Electric furnace

[Robert Jones]

Just curious. How do you guys handle electric furnaces as it pertains to age? For example, if I have a home with a 30 year old gas furnace, I am recommending replacement. Do you guys feel that the electric furnace(s) fall into the same category?

[kurt]

Not for me. You can change out the elements or parts; I've seen a few that are ancient; install new elements or components, they run fine.

[Jim Katen]

Electric furnaces have, essentially, an unlimited service life.

[Robert Jones]

Appreciate the replies guys.

[hausdok]

Yeah,

Jim's take is essentially what I tell folks. They're largely made with off-the-shelf components. As long as you can still get parts, or make newer parts perform the same function, they keep right on going.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[John Kogel]

They have elements like a big toaster. I've got a good pic from a house where the elements were visible from the crawlspace. The builder "forgot" to install any ductwork, 20 yr old home. The rooms had registers open to the crawlspace. It was sure cosy down there. []

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[Marc]

My own up-flow electric furnace was replaced 2, 3 years ago because condensation from the evaporator coil mounted within the upper portion of it had corroded the housing of the appliance to the point where it was collapsing. Condensate water had also dripped into the electric compartment and caused problems with arcing and corroded aluminum lugs. It was about 30 years old.

Yeah, they have long lives...unless an evap coil is within or above them.

Marc