Need a New Heating System? Consider a Heat Pump

When you’re ready to replace your old furnace, don’t assume that a new furnace is your only choice. This may be the go-to choice for most North American homes, but heat pumps are steadily growing in popularity. Still, the question remains: Is a heat pump your ideal heating system? Explore several compelling reasons to try a heat pump, how it compares to a traditional furnace and whether a heat pump is the most efficient 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 essentially different. Furnaces burn fuel—including natural gas, oil or propane to generate heat. On the other hand, heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant to move heat. This core difference influences the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.

Modern condensing furnaces boast high AFUE ratings, which is undoubtedly appealing. But this only measures the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it doesn’t account for the entire energy footprint involved in the process of extracting, refining and transporting the fuel.

In comparison, a heat pump’s efficiency is measured by its heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). While it’s not easy to compare these numbers at first glance, be aware that heat pumps frequently 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 one of the first things homeowners worry about when deciding on a new home appliance. Furnaces can be highly efficient, but they max out at approximately 98% efficiency. On the other hand, heat pumps are capable of generating three times the heat energy than the electrical energy consumed in the process. In other words, heat pumps can be three times as efficient under ideal operating conditions. This cost-effective performance leads to reduced utility bills.

2. Eco-Friendly Heating

Your household’s environmental footprint could be more reduced with a heat pump. While electric furnaces are available, traditional gas-fired furnaces run on natural gas or oil, the production and distribution of which has a detrimental effect on the planet. A heat pump operates without burning fuel, reducing your home’s environmental impact, especially if you also have solar panels to create environmentally friendly electricity from the sun.

3. Heating and Cooling Capabilities

One of the most notable features of a heat pump is its dual heating and cooling functionality. It’s an effective wintertime heater and doubles as your air conditioner for the summer. Thanks to a straightforward built-in switch, the heat pump switches its operation and pulls out warm air from your home, just like a standard AC unit. This dual-purpose solution appeals to many homeowners.

4. Quiet Operation

Heat pumps operate less noisily than traditional furnaces because they don’t have to burn fuel to generate heat. No combustion means reduced noise, resulting in a quieter living space.

5. Easy Transition

If your home is already equipped with ductwork, transitioning to a heat pump is fast and easy. 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 remarkable, they may not be suitable for every situation. Heating efficiency drops in severe cold, making heat pumps less ideal in regions with colder winters. However, advancements in cold-climate technology are making heat pumps more viable in colder climates, so be on the lookout for models designed to work in such settings.

It’s also worth pointing out that the up-front cost of investing in a high-quality heat pump is often higher than a traditional furnace. However, it means you don’t have to buy 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 gain back any investment cost through lower energy bills over time.

If your home lacks the required ductwork, putting it in increases your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily lean toward choosing 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 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 right for you? Consult Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and our installers can help you decide if a heat pump meets 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 ask for a free installation estimate.