Need a New Heating System? Consider a Heat Pump
If you’d like to replace your old furnace, don’t assume that a new furnace is the only option. This may be the default choice for most North American homes, but heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular. Still, the question remains: Is a heat pump the best choice for you? Explore several convincing reasons to try a heat pump, how it is distinct from 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 core design between a heat pump and a traditional furnace is essentially 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 core difference influences the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.
Modern condensing furnaces have high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings, which is understandably appealing. But an AFUE rating only measures the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it can’t account for the entire energy footprint involved in the process of extracting, refining and transporting 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, be aware that heat pumps often perform better than 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 deciding on a new home appliance. Furnaces can be quite efficient, but they max out at around 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 three times as efficient under proper operating conditions. This budget-friendly performance leads to more manageable utility bills.
2. Eco-Friendly Heating
Your household’s environmental footprint could be more modest with a heat pump. While electric furnaces can be found, traditional gas-fired furnaces run on combustible natural gas or heating oil, the production and distribution of which has a detrimental effect on the planet. A heat pump operates without burning fuel, reducing your home’s environmental impact, particularly if you also have solar panels to create environmentally friendly electricity from the sun.
3. Heating and Cooling Dual Functionality
One of the most innovative features of a heat pump is its versatility. It’s an effective wintertime heater and doubles as your air conditioner in the summer. Thanks to a simple built-in switch, the heat pump reverses its operation and extracts warm air from your home, much like a standard AC unit. This dual-purpose solution is highly desireable to many homeowners.
4. Quiet Operation
Heat pumps run with less noise 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 has existing 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 just that easy.
Are Heat Pumps Right for Everyone?
While heat pumps are remarkable, they may not be suitable for every situation. Heating efficiency declines in extreme cold, making heat pumps less suitable in regions with harsh winters. That being said, advancements in cold-climate technology are making heat pumps more efficient overall in colder climates, so keep your eye out for models designed to continue working in these kinds of climates.
It’s also worth pointing out that the up-front cost of purchasing a high-quality heat pump is generally higher than a conventional furnace. However, it also means you won’t have to purchase an air conditioner. If both systems are noticeably less efficient, you may actually save money up front by swapping them with a heat pump. Plus, you’ll gain back any investment cost through lower energy bills over time.
If your home lacks the required ductwork, installing it contributes to your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily lean toward selecting 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 start to fall off if you live in an area with exceptionally high electricity costs. You can counteract this by adding solar panels, which generate electricity from the sun to power your heat pump, light bulbs, electronics and more.
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 installers can help you decide 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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