When it comes to heating your home, gas furnaces are a popular choice due to their energy efficiency and cost savings. But have you ever wondered how much electricity it costs to run a gas furnace? In this article, we will dive into the details to help you understand the electricity usage of a gas furnace and how you can calculate the cost.
Understanding the Electricity Usage of a Gas Furnace
A gas furnace typically requires electricity to power its blower motor and electronic components such as the ignition and control boards. The blower motor is responsible for circulating heated air throughout your home. The amount of electricity used by a gas furnace varies based on the size of the furnace, the efficiency of the blower motor, and how frequently it runs.
Calculating the Cost of Running a Gas Furnace
To calculate the cost of running your gas furnace, you need to know the wattage of the blower motor and how many hours per day it runs. You can find the wattage of the blower motor in the furnace’s manual or by contacting the manufacturer. Once you have the wattage, you can use the following formula to calculate the electricity usage:
Electricity Usage (kWh) = Wattage (W) x Hours per Day x Days per Month / 1000
For example, if your gas furnace has a blower motor with a wattage of 500 and it runs for 8 hours per day, 30 days per month, the electricity usage would be:
Electricity Usage (kWh) = 500 W x 8 hours x 30 days / 1000 = 120 kWh per month
To calculate the cost of the electricity used by your gas furnace, you need to know the cost per kWh from your utility company. You can find this information on your monthly electricity bill. Once you have the cost per kWh, you can use the following formula to calculate the cost:
Cost = Electricity Usage (kWh) x Cost per kWh
For example, if the cost per kWh from your utility company is $0.15, the cost of running your gas furnace would be:
Cost = 120 kWh x $0.15 = $18 per month
Tips to Reduce the Electricity Usage of Your Gas Furnace
While gas furnaces are energy efficient, there are several ways to reduce the electricity usage and save even more money:
- Use a programmable thermostat to set the temperature lower when you are not home or sleeping.
- Clean or replace your furnace filter regularly to ensure optimal airflow.
- Insulate your home to reduce heat loss and improve the efficiency of your gas furnace.
- Schedule annual maintenance for your gas furnace to keep it running at peak efficiency.
In conclusion, the electricity usage of a gas furnace varies based on several factors, including the size of the furnace, the efficiency of the blower motor, and how frequently it runs. To calculate the cost of running your gas furnace, you need to know the wattage of the blower motor and the cost per kWh from your utility company. By following these tips, you can reduce the electricity usage of your gas furnace and save money on your monthly energy bill.
Comments
Post a Comment