If You’re in the Market for a New Furnace, Here’s Why You Should Be Looking at a Heat Pump

When you’re ready to replace your old furnace, don’t presume that another furnace is the only option. 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 consider a heat pump, how this equipment is distinct from a traditional furnace and whether a heat pump is the most efficient choice for your home comfort needs.

How Are Heat Pumps Different Than Furnaces?

The underlying technology between a heat pump and a traditional furnace is fundamentally 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 fundamental difference affects the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.

Modern condensing furnaces boast high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings, which is undoubtedly appealing. But this only measures the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it won’t account for the whole energy footprint involved in the extraction, refining and transportation of the 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 frequently outperform furnaces.

Top Reasons to Choose Heat Pump Installation

Here’s why more and more homeowners are exploring 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 contemplating a new home appliance. Furnaces are very efficient, but they max out at approximately 98% efficiency. On the other hand, heat pumps are capable of moving three times more heat energy than the electrical energy consumed during the process. In other words, heat pumps can be 300% efficient under ideal operating conditions. This budget-friendly performance leads to more manageable utility bills.

H3: 2. Eco-Friendly Heating

Your household’s environmental footprint could be much smaller 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 create green electricity from the sun.

3. Heating and Cooling Capabilities

One of the most striking features of a heat pump is its versatility. It’s an effective wintertime heater and doubles as your air conditioner for the summer. Thanks to a simple built-in switch, the heat pump changes its operation and extracts warm air from your home, just like a standard AC unit. This dual-purpose 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 burn fuel to generate heat. No combustion means less noise, resulting in a calmer living space.

5. Easy Transition

If your home has existing ductwork, transitioning to a heat pump is a fast, easy process. 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 declines in extreme cold, making heat pumps less effective in regions with harsh 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 mentioning that the up-front cost of buying a high-quality heat pump is often higher than a forced-air furnace. However, it also means you won’t have to purchase an air conditioner. If both systems are getting older, 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 lacks the necessary ductwork, installing it increases your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily prefer 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 start to fall off if you live in an area with higher than average electricity costs. You can offset this by putting up solar panels, which generate electricity from the sun to power your heat pump, light bulbs, electronics and more.

Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Still not sure if a heat pump is the right choice for you? Consult Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, and our Experts can help you decide if a heat pump suits 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.