Electric furnaces rely on sequencers to ensure the safe and efficient operation of multiple heating elements. A sequencer is a relay device that stages the activation of these heating elements, preventing them from all turning on at once, which could cause electrical overloads. By using the sequencer, the furnace can maintain an efficient and even heating process, avoiding surges in electricity use and helping prevent system strain. Electric heating elements create heat through electrical resistance. When electricity flows through the coils or elements, the resistance causes them to heat up. This heat is then transferred to the surrounding air, warming the space. The process is similar to how a toaster uses heating elements to generate heat, but in a furnace, the elements are much larger and designed for longer, continuous operation. The main difference between an electric furnace and a space heater is their scale and purpose. Electric furnaces are designed to heat an entire home and are typically integrated into a home's HVAC system with ducts and vents to distribute the warm air. Space heaters, by contrast, are portable and designed for localized heating, often for individual rooms or specific areas. While space heaters can be efficient for smaller spaces, an electric furnace is more effective and cost-efficient when heating an entire home.