Need a New Heating System? Consider a Heat Pump

When you’re ready to replace your old furnace, don’t move forward thinking a new furnace is your only choice. This may be the go-to choice for most North American homeowners, but heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular. Still, the question remains: Is a heat pump your ideal heating system? Explore several compelling 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 underlying technology between a heat pump and a traditional furnace is inherently different. Furnaces burn fuel—including natural gas, oil or propane to generate heat. On the other hand, heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant to move heat. This fundamental difference affects the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.

Modern condensing furnaces have high AFUE ratings, which is certainly appealing. But this only measures the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it can’t account for the full energy footprint involved in the extraction, refining and transportation of 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 offer stronger performance 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 one of the first things homeowners worry about when contemplating a new home appliance. Furnaces can be highly efficient, but they max out at approximately 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 cost-effective performance leads to reduced 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, limiting your home’s environmental impact, particularly if you also have solar panels to produce cleaner electricity from the sun.

3. Heating and Cooling Dual Functionality

One of the most notable features of a heat pump is its versatility. It’s an effective heating system in the winter and doubles as your air conditioner during the summer. Thanks to a simple built-in switch, the heat pump changes 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 because they don’t have to combust 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 quick and straightforward. 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 remarkable, they may not fit every situation. Heating efficiency is much more limited in extreme cold, making heat pumps less effective in regions with colder winters. At the same time, advancements in cold-climate technology are making heat pumps more efficient overall in the far north, so keep your eye out for models designed to continue working in these kinds of climates.

It’s also worth noting that the initial cost of buying a high-quality heat pump is frequently higher than a traditional furnace. However, it also means you won’t have to buy an air conditioner. If both systems are noticeably less efficient, you may actually save money up front by replacing them with a heat pump. Plus, you’ll recover any investment cost through lower energy bills over time.

If your home is missing the required ductwork, adding it adds 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.

Finally, a heat pump’s efficiency benefits decrease if you live in an area with exceptionally high electricity costs. You can counteract this by putting up 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 ideal for you? Consult Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and our Experts can help you decide if a heat pump meets 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 seek a free installation estimate.