Heat Pump or Furnace: It’s Time to Decide!
You’ve been forgoing a heating replacement for years now, and it’s finally too much to handle. If you’re in the market for a new heating system, we absolutely understand how overwhelming it can be. If you’re not well-acquainted with the HVAC industry, it’s hard to tell what the difference is between a heat pump or a furnace. What matters to you, is that you get proper heating for your home when you need it.
That’s where we, your local Durham HVAC contractor, come in! We’ve got years of experience in both types of equipment, as well as models that we offer ourselves, to give you the right information and accurate advice on fitting your home properly. Since we service both furnaces and heat pumps, we’re not biased one way or the other. We recognize that each home requires a different heating solution.
So, it’s time to weigh the necessary factors and see if a heat pump or furnace is right for you!
Power and Efficiency
When comparing these two systems to each other, there are two important topics to approach—power and efficiency. The power of the system is just how well it works, since having a cold home in the winter is non-negotiable. The efficiency of a system is how cheaply it runs while also being effective. A heater could keep your home nice and cozy all winter long, but if it costs more than your mortgage to operate, it’s definitely not worth it.
Furnaces are more powerful and efficient than heat pumps in colder climates. Since heat pumps rely on drawing heat from outside and moving it inside, the colder it is outside, the harder your heat pump is going to have to work in order to heat your home. A gas furnace can burn fuel and produce heat cheaply on the coldest days. That being said, in mild climates with mild winters, heat pumps can be just as effective and more efficient than furnaces, especially if natural gas isn’t available in your area. Check with a professional to see what options you apply for and what the most effective and efficient solution is for your home.
Installation Cost
Heat pumps cost more to install than furnaces initially, that’s just a fact. However, since heat pumps rely on heat transfer rather than creating heat, they tend to cost less money to operate over time. The high-efficiency ability of a heat pump can begin to outweigh the cheap initial cost of a furnace in many climates.
Heating and Cooling
If you’re in the market for a heater and an air conditioner, a heat pump might be perfect for you. Heat pumps move heat from one location to the other using refrigerant, which means that they can function in reverse and provide air conditioning during the summer. A furnace only produces heat, unfortunately. This means you’ll get the most bang for your buck with a heat pump if you’re looking to save on air conditioning costs as well!
Ultimately, the choice is yours. But remember, getting a second opinion from a professional technician is always a good idea.
Contact our professionals at Raleigh Heating & Air if you’re ready to take the next step for your heating solution!