Hello,

I am wanting to go from gas heat furnace to electric heat furnace.
Has anyone ever done this? And if so can you please give me your feedback on it.
I've looked on the internet trying to get info on electric heat, but can't seem to find any web page really talking about it. So thought I'd just post here on HGTV message boards hoping someone might have info about it.
I live in North East Indiana so it does get cold here.
Just in case your wondering why do I want to change? Here is my reasons...1st I've had two
problems with gas in the two homes I have lived in, 2nd I have panic attacks and now with the gas thing it has become overwhelming for me to even deal with it any more. I live in fear and have panic attacks and it's affecting my life. I know if I have no gas lines in my house it will cut my stressing out over it.
Hard for someone to understand my reasons unless you have my problem. ;(
I have called my gas company and they first before they take it out I needed to get a contractor/ some who is
going to put an electric furnace in.
So I have called Sears and they do have a electric furnace. My question I guess is...What should I be looking for other than just an electric furnace. Should I make sure it has this and that??? I just don't know what to really look for or what questions to ask about an electric furnace.
Thank You for reading.

I can understand your fear/panic attacks over a gas furnace. I have never made this conversion. I do know that electric heat will probably cost you more but because of your panic attacks it would probably be a good trade-off. All that said, I would recomend posting this question on another of the boards--possibly the remodeling board. Some great experts check in there and can do a better job of filling you in on what to look for and how to best do this transition.

First... welcome.. we can find you some answers..

Sears is not the best place to go... here in Houston they charge 100% more than I will for the exact same unit.. so look at local contractors...

I can understand your fear of gas... and I'm not going to underplay it.. it is not for some people.. and peace of mind in your home is important...

If you are going to change from a gas furnace to electric .. consider a heat pump with 100% back up... The heat pump is great down to about freezing but below that you'll need the heat strips...

I'm putting in a heat pump system down the street from us.... the cost difference is $500 .. so you will get a decent payback...


www.lennox.com you can also call their 1-800-4Lennox and they'll brainstorm options for your area...

When we built this house we put in duel fuel heatpumps... I can use gas or I can use elcetric heat pumps... depending on energy cost...

Since you are looking to make some changes .. be sure to switch to a variable speed on the furnace/ air handler ( this is something everyone need to be looking at)... because in the next couple of years equipment rated 15 SEER and up will require the variable speed to support it.. and you don't want to have to replace a new furnace...


Talk to your neighbors & friends.. visit with several hvac companies...

If your sysytem is older you may have to have an electrician come in also because you'll need a 220 circuit for the new one...

read through the lennox site.. and any of the other majors.. the info will be pretty much the same.. then you can jot down your own questions... and maybe we can talk about specific needs...

Becky

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Becky42,

Nice posts, Gwenda, Becky.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TangoW,

I do understand why you are doing this but remember electic heat doesn't work if the power goes out. If you go this route, buy a back up generator to power your system in emergencies.
Elaine

morocco, welcome to the boards!

I positively applaud your decision to change heating systems for your health and peace of mind. :-)

I actually don't know anything about heating systems so I can't help you there. I was just gping to tell you to get the most energy efficient one you can find.

Best wishes and please post back here (or tell us to look at another place on the boards) when you decide what exactly you're going to do.

Unfortunately electric heating is the most inefficient method of heating anything. It depends on the resistance of the flow of electricity to get coils (elements) hot. You mentioned a water heater but what about the house heating system? If one is changed they both should be.

There are very easy to install and sensitive sensors that detect gas and carbon monoxide leaks around the heaters or in basements etc.

Installing a backup generator to operate electric heat is going to be a very expensive proposition. Unless you get a BIG generator(10 kw minimum) it will not be able to handle the normal loads of refrigerators, backup lighting etc AND heating. They can easily handle the electrical thermostats of GAS units so if you lost grid power you would still have heat.

In addition, the required transfer relays and alternate load center must be installed by an electrician and certified by the power company which ain't cheap.

i'd recommend counselling rather'n changing heat/hot wtr/a-c while not diminishing an emotional need