home.
Contact a professional contractor in your area. The sooner you make critical repairs, the safer your stove and your home will be warmer.
Also check: 6 Best Heaters To Use During A Power Outage
Turn Your Ceiling Fans Around
No need to turn off the fan when the weather gets cold in your area. Alternatively, the rotational direction can be reversed. Fans that rotate clockwise push warm air away from the ceiling. This means you’ll be able to circulate air more efficiently throughout the rest of your house.
On the coldest days of the year, turn on your ceiling fan to help your electric stove heat the rest of your home more efficiently.
A generator can help you protect your home.
You want to know that your generator is protecting your home, whether you’re dealing with cold weather or natural disasters. If you wish for your electric furnace to withstand the worst of home tests with a generator, make sure it has enough watts to do the job. A generator with at least 10,000 watts is required to keep your home warm with an electric furnace.
