Introduction – Coleman Electric Furnace
The Coleman Company started off in the late 1800s as a manufacturer of lanterns and stoves. In the early 1900s, they began to produce gas-powered refrigerators, and by the 1950s, they introduced the first portable air conditioner. Today, Coleman is a leading manufacturer of air conditioners and heating products.
Coleman Electric Furnaces, especially the EBE/EUE series, are compact and efficient heating solutions commonly found in prefab homes. Interestingly, Coleman has established a niche market despite not being a leading brand in the overall furnace market. The Farnsworth Group statistics on furnace brand ownership in the USA highlight this, with top spots taken by brands like Carrier and Lennox. This article focuses on Coleman’s electric furnaces, especially the EBE/EBU series, highlighting their features and functionalities.
Key Features of a Coleman Electric Furnace
Coleman offers a variety of furnaces, with the EBE/EBU series being their electric variant. Similar to their gas counterparts, MM9E and DGAX, the EBE/EBU series boasts electronically controlled motors for precision heating. Notably, these electric furnaces claim the best sound levels, making them a quiet heating solution for your home.
They have a zero-clearance design that allows for installation where space is tight, an aspect commonly considered in manufactured housing. Additionally, these furnaces feature a built-in, fully insulated coil cabinet and high-efficiency Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) blower motors, which can help save money throughout the year. Their long-lasting nickel/chrome heat elements ensure durability, while the lack of an open flame adds an extra layer of safety.
When we looked at the Energystar website, because high efficiency furnaces are only fueled by natural gas or oil, we can’t find any Coleman Electric furnaces.
Electric Furnaces Vs Gas Furnaces
Coleman’s are targeted to prefab homes which tend to be located in areas far from urban centers and therefore lack gas hook-ups. The result is that electric is the only option. The problem with electric is that its less efficient – your heating bill will be higher. However, that might be fine if the house is small and heating bills are low and the climate is mild.
One secondary benefit of electric furnaces is the low maintenance and quiet operation of electric furnaces. They do not require regular cleaning or maintenance like gas or oil furnaces and operate without noise. Additionally, electric furnaces are safer since they do not produce carbon monoxide or have an open flame.
However, as we mentioned, there are some drawbacks to consider with electric furnace units. They tend to be less efficient than gas furnaces, resulting in higher energy bills. In addition, they may be unable to heat larger spaces or multiple levels of a home effectively.
Operating Your Coleman Electric Furnace
Operating your Coleman Electric Furnace efficiently requires an understanding of its features. The electronically controlled motor, part of the furnace’s Comfort Technologies, ensures precise heating to meet your comfort needs. Regular maintenance is crucial to maintain efficiency and longevity. This includes tasks like cleaning or replacing filters and ensuring there are no obstructions around the furnace or in air vents.
To start the furnace:
- Ensure electrical power to the furnace is turned on at the household service box.
- Set the wall thermostat to the desired temperature.
- If your furnace is equipped with air conditioning, turn the system switch at the wall thermostat to ‘HEAT’ to operate the furnace in heating mode.
The interlock system typically contains a heat-cool switch that must be set to either ‘HEAT’ or ‘COOL’ to activate the corresponding operation. If an interlock system is not provided, the electrical supply to the furnace must be turned OFF at the household service box when the air conditioner is in use. When operating the furnace, the electrical supply to the air conditioner must be turned OFF.
Shutting down the furnace involves a few steps as well:
- Turn the thermostat to its lowest setting.
- For a complete shutdown, turn off the electrical power at the household service box.
Remember, regular maintenance, like cleaning or replacing filters and ensuring there are no obstructions around the furnace or in air vents, is crucial to maintain efficiency and longevity.
Want to read more? Check out the Coleman Electric Furnace manual.
Understanding the Circuit Breakers
An essential safety feature of your Coleman Electric Furnace is its circuit breakers. Located behind the furnace door near the bottom (refer to Figure 1 in your user manual), these circuit breakers protect the furnace from potential damage caused by electrical shorts.
If a breaker trips, you can follow these steps to reset it:
- Turn off the power to the furnace at the circuit breaker panel in your home.
- Remove the furnace door and reset the circuit breaker inside the furnace.
- Reinstall the furnace door and turn the power back on at the circuit breaker panel in your home.
It’s important to note that if the circuit breakers trip again after you reset them, there’s likely an issue with the furnace. At this point, you should reach out to a service technician for assistance. Each furnace comes with a list of authorized service centers, which you can use to find professional help for your furnace.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Despite the common perception that electric furnaces are less efficient than their gas counterparts, they can indeed be more cost-effective over time, especially in homes without access to natural gas. With high-efficiency ECM blower motors, Coleman’s electric furnaces strive to balance efficiency and heating performance. Moreover, the carbon intensity of an electric furnace can be lower if the electricity is sourced from renewable energy.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you face issues with your Coleman Electric Furnace, understanding common problems and their solutions can help restore efficiency quickly. Inadequate heating could be resolved by checking the thermostat settings, filters, and vents. Unusual noises might indicate a loose belt or fan. If the furnace doesn’t respond to thermostat adjustments, the control system might need professional attention.
Warranty and Customer Support
The warranty coverage differs across Coleman’s furnace line-up. The EBE/EBU series of electric furnaces come with a 2-year Parts warranty. If you have questions about your warranty or require assistance, Coleman’s customer service is available to help. This warranty offers coverage against manufacturing defects.
If you have questions about your warranty or need assistance with your furnace, Coleman’s customer service is available to help. Visit the Coleman Dealer Locator and enter your zip code. You’ll see a list of the closest dealers, their contact information, and services offered.
Remember, utilizing authorized service centers ensures your furnace is handled by trained professionals who understand the specifics of Coleman Electric Furnaces. This expertise is crucial for preserving your furnace’s longevity and performance.
Conclusion
Owning a Coleman Electric Furnace requires an understanding of its features, benefits, and limitations. Regular maintenance and troubleshooting of common issues can help maintain its efficiency and extend its lifespan. With its features tailored for prefab homes and focus on safety and performance, a Coleman Electric Furnace can be a reliable heating solution for many homeowners.
