- Coverage
- Canadian market & registry
- Reviewed
- 11 October 2026
- Price
- Scope-specific written quote
- Reliability
- Evidence, not invented scores
Electric furnaces: capacity, electrical service and running cost
Compare resistance heat with the complete heat-pump alternative.
Identify what is being compared
An electric furnace uses resistance elements and a blower to deliver heat through ducts. An air handler may contain supplemental electric heat but is not necessarily sold as a standalone furnace. A heat pump is a different source of heat. Keep these categories separate when reading brand catalogs and quotations.
Published electric-furnace sizes are commonly expressed in kilowatts. One kilowatt is approximately 3,412 BTU/h. That conversion describes heat rate, not annual consumption. The required capacity still depends on the home’s design load and the role of any heat pump.
Electrical and airflow constraints
Ask for an electrical assessment of the proposed load and any required circuit or service work. Do not assume an existing breaker, cable or service can support a larger unit. The contractor should identify the applicable equipment instructions and installation requirements.
The cabinet, filter, coil and duct system also need to deliver the required airflow. A new electric furnace can involve more than exchanging a box. The quotation should show whether electrical upgrades, controls and transitions are included.
Efficiency is not the electricity bill
Resistance heat converts electrical energy into heat at the point of use, but operating cost depends on electricity rates and heat demand. A heat pump’s performance changes with outdoor conditions and system operation. Compare an annual assessment using current local rates and the actual equipment pairing.
The directory includes electric specialists and Canadian registry entries. Some published products have regional restrictions; confirm the current sale territory and support before ordering. Gas AFUE and electric-furnace input kilowatts should not be combined into a single “best efficiency” ranking.
Sources & verification
Research snapshot: 11 October 2026. Confirm the current complete model, Canadian supply and warranty before purchase.