As a homeowner, you know the value of managing the temperature level in your house, most notably when it comes to retaining your home warm during the winter. Property owners need to address one concern: whether to purchase a heat pump or a furnace. Each heating option has some profound benefits and is better in specific scenarios.
Here, we'll explore the primary distinctions between a heat pump and a furnace, including installation, cost, performance, lifespan, and more. Then, this article can help you decide which is correct for you.
A heat pump belongs to the home heating and cooling system and is an energy-efficient alternative to a furnace and air conditioner. A heat pump utilizes electrical power to move heat from a cool space to a warm one. In the winter, it uses the outdoor heat to heat your home. And throughout the summertime, it moves the heat from your home to the outside to cool your home.
A heat pump is more effective than a furnace since it doesn't create heat - it merely relocates it. And even though it does not generate heat, it can still maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.
What is a furnace?
A furnace is a heating system that many homeowners are more knowledgeable about. This house device uses fuel-- typically gas-- to generate electricity in your house. Utilizing either a pilot light or an electronic ignition, the furnace develops heat and blows it through your home.
The primary parts of a furnace are the burner that burns the fuel, the heat exchanger that transfers the heat, a blower fan to disperse the heat in your home, and a flue to serve as an exhaust for gaseous by-products.
Difference Between Heat Pump & Furnace
Cost
One of the initial questions that property owners are likely to ask when deciding between a heat pump and a furnace is the cost. First, your expenses will depend on what your home is currently equipped for. Homes with direct access to natural gas might find that a furnace is more budget-friendly. On the other hand, a home without natural gas access will likely pay more to install the furnace. But with everything else being equivalent, a heat pump is typically more cost-effective.
Upkeep
While a heat pump and a furnace will require some recurring upkeep, the upkeep needs for a furnace are lower than for a heat pump. As an outcome, your long-term maintenance expenses will also be higher for your heat pump.
Efficiency
The performance distinction between a heat pump and a furnace differs significantly depending on where you live. Remember that while heaters create heat, heat pumps move it from the outside. In moderate temperatures, a heat pump is most likely to work better. That's not to say a heat pump won't work in chillier climates-- a heat pump can draw heat from outdoors even when the temperature is below freezing. However, the chillier it gets, the harder it is for the heat pump to transfer heat. Meanwhile, a furnace will keep on generating heat even in cold environments.
Energy use
Among the most significant advantages of a heat pump is its energy efficiency. As we've pointed out, furnaces generate heat while heat pumps transfer it. As a result, heat pumps require considerably less energy to run. Remember that heat pumps need to work harder than heaters in winter to keep your house warm. A furnace may be more energy efficient if you reside in a cold environment.
Anticipated lifespan
A correctly maintained gas furnace can have a lifespan of 20 years. On the other hand, even a well-kept heat pump heating system will have a lifespan of 15 years. As an outcome, a furnace has a longer expected lifespan in many cases.
Is Dual Fuel Set-Up Applicable?
A double fuel system can be found in the form of a packaged system or a split system with two energy sources: the electrical heat pump and a gas furnace. Dual fuel technology combines the cooling and heating performance from a heat pump with the constant heating capability of a gas furnace. This system is precise and energy efficient for heating because it effortlessly rotates between the two energy sources for heating comfort, depending on your particular outdoor conditions.