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 the only option. This may be the go-to choice for most North American homes, but heat pumps are steadily growing in popularity. Still, the question remains: Is a heat pump the best choice for you? Explore several persuasive reasons to consider a heat pump, how this equipment compares to a traditional furnace and whether a heat pump is the most efficient choice for your home comfort needs.
How Does a Heat Pump Differ from a Furnace?
The underlying technology between a heat pump and a traditional furnace is inherently different. Furnaces burn combustible substances such as natural gas, oil or propane to generate heat. On the other hand, heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant to move heat. This key difference impacts the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.
Modern condensing furnaces boast high AFUE ratings, which is certainly appealing. But this only measures the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it won’t account for the whole energy footprint involved in the extraction, refining and transportation of the fuel.
In comparison, a heat pump’s efficiency is measured by its HSPF. While it’s challenging 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 number one priority when contemplating a new home appliance. Furnaces can be highly effective, but they max out at around 98% efficiency. On the other hand, heat pumps are capable of moving three times more heat energy than the electrical energy consumed during the process. In other words, heat pumps can be 300% efficient under proper operating conditions. This cost-effective performance leads to lower utility bills.
2. Eco-Friendly Heating
Your household’s environmental footprint could be much smaller with a heat pump. While electric furnaces are available, traditional gas-fired furnaces run on natural gas or oil, the production and distribution of which has a detrimental effect on the planet. A heat pump operates without burning fuel, shrinking your home’s environmental impact, particularly if you also have solar panels to generate green electricity from the sun.
3. Heating and Cooling Capabilities
One of the most striking features of a heat pump is its dual heating and cooling functionality. 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 changes its operation and pulls out warm air from your home, much like a standard AC unit. This dual-purpose solution appeals to many homeowners.
4. Quiet Operation
Heat pumps operate less noisily than traditional furnaces as they don’t have to burn fuel to generate heat. No combustion means reduced 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 innovative and energy efficient, they may not be suitable for every situation. Heating efficiency declines in extreme cold, making heat pumps less suitable in regions with colder winters. That being said, advancements in cold-climate technology are making heat pumps more consistently effective in the far north, so be on the lookout for models designed to work in such settings.
It’s also worth mentioning that the up-front cost of purchasing a high-quality heat pump is often higher than a forced-air 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 upgrading them with a heat pump. Plus, you’ll gain back any investment cost through lower energy bills over time.
If your home lacks the necessary ductwork, adding it contributes to your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily prefer opting for a furnace over a heat pump. In fact, ductless heat pumps are available for older homes and additions where ductwork isn’t present.
Lastly, a heat pump’s efficiency benefits start to fall off if you live in an area with exceptionally high electricity costs. You can mitigate this by installing 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 ideal for you? Consult Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and our professionals can help you determine if a heat pump suits your heating and cooling needs. Then, whether you opt for a heat pump or a traditional furnace, we can put in your new system above and beyond your expectations. Contact us today to request a free installation estimate.
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