So you’ve heard about heat pumps and you’re asking yourself , “Would I be better off with a heat pump than a furnace?” What’s the big difference? How do they work? Here is a quick explanation of heat pumps and how they differ from furnaces. From cost to effectiveness to set up and repairs, compare the information before making a decision.
A heat pump functions as both a furnace and an air conditioner. It can both heat and cool your house. It does this by removing heat that is found in the air (or ground, if it is a ground source heat pump) outside your house and moving it into your home. The major advantage is that it can do this much more affordably than a gas or oil furnace. So who wouldn’t install a heat pump for heating their house, you ask. It’s more effective and it’s one piece of equipment vs. two.
Delve a little further into the particulars and you’ll discover that a heat pump, while it does a great job, is only successful for heating your home when the temperature is above 40 degrees Farenheit. So the issue really becomes where you live and the seasonal temperature ranges there. If you only have a heat pump and the temperature drops below 40 degrees, your heat pump will fail to heat your home properly and you will need to have a back-up source of heat. You will most likely be better off installing a furnace to be comfortable during cold weather. But if you live in a warmer climate, installing a heat pump will save you money over a furnace due to the fact that energy bills are decreased with a heat pump.
That’s the most basic clarification as to the best alternative for heating your home. Besides the seasonal weather, here a few more details to consider when evaluating heat pumps and furnaces.
- Purchase price – heat pumps are usually more expensive than furnaces, however if you have to invest in an air conditioner as well as a furnace, the price may make more economic sense.
- Lifespan – because a furnace is only used throughout half of the year, and a heat pump works year round, the heat pump won’t last as long as the furnace.
- Maintenance – repair charges may be greater too since it functions more continuously.
- Heat Pump or Furnace Installation – contractors may charge more to install a heat pump vs. a furnace.