Heat pumps vs furnaces which is better? Heat pumps and furnaces essentially do the same thing- they heat indoor air. However, they have many differences regarding efficiency, heat, cost, and much more. Look at the pros and cons of heat pumps and furnaces.
Gas or Electric?
Which is better for heating your home? A heat pump is powered by electricity, whereas a furnace is powered by gas. Heat pumps don’t usually produce the same heat as furnaces, so they can be better for warmer climates.
Mitsubishi heat pumps also work as air conditioners, so they can be useful year-round in warm climates. If you have a furnace and need air conditioning, you may need to opt for a dual system.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of heat pumps vs furnaces often depends on the type of climate you’re in. For instance, a heat pump won’t work as hard in a warmer climate as in a colder one. Therefore, a heat pump will often be more energy efficient in a warm climate, and a furnace will be more energy efficient in a colder climate.
However, it’s important to consider the cost of electricity instead of gas or oil. Natural gas is less expensive than electricity, so operating a furnace may be more cost-effective over several years.
Safety
You must have a qualified and professional technician install any heating system you choose. Furnaces come with safety features that include automatic shut-off valves.
Electric heat pumps also have shut-off features and refrigerant leak detectors to protect your home from leaks. It is very rare for furnaces or heat pumps to become a danger in the home when maintained and managed properly.
Cost
Both heat pumps and furnaces can be an investment in your property, but it’s important to look at the overall costs before you make a decision. Gas is cheaper than electricity, and gas furnaces are often cheaper. However, you may find that installation costs increase the overall price significantly, and furnaces cost more to run over time.
You may pay more for an electric heat pump than a furnace, but the installation costs aren’t usually as high. Electric can be cheaper in warmer climates, making the overall cost lower in the long run.
Space
Do you have enough space for a furnace? A furnace can require a significant amount of space indoors, typically needing 30 inches on all sides. A heat pump can be installed outdoors and usually
only needs 24 inches on all sides.
However, heat pumps also require an indoor air handler unit, often referred to as a fan coil. It’s important to consider how much space you have and where your heating system could be safely installed. It’s often best to get advice from a professional so you’re fully informed before making your choice.
Maintenance
Any heating system will last longer if it’s regularly maintained. Your furnace or heat pump must be serviced annually by a professional. If you find any faults in your heating system as time goes by, you’ll need to call a technician with plenty of experience to ensure the problem is fixed as soon as possible.
Both heat pumps and furnaces require a maintenance schedule that can be recommended upon purchase. These schedules may differ, but no system is harder to maintain.
Making Your Choice
It can be difficult to choose when both heating systems have excellent pros and very few cons. It all comes down to the best system for your climate and property. Talk to friends and family with furnaces or heat pumps to learn about their experiences.
The more you know about both heating systems, the easier to choose one that suits your needs. At Advanced HVAC Inc, we can give you all the advice you need on heat pumps vs furnaces. Our top-quality products can provide everything you need to heat your home.
If you’d like to talk to one of our team members today, we’d happily answer your questions. Contact us today to hear about our fantastic deals.
