Electric Heat in Modern Homes: Options and Considerations
Electric heating has evolved far beyond the baseboard heaters of decades past. Today's options offer efficiency, comfort, and environmental benefits. Here's what homeowners need to know about heating their homes with electricity.
Types of Electric Heating
Heat Pumps
How they work: Transfer heat from outdoor air into your home (even in cold weather). Reverse operation provides cooling.
Types: - Air-source: Most common, installed like central AC - Mini-split/ductless: Individual units for specific rooms - Geothermal: Uses ground temperature, highest efficiency
Efficiency advantage: Can produce 2-4 times more heat energy than the electricity they consume (200-400% efficiency).
Best for: Moderate climates; modern cold-climate models work well even below 0°F.
Electric Furnaces
How they work: Electric resistance elements heat air, distributed through ductwork.
Characteristics: - 100% efficient (all electricity becomes heat) - Lower upfront cost than heat pumps - No combustion, no venting needed - Higher operating costs than heat pumps
Best for: Homes with existing ductwork where heat pump isn't feasible.
Baseboard Heaters
How they work: Electric elements inside baseboard units radiate heat.
Characteristics: - Individual room control - No ductwork required - Simple, low maintenance - Higher operating costs - Best as supplemental heat
Best for: Individual rooms needing additional heat; homes without ductwork.
Radiant Floor Heating
How they work: Electric cables or mats beneath flooring warm the floor surface.
Characteristics: - Even, comfortable heat from floor up - No visible heating equipment - Higher installation cost - Often used in bathrooms, kitchens, entries
Best for: Specific rooms wanting luxurious floor warmth.
Electric Boilers
How they work: Heat water for distribution through radiators or radiant floor systems.
Characteristics: - No combustion or venting - Clean, quiet operation - Works with existing hydronic systems - High operating costs like other resistance heat
Best for: Converting gas or oil boiler systems to electric.
Electrical Requirements
Panel and Service Considerations
| Heating Type | Typical Circuit | Panel Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump | 30-60A 240V | Moderate |
| Electric furnace | 60-100A 240V | Significant |
| Baseboard (per room) | 20-30A 240V each | Adds up quickly |
| Radiant floor | 15-30A 240V per zone | Moderate |
Service capacity: Whole-house electric heat may require 200A service. Homes with 100A panels often need upgrades.
Circuit Installation
Heat pump or furnace: - Dedicated 240V circuit - Properly sized breaker and wire - Disconnect near equipment
Baseboard heaters: - Separate circuit for each room or zone - Thermostat controls for each zone - Can require many panel spaces
Efficiency Comparison
| Heating Type | Approximate Efficiency | Relative Cost to Operate |
|---|---|---|
| Geothermal heat pump | 300-600% | Lowest |
| Cold-climate air-source HP | 250-300% | Low |
| Standard heat pump | 200-250% | Low-moderate |
| Electric furnace | 100% | High |
| Baseboard/radiant | 100% | High |
Why heat pumps are more efficient: They move heat rather than generate it, getting more heating from each unit of electricity.
Cost Considerations
Installation Costs
| System | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Air-source heat pump | $4,000-$12,000 |
| Ductless mini-split | $3,000-$7,000 |
| Electric furnace | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Baseboard (whole house) | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Geothermal | $15,000-$35,000 |
Note: Costs include equipment and installation but not electrical upgrades if needed.
Operating Costs
Depends heavily on: - Local electricity rates - System efficiency - Home insulation - Climate and heating degree days - Thermostat habits
General comparison: Heat pumps cost 30-50% less to operate than resistance electric heat.
When Electric Heat Makes Sense
Strong candidates: - No natural gas available - Replacing aging oil or propane system - New construction with good insulation - Homes with solar panels - Areas with low electricity rates - Environmental priority (no fossil fuel combustion)
Considerations: - Local electricity rates vs. gas prices - Climate (heat pump efficiency in extreme cold) - Panel capacity for electric load - Insulation quality of home
Supplementing Electric Heat
Common strategies:
- Portable space heaters: For occasional cold rooms
- Bathroom radiant mats: Quick floor warmth
- Fireplace insert: Supplemental heat in main living area
- Dual-fuel systems: Heat pump plus gas backup
Safety note: Portable heaters should plug directly into outlets, not extension cords, and should be modern models with tip-over protection.
Electrical Upgrades for Electric Heat
What may be needed:
- Panel upgrade (100A to 200A)
- New 240V circuits for equipment
- Additional circuits for baseboard heaters
- Thermostat wiring and installation
- Load calculation to verify capacity
Making the Switch
Steps to electrify your heating:
- Assessment: Evaluate current system, insulation, and electrical capacity
- Options review: Compare heat pump vs. other electric options
- Electrical evaluation: Determine if upgrades are needed
- Installation planning: Coordinate HVAC and electrical work
- Permits and inspection: Ensure code compliance
- Installation: Complete system change
Questions About Electric Heating?
Whether you're building new, renovating, or considering a fuel switch, we can evaluate your electrical system and help you plan for electric heating.
Contact us for an electrical assessment.