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 the only option. 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 the best choice for you? Explore several convincing reasons to try a heat pump, how it compares to a traditional furnace and whether a heat pump is the best choice for your home comfort needs.

How Is a Heat Pump Different 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 fundamental difference impacts the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.

Modern condensing furnaces feature high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings, which is certainly appealing. But this only relates to the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it doesn’t account for the entire energy footprint involved in the process of extracting, refining and transporting the fuel.

By comparison, a heat pump’s efficiency is measured by its HSPF. While it’s not easy to compare these numbers at first glance, know that heat pumps often perform better than furnaces.

Top Reasons to Install a Heat Pump

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 can be highly efficient, but they max out at about 98% efficiency. On the other hand, heat pumps are capable of providing three times more heat energy than the electrical energy consumed during the process. In other words, heat pumps can be three times as efficient under proper operating conditions. This budget-friendly performance leads to reduced utility bills.

2. Eco-Friendly Heating

Your household’s environmental footprint could be more modest 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, limiting your home’s environmental impact, particularly if you also have solar panels to produce green electricity from the sun.

3. Heating and Cooling Capabilities

One of the most striking 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 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 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 less noise, resulting in a quieter living space.

5. Easy Transition

If your home has existing ductwork, transitioning to a heat pump is fast and easy. 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 innovative and energy efficient, they may not be suitable for every situation. Heating efficiency declines in severe cold, making heat pumps less ideal in regions with long, cold winters. That being said, advancements in cold-climate technology are making heat pumps more viable 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 initial cost of investing in a high-quality heat pump is generally higher than a traditional furnace. However, it also means you won’t have to buy an air conditioner. If both systems are getting older, you may actually save money up front by replacing them with a heat pump. Plus, you’ll recoup any investment cost through lower energy bills over time.

If your home is missing the necessary ductwork, installing it adds to your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily prefer 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 higher than average electricity costs. You can mitigate 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 & Plumbing

Still not sure if a heat pump is ideal for you? Consult Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, and our Experts can help you decide if a heat pump matches 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 request a free installation estimate.