Need a New Heating System? Consider a Heat Pump

If you’d like 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 the best choice for you? Explore several convincing reasons to choose a heat pump, how this equipment differs from a traditional furnace and whether a heat pump is the ideal choice for your home comfort needs.

How Is a Heat Pump Different from a Furnace?

The core design 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 core difference affects the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.

Modern condensing furnaces feature high AFUE ratings, which is understandably appealing. But an AFUE rating only measures the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it doesn’t account for the full energy footprint involved in the process of extracting, refining and transporting said fuel.

By comparison, a heat pump’s efficiency is measured by its heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). While it’s difficult to compare these numbers at first glance, be aware that heat pumps typically outperform 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 number one priority when deciding on a new home appliance. Furnaces can be quite effective, 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 during the process. In other words, heat pumps can be three times as efficient under ideal operating conditions. This budget-friendly performance leads to lower 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 natural gas or heating oil, the production and distribution of which has a detrimental effect on the planet. A heat pump operates without burning fuel, shrinking your home’s environmental impact, especially if you also have solar panels to produce green electricity from the sun.

3. Heating and Cooling Dual Functionality

One of the most striking features of a heat pump is its versatility. It’s an effective heating system in the winter and doubles as your air conditioner in the summer. Thanks to a simple built-in switch, the heat pump switches its operation and extracts warm air from your home, similar to a standard AC unit. This two-in-one solution is highly desireable 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 quick and straightforward. The air handler goes 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 declines 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 consistently effective in colder climates, so be on the lookout for models designed to work in such settings.

It’s also worth noting that the up-front cost of investing in a high-quality heat pump is frequently higher than a traditional furnace. However, it means you don’t have to buy an air conditioner. If both systems are starting to show their age, 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 increases your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily favor 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 counteract this by adding 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 the right choice 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.