What is the Difference Between a Furnace and Heat Pump?
A home that keeps you safe and warm from the frigid weather is an absolute must during the cold winter season. To ensure that you receive the best for your home, you must also invest in the best kind of heating unit. There are generally two popular options available, namely, the furnace and the heat pump. You might think that it is not very easy to choose between them at first. To ensure you make the best possible choice, check the various capabilities, features, advantages, and disadvantages of furnace vs. heat pump systems.
The Advantages and Disadvantages Of A Furnace Vs. A Heat Pump
Contents
Take advantage of the discussion below to know the pros and cons of a heat pump and a furnace. This way, you can choose which one of the two will best suit your home.
Heat Pump Definition
A heat pump is an HVAC system that extracts heat from outside and transfers the heat inside. It consists of four major parts, including a compressor, evaporator, expansion valve, and condenser. This type of heating equipment circulates the refrigerant through an evaporation and condensation cycle. The result of this cycle is that the heat is eventually distributed and released throughout your home.
A heat pump can also be used to cool your home during the hot summer months. It works much like how its heating function does, but the cycle is in reverse. This means that it takes the heat from inside your space and releases it outside. This capability makes the heat pump a highly versatile HVAC system.
Furnace Definition
Otherwise called the ducted forced warm-air distribution unit, a furnace utilizes oil or gas to generate heat. It uses the ductwork to ensure that heated air is delivered in the various zones in your home. Warm air is released via registers or grilles installed on the wall or ceiling.
The furnace has a pilot light that heats the heat exchanger. The blower forces air through the heat exchanger. Heat is then transferred to the air. Any harmful combustion by-products from this process are then disposed of through the flue pipe.
Heat Pump: Advantages & Disadvantages
One of the best perks about installing a heat pump system is that it has both a heating and cooling function. This means that you have one system suitable for year-round weather. A heat pump is also easier to maintain than its other combustion-based HVAC counterparts. It is a reliable heating and cooling equipment, assuming it is properly maintained. After all, heat pumps still need to be tuned-up at least once a year. Heat pumps are also highly-efficient units that the amount of carbon emissions they release is significantly reduced. It is also built tough as it has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Unfortunately, heat pumps also come with a hefty price tag. There is also the added cost of having a heating professional install the unit for you as it is a complicated unit to install compared to a furnace. Heat pumps also use electricity, so you may need to have special planning permissions. Heat pumps cannot handle frigid weather well and might end up getting damaged. If your area is prone to freezing weather, then it is recommended that you install backup heating equipment. Otherwise, you might end up having cold spots or other heating issues during days with extreme temperature drops.
Furnace: Advantages & Disadvantages
A furnace is an affordable and easy to install heating option. It generally utilizes gas or heating oil. Furnaces can also heat your home fairly quickly. This means you’ll be warm and comfortable faster. It also means that you can save energy in the long run. You also do not have to worry about cold spots as furnaces produce even and constant heat, ensuring a warm and safe home even in the coldest days of winter.
The biggest disadvantage of a furnace over a heat pump is that it cannot cool your home. It can only emit heated air. Therefore, you will need to install an air conditioner in your home that you can use during the hot summer months.
Some of the other cons of a furnace unit are that your health and well-being are slightly more at risk. This is because a malfunctioning furnace can lead to severe issues, such as carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. If you have an electric furnace, it can also put a strain on your wallet as this system uses a lot of power. Furnaces also use a blower fan, which can be noisy. Not to mention, the fan can also circulate dust, dirt, and other debris throughout your home if the air filter isn’t cleaned or replaced regularly.
Conclusion
Knowing the pros and cons between a heat pump and a furnace can assist you in finding the right system to fit your needs. You should also factor in things such as your budget and the design and structure of your house. Call your local HVAC installation technician to further assist you regarding the best heating option for your home.
Call Lawes Company For Your Home Heating & Cooling Requirements
When you are searching for high-quality heating and cooling services, do not hesitate to contact Lawes Company. We have NATE-certified contractors who offer excellent HVAC repairs, installations, replacements, and maintenance in the area. We guarantee that we have years of knowledge and experience to provide HVAC services in a timely and correct manner.
Lawes Company has the most competitive HVAC service costs in the area. If you need an HVAC installation system, we can recommend the best one for your home that will fit your lifestyle and needs while staying within your budget. As always, we ensure that you get the most out of your system, and this includes comfort, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and more. Schedule a free, in-home estimate with our Lawes Company representative today.
Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!