Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces

Are you in the market for a new heating setup and can’t decide between heat pumps vs. furnaces? Each design has its own strengths and drawbacks, but which is right for you?

As long-serving HVAC specialists, we at Barber Heating & Air have helped many people find their ideal climate control system. Keep reading if you’d like a clearer idea of what could work best for your unique setup.

What’s a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are incredibly versatile systems. These machines can heat your property’s interior in winter and then cool it during summer. 

How does it do both? A heat pump transfers heat instead of generating it. 

To do so, it pulls heat from the outside air (or ground) and brings it inside during the cold months. When the weather warms up, it does the same in reverse to cool you down. Transfer is a much more energy-efficient process than the way traditional heating systems generate heat from a fuel source.

What’s a Furnace?

You’re probably more familiar with how furnaces work. These appliances generate warmth by burning fuel like natural gas, propane, or oil. Many modern designs consume electricity because skipping combustion lowers the risk of fire or carbon monoxide exposure.

Whichever model you have, you’ll see a pilot light or an electronic ignition to ignite the burners. The metal exchanger heats up, which warms the air. Fans then push this treated air through ductwork.

Furnace vs. Heat Pump: Learn the Heating System Differences

Make the most out of your investment by weighing the pros and cons of heat pumps vs. furnaces as follows:

Efficiency

A heat pump benefits from its energy-transfer process. Generally, pumps are about three times more efficient than furnaces, so you can expect lower usage costs. Government rebates and incentives help lower the cost of installing one, too.

Furnace efficiency is slightly lower, but you could still save money if you have a gas-powered unit and your area has low fuel prices.

Performance

How can a heat pump absorb enough warmth in chilly winters? Look for a cold-climate model with: 

• Higher compressor capacity
• Efficient compression cycle
• Lower ambient airflow rates

Furnaces have no problem keeping your space warm in freezing temperatures and reaching that desired temperature fairly quickly.

Lifespan

Typically, your furnace will last longer – around a 15 to 20-year lifespan. Heat pumps should serve you well for 10 to 15 years with proper care.

You might attribute the shorter lifespan to the fact that heat pumps work year-round. Furnaces rest in the summer months.

Maintenance

Heat pumps need more frequent upkeep since they provide both heating and cooling. They also have more complex components that work harder year-round.

Furnaces need less attention – an annual tune-up is usually enough.

Do You Need Help Choosing a Heating System?

The intricacies of heat pumps vs. furnaces can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to decide which setup is better for your wallet and meets all your needs. Let’s help you make a simple furnace and heat pump comparison over some specific models you like – call Barber Heating & Air at (336) 226-6959.