Gas furnaces, while primarily fueled by natural gas or propane, require electricity to power various components. These include the blower motor, which circulates warm air throughout the home, the electronic ignition system, which ignites the gas burner, and the control board, which manages the furnace’s operation. A typical furnace might use electricity for the draft inducer motor as well, ensuring safe exhaust removal. The amount consumed depends on the specific furnace model, its size, efficiency, and the climate. For instance, a larger home in a colder climate will typically require a more powerful blower motor, leading to higher electricity consumption.
Understanding a furnace’s electrical usage is crucial for homeowners. This knowledge allows for accurate budgeting of energy costs and enables comparisons between different furnace models during replacement considerations. Furthermore, awareness of electrical consumption contributes to a broader understanding of a home’s overall energy footprint, facilitating informed decisions about energy conservation and efficiency improvements. Historically, furnaces relied on pilot lights, a constant flame that consumed a small amount of gas. Modern electronic ignition systems have replaced these, reducing gas consumption while introducing a dependence on electricity.
