Need a New Heating System? Consider a Heat Pump
If it’s time to replace your old furnace, don’t move forward thinking a new furnace is your only choice. This may be the preferred choice for most North American households, but heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular. Still, the question remains: Is a heat pump your ideal heating system? Explore several compelling reasons to choose a heat pump, how it differs from a traditional furnace and whether a heat pump is the most efficient choice for your home comfort needs.
How Are Heat Pumps Different Than Furnaces?
The core design between a heat pump and a traditional furnace is essentially different. Furnaces burn combustible materials like natural gas, oil or propane to generate heat. On the other hand, heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant to move heat. This core difference affects the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.
Modern condensing furnaces have high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings, which is undoubtedly appealing. But this only relates to the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it can’t account for the whole energy footprint involved in the process of 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, 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 considering a heat pump for their year-round heating and cooling needs.
1. Lower Energy Bills
The operating cost is the number one priority when contemplating a new home appliance. Furnaces are very efficient, but they max out at about 98% efficiency. On the other hand, heat pumps are capable of generating three times more heat energy than the electrical energy consumed in the process. In other words, heat pumps can be three times as efficient under ideal 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 harms the planet. A heat pump operates without burning fuel, reducing your home’s environmental impact, particularly if you also have solar panels to generate green electricity from the sun.
3. Heating and Cooling Dual Functionality
One of the most innovative features of a heat pump is its flexibility. 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 switches its operation and pulls out 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 more peaceful 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 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 suit every situation. Heating efficiency drops in severe cold, making heat pumps less suitable in regions with colder winters. That being said, advancements in cold-climate technology are making heat pumps more efficient overall in colder climates, so stay alert for models designed to continue working in these kinds of climates.
It’s also worth noting that the up-front cost of investing in a high-quality heat pump is often higher than a forced-air furnace. However, it means you don’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, putting it in contributes to your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily lean toward choosing 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 diminish 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, light bulbs, electronics and more.
Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
Still not sure if a heat pump is the right choice 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.
Save Money on Your Home Comfort System
View our Rebate Center to see which home comfort system rebates are currently active in your area.