What To Choose Between A Heat Pump Or Furnance: Time to Decide

It can be confusing to know the differences between a heat pump and a furnace if you don't have a good understanding of the HVAC industry. It doesn't matter what you know about HVAC, but it does matter that you have heating in your home when you need it.

It's now time to evaluate all factors and decide if a heat pump or furnace is right.

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is an integral part of a home heating/cooling system. It is an energy-efficient replacement for a furnace or air conditioner. Heat pumps use electricity to heat transfer heat from a cold space to a warmer one. It heats your home by taking heat from outside. It also moves heat from your home to the outside, cooling your home.

Because it doesn't generate heat, a heat pump works better than a furnace. It simply moves it. Even though it doesn’t produce heat, it can maintain a comfortable temperature within your home.

What is a furnace?

The furnace, the most common type of heating system, is what most homeowners are familiar with. This appliance generates electricity by burning fuel, often natural gas. Your furnace generates heat by using either an electronic ignition or a pilot light.

A furnace's primary components are the burner, heat exchangers, heat transfers, and blower fan. The flue is used to exhaust gaseous byproducts.

Heat pump vs. furnace

Power And Efficiency

These two systems can be compared to one another by focusing on power and efficiency. Because it is impossible to have a warm home in winter, the power of the system can be measured by how efficiently it functions. A system's efficiency is its cost-effectiveness. While a heater might keep your home warm and cozy throughout winter, it will not be worth the cost to run.

In colder climates, furnaces are more efficient and powerful than heat pumps. Heat pumps draw heat from the outside and move it inside. The colder the outside temperature is, the more work your heat pump will have to do to heat your home. Gas furnaces can burn fuel to produce heat on the coldest days. However, heat pumps are more efficient and effective than furnaces in mild climates that have mild winters. This is especially true if natural gas is not available in your area. 

HEATING & COOLING

A heat pump is a great choice if you are looking for an air conditioner and heater. Heat pumps use refrigerant to move heat between locations. They can also be used in the reverse direction to provide cooling during summer. Unfortunately, a furnace does not produce heat. If you want to reduce your air conditioning costs, a heat pump will give you the best bang for your buck.

The decision is ultimately yours. It is always a good idea to get a second opinion from a professional technician.

Cost

When comparing heat pumps and furnaces, homeowners will likely ask which one is more expensive. Your home's current equipment will impact your cost. A furnace may be more affordable for homes that have natural gas access. A furnace that is not connected to natural gas will cost more to install. A heat pump is generally more affordable than a furnace, even if all else is equal.

Maintenance

Both a furnace and a heat pump will need some maintenance. However, furnace maintenance is less frequent than that of a heat pump. Your heat pump will have higher long-term maintenance costs.

Performance

Depending on where you live, the performance differences between a heat pump and a furnace can vary greatly. Keep in mind that heat pumps do not transfer heat from the outside, while furnaces can generate heat. A heat pump will work best in moderate temperatures. However, a heat pump can still work in colder climates. A heat pump can draw heat from the outside even though it is below freezing. The heat pump will have a harder time transferring heat if it is colder. A furnace can still generate heat in cold environments.

Energy usage

A heat pump's energy efficiency is one of its greatest advantages. Heat pumps do not transfer heat, while furnaces can generate it. Heat pumps require significantly less energy to run. To keep your home warm, heat pumps must work harder than furnaces in colder weather. A furnace might be more efficient if you live in colder climates.

The bottom line

You might be wondering which one is better, now that you have a basic understanding of the differences between heat pumps and furnaces. There is no one solution that is better than the other. Both the furnace and heat pump have their advantages. However, your individual situation will determine which heating option is best for you.

Preferred Climate Solutions provides emergency heating and cooling rental service anywhere in Texas. Choosing us to heat your commercial space means both your workers and clientele are going to be much happier while your regular HVAC system issues are resolved. We also offer heat pump rental services in Texas. Our highly trained drivers and technicians will bring everything needed to heat your facility back up, and they will ensure everything is configured safely and correctly for as long as you need our services. One phone call and we do it all.

Name: Preferred Climate Solutions

Address: 14818 Park Almeda Dr, Houston, TX 77047, USA