05 - Electric Heating Systems

Electric heating systems offer simplicity and safety advantages but come with unique inspection considerations and performance characteristics. This episode covers all electric heating types from central furnaces to distributed and radiant systems.

Electric central forced-air furnaces share many components with gas furnaces—cabinets, blower fans, access panels—but replace combustion components with electric heating elements. Understanding whether a unit is a dedicated electric furnace, a heat pump air handler with backup heat strips, or an air conditioning/electric furnace combination prevents misidentification. Heat pump thermostats typically include emergency heat settings; air conditioning thermostats don't operate condensers in heating mode.

Heating element operation involves sequencing (staging) to prevent current draw spikes when multiple 5kW elements activate simultaneously. Sequencers control this process, and inspectors must account for sequencing when interpreting insufficient heat complaints—partial activation may be intentional based on outdoor temperatures and thermostat settings.

Safety controls are simpler than combustion systems—primarily high limit sensors that shut down elements if temperatures exceed safe thresholds. Cabinet inspection focuses on scorching evidence, proper cable entry through grommets, access panel integrity, and adequate service clearances. The ignition source elevation requirement (18 inches in garages) applies to heating elements just as it does to gas burners.

Distributed electric heaters represent a completely different approach. Baseboard convectors, wall-mounted units, recessed heaters, and toe-kick models all use resistance heating with finned elements. Installation requirements include proper clearances to combustibles (varying by wattage and location), adequate wall corner spacing, and appropriate floor covering clearances.

Permanently installed distributed heaters can provide code-required heat; plug-and-cord portable units cannot. Reporting portable heater presence is important since their use often indicates inadequate fixed heating or occupant comfort problems. Most distributed heaters require dedicated circuits due to their fixed load status and high current draw.

Inspection procedures for distributed heaters verify physical condition, electrical connections, cabinet integrity, and absence of scorching. Testing involves activation and heat output verification, though insufficient heat diagnosis can be challenging—possibilities include improper wiring, voltage mismatches (240V heaters on 120V circuits), or defective elements.

Electric radiant heating systems installed in floors, ceilings, or walls present inspection challenges. Systems may use individual wires or wire mats, operate on 120V or 240V, and serve whole-house or supplemental heating roles (especially bathrooms). GFCI protection is required in bathrooms, kitchens, and near water features.

Inspection limitations must be acknowledged—determining if entire radiant systems function properly or provide adequate heat involves technically exhaustive procedures outside standard inspection scope. Inspectors can verify that accessible areas warm appropriately but cannot guarantee complete system functionality. Circuit protection verification, especially GFCI requirements, falls within inspection scope.

Operating cost considerations deserve mention. Electric resistance heating's reputation for expense is often accurate, though costs vary by regional electricity rates, fuel availability, climate, and system type. Distributed and radiant systems can offer b

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