Wiktor Wise
Electric furnaces are becoming an increasingly popular choice for mobile homes, as the world moves towards decarbonization. However, the switch from gas to electric can be costly, with electricity costing $34.90 per one million British Thermal Units (MMBTU) compared to natural gas at $9.20. Before installing an electric furnace in your mobile home, it is important to do your research and consider factors such as energy consumption, insulation, and installation requirements. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of changing your mobile home furnace from gas to electric, including the necessary steps to take before, during, and after the installation process.
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What You'll Learn
Turn off power at the furnace and central power source
When changing a mobile home furnace, it is important to ensure that the power is off at the furnace and the central power source before you begin any work. This is a crucial safety step that must not be overlooked.
First, locate the power source for the furnace. This could be a switch or a breaker that controls the power supply to the furnace. It may be located near the furnace itself or in a breaker box. Once you have located the power source, turn off the power at the furnace. This will cut the electricity supply to the furnace, ensuring that it is safe to work on.
Next, locate the central power source for your home. This is typically the main breaker box or fuse box for your home. Find the breaker that controls the circuit for the furnace and turn it off. This will ensure that no electricity is flowing to the furnace through the home's electrical system.
After turning off the power at both the furnace and the central power source, it is always a good idea to test and verify that the power is indeed off. You can use a voltage tester or a multimeter to check for power. Test all the wires and connections to the furnace to ensure that there is no live electricity flowing through them.
By taking these steps, you can safely turn off the power to your mobile home furnace, allowing you to work on it without risk of electric shock or other electrical hazards.
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Remove old furnace and examine electrical adapters and cords
To remove the old furnace, start by shutting off the power at the furnace itself and then at the central power source. You should also ensure that the furnace is cool enough to touch before you proceed. If you are unsure, use a volt meter to ensure that the power is off.
Once the power is off, you can begin to remove the electrical connections to the old furnace. Examine the electrical adapters and connection points with the electric furnace for any damage. If there is damage, you will need to purchase replacements. In most cases, you can unwind or unscrew the electric connections with a screwdriver or a pair of pliers.
Some intake and exhaust hoses will be connected to the mobile home itself and will not be automatically removed along with the old furnace. If any of these hoses are damaged, remove them and take them with you when you purchase a new mobile home furnace so that you can replace them.
After removing the old furnace and examining the electrical adapters and cords, you can install the new furnace in the same space. Ensure that it fits properly and is not too loose or too tight.
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$1151
Install the new furnace in the same space
When installing a new electric furnace in a mobile home, it is important to ensure that the new furnace fits properly into the same space as the old one. Before beginning the installation, shut off the power at the furnace and the central power source. Examine the cords connected to the old furnace, as some of them will be replaced along with the new furnace, including the power cord. Certain intake and exhaust hoses will be connected to the mobile home itself and will need to be removed if damaged.
When installing the new furnace, ensure that it fits properly into the space without being too loose or too tight. Find the electrical connections at the back of the furnace and tighten them first. If the furnace connects to the wall of the mobile home with screws or bolts, use a screwdriver or wrench to attach it, being careful not to over-tighten and weaken the screws or bolts.
After installation, turn the power back on and wait for an hour before turning on the furnace. Check that the electrical connections are working properly by testing to ensure the furnace is producing heat. It is recommended to hire an HVAC professional to hardwire your new electric furnace and ensure it is installed and wired correctly.
It is worth noting that some furnaces use more energy than others, so it is important to research the best type of furnace for your mobile home. Electric furnaces can result in higher electricity bills, especially in older mobile homes with poor insulation. To improve efficiency, ensure your mobile home is properly insulated and sealed to prevent energy loss.
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Tighten electric connections and attach to the wall
To tighten the electrical connections and attach the furnace to the wall, you will need a screwdriver or wrench set. First, locate the electrical connections at the back of the furnace. Ensure the connections are tightened securely, but be careful not to over-tighten, as this can weaken the screws or bolts holding the furnace in place.
Next, attach the furnace to the wall. If your mobile home furnace connects to the wall using screws or bolts, use the appropriate tool to fix it in place. Ensure the furnace is securely attached to the wall and that it fits properly into the space without being too loose or too tight.
Before turning the power back on, check that the furnace is correctly installed and all connections are secure. Once the power is on, turn on the furnace and wait for an hour. Return to the furnace and check that the electrical connections are working properly by testing to ensure the furnace is producing heat as expected.
It is important to ensure that the spot where you install the furnace has sufficient airflow and proper clearance from walls, ceilings, and floors. This will depend on the model of the furnace and the specifications of your mobile home. Additionally, be aware of any venting requirements, especially if you have limited space and plan to install the furnace in a confined area. Consider insulation and draft issues as well to ensure efficient heating and energy use.
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Turn the power back on and test the new furnace
Once you have installed your new mobile home electric furnace, you can turn the power back on. First, turn on the central power source, and then turn on the power at the furnace. After turning the power on, turn on the furnace. Wait for an hour, and then return to check on it. Ensure that the electrical connections are working properly by testing to determine that the furnace is producing heat. If the furnace connects to the wall of the mobile home with screws or bolts, make sure that you don't tighten it too much, as this can weaken the screws or bolts that hold the furnace in place.
If you are installing a new electric furnace in your mobile home, you will need to hardwire it into your home's electrical system. You cannot simply plug a furnace into an electrical outlet for safety reasons. According to most building codes, an electric furnace must run on a dedicated circuit. The furnace circuit can't power anything other than the furnace.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to purchase a new electric furnace as you cannot rewire an existing gas furnace to run on electricity. You should then hire an HVAC technician to install and hardwire it into your home’s electrical system.
Electric furnaces are less expensive upfront, ranging from $1,600 to $6,900, while a new gas furnace costs $3,800 to $10,000.
You need to ensure that the installation area has sufficient air for combustion and proper clearance to combustibles (walls, ceiling, and floor). You should also be aware of venting requirements and check if the model you choose is suitable for mobile homes.
First, shut off the power at the furnace and the central power source. Remove the old electrical connections and examine the cords, adapters, and connection points. Install the new furnace in the same space, ensuring it fits properly. Tighten the new electrical connections and attach the furnace to the wall with screws or bolts, being careful not to over-tighten. Turn the power back on and wait for an hour to check if the furnace is producing heat.
