Need a New Heating System? Consider a Heat Pump

When you’re ready to replace your old furnace, don’t assume that a new furnace is your only choice. This may be the go-to choice for most North American homeowners, but heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular. Still, the question remains: Is a heat pump your ideal heating system? Explore several persuasive reasons to consider a heat pump, how this equipment differs from a traditional furnace and whether a heat pump is the best choice for your home comfort needs.

How Are Heat Pumps Different Than Furnaces?

The core design between a heat pump and a traditional furnace is inherently different. Furnaces burn fuel—including natural gas, oil or propane to generate heat. On the other hand, heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant to move heat. This fundamental difference impacts the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.

Modern condensing furnaces boast high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings, which is certainly appealing. But an AFUE rating only illustrates the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it can’t account for the whole energy footprint involved in the extraction, refining and transportation of the fuel.

By comparison, a heat pump’s efficiency is measured by its HSPF. While it’s difficult to compare these numbers at first glance, know that heat pumps often outperform furnaces.

Top Reasons to Choose Heat Pump Installation

Here’s why more and more homeowners are looking into a heat pump for their year-round heating and cooling needs.

1. Lower Energy Bills

The operating cost is the first thing that comes to mind when considering a new home appliance. Furnaces are very effective, but they max out at approximately 98% efficiency. On the other hand, heat pumps are capable of generating three times the heat energy than the electrical energy consumed in the process. In other words, heat pumps can be 300% efficient under proper operating conditions. This cost-efficient performance leads to reduced utility bills.

2. Eco-Friendly Heating

Your household’s environmental footprint could be more reduced with a heat pump. While electric furnaces can be found, traditional gas-fired furnaces run on natural gas or heating oil, the production and distribution of which negatively impacts the planet. A heat pump operates without burning fuel, reducing your home’s environmental impact, particularly if you also have solar panels to generate cleaner electricity from the sun.

3. Heating and Cooling Capabilities

One of the most notable features of a heat pump is its versatility. It’s an effective heating system in the winter and doubles as your air conditioner for the summer. Thanks to a straightforward built-in switch, the heat pump reverses its operation and draws out warm air from your home, just like a standard AC unit. This two-in-one solution appeals to many homeowners.

4. Quiet Operation

Heat pumps run less noisily than traditional furnaces as they don’t have to ignite fuel to generate heat. No combustion means less noise, resulting in a calmer living space.

5. Easy Transition

If your home already has ductwork, transitioning to a heat pump is a fast, easy process. The air handler will end up where your furnace is currently located, and the outdoor unit replaces your air conditioner. It’s as simple as that.

Are Heat Pumps Right for Everyone?

While heat pumps are remarkable, they may not suit every situation. Heating efficiency drops in severe cold, making heat pumps less ideal in regions with long, cold winters. At the same time, advancements in cold-climate technology are making heat pumps more consistently effective in colder climates, so stay alert for models designed to work in such settings.

It’s also worth mentioning that the initial cost of buying a high-quality heat pump is generally higher than a conventional furnace. However, it means you don’t have to purchase an air conditioner. If both systems are starting to show their age, you may actually save money up front by swapping them with a heat pump. Plus, you’ll recover any investment cost through lower energy bills over time.

If your home is missing the required ductwork, putting it in adds to your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily favor choosing a furnace over a heat pump. In fact, ductless heat pumps are available for older homes and additions where ductwork isn’t present.

Finally, a heat pump’s efficiency benefits diminish if you live in an area with higher than average electricity costs. You can offset this by putting up solar panels, which generate electricity from the sun to power your heat pump and many other electrical systems.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Still not sure if a heat pump is right for you? Consult Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and our Experts can help you figure out if a heat pump suits your heating and cooling needs. Then, whether you opt for a heat pump or a traditional furnace, we can install your new system above and beyond your expectations. Contact us today to seek a free installation estimate.