


The power requirements of furnaces may vary depending on their starting mechanism. The starting wattage can be as much as 2500 watts. How much electricity does a gas furnace use?Ī gas furnace with forced air typically uses between 600 and 800 watts of electricity. Blower motors: The blower consists of electrically powered fans that move the furnace’s heat into your ducts and ensure that exhaust gases leave via the flue.īecause these electrical components are integral to the functioning of the furnace, without electricity, the whole unit simply will not work, and attempts to start the furnace will be prevented by its safety mechanisms.Įlectricity is not only needed to start the gas furnace but also to keep it running meaning an alternative power source would need to supply power for as long as the furnace is used.Circuit boards: There are a number of electronic circuits that regulate the performance of the furnace and provide thermostatic control.The electrical ignition can take place by using a high voltage electrical spark to ignite a gas-fueled pilot that then ignites the boiler, or by powering a high resistance circuit to generate heat that then ignites your gas burners. Electronic ignition: Modern gas furnaces are ignited using an electronic ignition system rather than the old-fashioned pilot light.

In a power outage, being able to use your pressurized natural gas supply would make all the difference in the world, but you need to know that despite being gas-fuelled, your furnace is reliant on electricity to power key components that enable it to operate safely. Can my gas furnace operate without using electricity?
