The main advantages of electric heating over other system of heating such as coal, gas or oil heating are given below:
Advantage # 1. Economical:
Electric energy is cheaper to use as it is produced on large scale. The electric furnaces run by electric energy are cheaper in initial cost. The maintenance cost is also low as compared to other system.
Advantage # 2. Cleaniness:
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It is free from ash, dust and soot, so it is clean system of heating.
Advantage # 3. Ease of Temperature Control:
Desired temperature can be controlled either by hand or by fully automatic switches such as thermostat in electric system.
Advantage # 4. Absence of Flue Gases:
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When we use electrical energy to generate heat, no flue gas is produced. So the surrounding atmosphere is not polluted.
Advantage # 5. Saving in Space:
With electrical heating, no storage of fuel is required as may be the case with coal, oil or gas heating.
Advantage # 6. Uniform Heating:
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In electric heating, the heat can be generated inside the core of the material which achieves uniform heating.
Advantage # 7. Maintenance Cost:
The maintenance costs are lower for electric equipments used for heating.
Advantage # 8. Less Attention Required:
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No attention is required in general as the process can be made fully automatic, whereas for use of coal, or gas etc. an attendant is required.
Advantage # 9. Location of Heat:
If necessary, the heat can be localised in a particular portion of the article to the heated.
Advantage # 10. Safety:
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Electric heating is quite safe and respond quickly.
Advantage # 11. Absence of Noise:
Noise is entirely eliminated in case of electric heating.
Advantage # 12. Quick Operation:
Heat by electricity can be produced more quickly than by any other process.
Advantage # 13. Efficiency:
The overall efficiency of electrically produced heat is comparator higher, because the source can be brought directly to the point where heat is required. Hence losses can be reduced.