The Inner Workings of an Electric Furnace Explained

Knowing how the various components in our homes work can be valuable, and HVAC components are a great example. A common question from homeowners down these lines: How does an electric furnace work?

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we proudly offer the very best furnace installation and furnace repair services you’ll find around Draper, Riverton, Midvale, Sandy and Cottonwood Heights. Our services include not just the actual tasks themselves, but also offering detailed and robust information to our clients on the work we’re doing and how their systems operate. Here’s a look at the inner workings of an electric furnace, helping you understand which key components help power it.

Think of It Like a Hair Dryer

While we’ll get into specific components in a moment, one simple way to think about how an electric furnace works is like a giant hair dryer. Just as your hair dryer uses electricity to generate heat and power the airflow you feel coming out of it, so too does an electric furnace use electricity to create heated air that warms up your home. Of course, things are a bit more complex in reality, but this general comparison can help give homeowners some context for what we’ll be discussing.

Heat Exchanger

One of the primary components allowing this to happen is known as a heat exchanger. This part is responsible for transferring heat from the electricity generated by the furnace to the air that will be blown throughout your home.

Essentially, these exchangers are made up of metal coils that get extremely hot when electricity passes through them, and this heat is then transferred to the surrounding air. This heated air is then forced through your home’s ductwork and into each room, providing the warmth you’re looking for.

Heating Elements

To create this heat that will be transferred to the air, electric furnaces use a series of heating elements. These elements are typically made up of metal coils or rods that are resistant to electricity – when an electrical current passes through them, they heat up and generate the warmth needed for your home.

For specific information on the heating elements used in your particular furnace, your best bet is to consult with an HVAC professional. They can provide you with detailed specs and even show you how these elements work in person.

Blower Motor

The blower motor is another key component of an electric furnace. This part is responsible for pushing air through the heat exchanger and into your home’s ductwork. Without a functioning blower motor, your furnace would not be able to distribute warm air effectively.

Most modern furnaces use high-efficiency variable-speed blower motors, which are designed to adjust their speed based on the temperature needs of your home. This can help conserve energy and keep your home at a consistent temperature.

Contactor

An electric furnace needs an element to control its voltage, and this is where the contactor comes in. This component acts as a switch, allowing electricity to flow through the furnace when needed. When your thermostat signals for heat, it sends an electrical signal to the contactor, which then allows electricity to pass through the heating elements and start the warming process.

Sequencer

The system will also need a component to turn its heating elements on and off, ensuring that they don’t overheat and cause damage. This is where a sequencer comes into play – it controls the timing of when heating elements turn on and off, helping to regulate the temperature in your home.

A key role of the sequencer is ensuring that all the heating elements in your furnace don’t become energized at the same time. This would actually create an overage of electricity, which could cause a power outage or even damage the furnace itself.

Transformer

The transformer, meanwhile, is in charge of providing the furnace with enough power to also control elements like the thermostat, contactor and sequencer. It transfers energy from circuits with high voltage to those with lower voltage, ensuring that all the components in your furnace can function properly.

Understanding how an electric furnace works can help homeowners better care for their heating systems and make informed choices about repairs and replacements. If you have any specific questions about your own furnace or are in need of professional HVAC services, Thompson’s Comfort Connection is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see why we’re the top choice for furnace installation and repair in Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, Midvale, Draper, Riverton and nearby areas!