Need a New Heating System? Consider a Heat Pump

If you’d like to replace your old furnace, don’t presume that another furnace is your only choice. This may be the preferred choice for most North American households, but heat pumps are steadily growing in popularity. Still, the question remains: Is a heat pump your ideal heating system? Explore several persuasive reasons to try a heat pump, how it is distinct from a traditional furnace and whether a heat pump is the ideal 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 fundamental difference influences the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.

Modern condensing furnaces feature high AFUE ratings, which is undoubtedly appealing. But an AFUE rating only illustrates the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it doesn’t account for the whole energy footprint involved in extracting, refining and transporting the fuel.

In comparison, a heat pump’s efficiency is measured by its heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). While it’s challenging to compare these numbers at first glance, be aware that heat pumps typically offer stronger performance 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 highly efficient, but they max out at about 98% efficiency. On the other hand, heat pumps are capable of generating three times the 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-efficient performance leads to lower utility bills.

2. Eco-Friendly Heating

Your household’s environmental footprint could be more reduced with a heat pump. While electric furnaces exist, 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, limiting your home’s environmental impact, particularly if you also have solar panels to produce 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 wintertime heater and doubles as your air conditioner during the summer. Thanks to a simple built-in switch, the heat pump switches 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 more quietly than traditional furnaces since they don’t have to combust fuel to generate heat. No combustion means less noise, resulting in a calmer living space.

5. Easy Transition

If your home is already equipped with ductwork, transitioning to a heat pump is a fast, easy process. The air handler goes 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 impressive, they may not fit every situation. Heating efficiency is much more limited in extreme cold, making heat pumps less suitable in regions with long, cold winters. That being said, advancements in cold-climate technology are making heat pumps more viable in the far north, so keep your eye out for models designed to work in such settings.

It’s also worth mentioning that the initial cost of investing in a high-quality heat pump is often higher than a traditional furnace. However, it also means you won’t have to purchase an air conditioner. If both systems are getting older, 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 doesn’t already have the necessary ductwork, adding it increases your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily favor 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 decrease if you live in an area with exceptionally high electricity costs. You can offset 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 the right choice for you? Consult Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and our professionals can help you figure out if a heat pump meets your heating and cooling needs. Then, whether you opt for a heat pump or a traditional furnace, we can set up your new system above and beyond your expectations. Contact us today to request a free installation estimate.