Thread: Electric furnace temperature rise?

This is an older furnace, I think 1974, and no labels were present on unit. I only got a 16 degree temperature rise at the air handler, which I think is way too.

I don't recall having seen an electric furnace this old so I wonder if maybe there is a slim chance the 16 degrees is ok - still doubt it but thought I ask just in case.

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That sounds low to me. What was the ambient air temperature inside the house during the inspection?

Originally Posted by Nick Ostrowski

That sounds low to me. What was the ambient air temperature inside the house during the inspection?

Temp in home was about 70.

Could be a burnt out element or relay.

If it had 5 kw of heat strips that may be ok...with 15 kw it is probably too low. Should be around a 100 degrees or so. These are ballpark estimates only.

What is the size of the house or failing that what did the data plate state? That would dictate btu output and required kilowatt size which could be anywhere from 10KW to 25KW (34,000 to 85,500 btu output) or larger.

Calibration of thermostat could be another area of concern, and remember electric furnace elements will come on in stages and it takes several minutes for them to all come on.

If this was a large furnace for a small house then maybe it is OK.
If this was a heat pump with this for a back-up then it may be OK.
But with the information given it would warrant a second look.

Some things to consider.
House size/furnace capacity?
Primary heat source or backup?
How long did you wait? As others noted it takes a few minutes for each sequencer to kick in.
How many elements did you see?
Any burned leads, etc. when you look at the element connections?

From my experience, an electric heat pack typically will produce heat at least around 100 degrees and when it is the emergency backup heat for a heat pump, it always produces a greater temperature rise than heat pump mode.

Many of these heaters have sequencers that stage the heat. They can be controled by temp rise required or on a timed basis depending on style.