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 default choice for most North American households, but heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular. Still, the question remains: Is a heat pump the best choice for you? Explore several compelling reasons to consider 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 fundamentally 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 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 full energy footprint involved in the extraction, refining and transportation of said fuel.

By 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, understand 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 first thing that comes to mind 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 providing 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 the best operating conditions. This budget-friendly 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 combustible natural gas or heating oil, the production and distribution of which harms the planet. A heat pump operates without burning fuel, shrinking your home’s environmental impact, particularly if you also have solar panels to produce environmentally friendly 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 straightforward built-in switch, the heat pump changes its operation and extracts warm air from your home, similar to a standard AC unit. This two-in-one solution appeals to many homeowners.

4. Quiet Operation

Heat pumps operate with less noise than traditional furnaces since they don’t have to ignite fuel to generate heat. No combustion means less noise, resulting in a quieter 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 .

Are Heat Pumps Right for Everyone?

While heat pumps are innovative and energy efficient, they may not suit every situation. Heating efficiency declines in extreme cold, making heat pumps less effective in regions with harsh winters. However, advancements in cold-climate technology are making heat pumps more efficient overall in colder climates, so be on the lookout for models designed to continue working in these kinds of climates.

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

If your home is missing the necessary ductwork, installing it contributes to your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily lean toward selecting a furnace over a heat pump. In fact, ductless heat pumps are available for older homes and additions where ductwork isn’t present.

Lastly, a heat pump’s efficiency benefits start to fall off if you live in an area with exceptionally high 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

Still not sure if a heat pump is ideal for you? Consult Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and our installers 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 seek a free installation estimate.

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