Replacing a Furnace With a Heat Pump
When heating a home, homeowners can choose a furnace or a heat pump.
When heating a home, homeowners can choose a furnace or a heat pump. Both of these types of equipment effectively heat living spaces, but they utilize different methods. Furnaces operate by burning natural gas, while heat pumps rely on electricity. Understanding the differences helps determine the better choice.
What Are the Benefits of a Furnace?
Furnaces often cost less than heat pumps. The price of a furnace typically depends on its size and features. It provides warmth without requiring extensive maintenance due to fewer moving parts than heat pumps. With fewer components, the likelihood of potential problems is lower, reducing the expenses on heating and cooling services. However, a furnace can dry indoor air, leading to skin issues and health problems. Many modern furnaces are energy-efficient, but dryness can still be an issue. Additionally, a separate unit for air conditioning will be necessary.
When Is a Furnace Ideal?
The choice of HVAC equipment should always consider the climate. Heating service providers often recommend furnaces for regions with extremely cold winters. A furnace might be the ideal option in locations where temperatures fall below freezing. Furnaces do not need outdoor air to generate heat and can produce warmer air for structures in cold climates.
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump utilizes electricity to move heat from outside air into living spaces, functioning similarly to a reverse air conditioning unit. This dual-function system acts as an air conditioner in cooling mode and as a heater in heating mode, providing year-round climate control.
What Are the Advantages of a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps are favored for their energy efficiency. They constantly move air from one area to another based on the season. During winter, they extract heat from the ground or outdoor air and circulate it indoors. Heat pumps remove heat from indoor air during warmer months, cooling the spaces. Heat pumps can lead to energy savings, especially in winter, and do not emit carbon monoxide, eliminating concerns about CO leaks. They are easy to install, run quietly, and produce humid air, avoiding the dryness associated with furnaces.
Is a Heat Pump Suitable for Your Home?
Location is a major factor in determining the suitability of a heat pump. It is an excellent investment for areas with milder winters, such as southeastern climates. A heat pump is ideal for replacing an old air conditioner as it functions as an AC and a heater. However, heat pumps might not be as efficient in climates with harsh winters because they use outdoor air. In such environments, temperatures often fall below freezing, making furnaces a more practical choice. While heat pumps have systems to produce warm air by moving air over heating coils, these systems require significant energy to operate.
Should a Furnace Be Replaced With a Heat Pump?
Depending on a home's location, significant savings can be attained by replacing an old furnace with a heat pump. Oil and gas prices fluctuate frequently; even at their lowest, heating a home with fuel is generally more expensive than electricity. Heat pumps utilize minimal electricity and refrigerant-filled coils to draw thermal energy from outdoor air and bring it inside, using considerably less energy than burning fuel and thus saving on utility costs. Heat pumps are also more environmentally conscious as they do not burn fuel. Natural gas and heating oil, derived from petroleum by-products, have a greater environmental impact and require storage in tanks that can leak, potentially contaminating soil and groundwater. Regular tune-ups and maintenance for furnaces are essential, as neglected equipment can produce toxic fumes, posing health risks.
Forecast Heating, Cooling, and Refrigeration serves residential and commercial customers in Summerlin, Anthem, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Las Vegas. Call us at 702-919-4546.
