Unless you’ve been living under a rock your entire life, you’ll know all too well how necessary heating systems are for homes in Ottawa. There are multiple ways to heat your home, with each method accompanied by a long list of pros and cons. It might be overwhelming trying to determine the best heating system for your home – so, for this guide, we’ll be focusing our efforts on heat pumps vs furnaces.
We’ve compiled a list of the most important factors to consider when choosing between a furnace and a heat pump. By the end of this guide, you’ll likely have your pick for the right heating system for you – you’ll also be surprised at how much you didn’t know about heating systems
Cost
Did you know that the largest contributor to energy bills is heating? Heating consumes a surprising amount of energy and accounts for nearly 50% of a home’s energy bill. For comparison, lighting and cooking combined only comprise 10% of a home’s energy use.
Your decision in regards to heat pumps vs furnaces should be made based on the cost and availability of resources in your home and area. A furnace is likely your best bet if your area has low energy costs for natural gas and similar natural resources. Conversely, you should opt for a heat pump if the cost of electricity is low in your area.
Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a hot topic these days amongst friends and in the media. People actively search for the most energy-efficient system and it’s a large factor in determining which system to purchase – and for good reason. Energy-efficient systems not only help save the environment but your wallet too! Keep this in mind when making your choice.
Heat pumps use significantly less energy than furnaces despite their electric nature. Heat pumps typically generate 300% more energy than it consumes if the circumstances are right. For comparison, the highest-efficiency gas furnaces clock in far below heat pumps by being only 95% efficient
Are you interested in learning more about the energy efficiency of your current heating system? Contact an expert HVAC services provider, such as Advanced HVAC, to inspect your HVAC system for flaws or advice on system upgrades.
Environmental Circumstances
One critically important factor to consider when making your choice is the temperature in your area. The choice between heat pumps vs furnaces is radically different for somebody in Vancouver than it is for somebody in Ottawa because of the temperature difference.
Heat pumps, as the name suggests, pump air from outside into the home while warming it in the process. It’s difficult for heat pumps to keep up during harsh winters when temperatures are below freezing as there is a large gap between the outdoor temperature and the standard for indoor temperature. The large gap in temperature forces the heat pump to work harder, and thus, use more energy to achieve its goal.
People in harsh winter climates tend to prefer furnaces because it uses less energy and operates outside of environmental circumstances. While furnaces do not have the ability to cool homes, as heat pumps do, they remain a reliable option that will keep energy usage, costs, and heat levels consistent.
Superior HVAC services in Ottawa
So – heat pumps vs furnaces – what’s your pick? Ultimately, the largest factors in choosing the right system for you are the location of your home and the climate of that location, rather than the operational qualities of the heating system itself.
Contact Advanced HVAC for all your HVAC service needs in Ottawa! We have decades of combined experience installing heating systems and we’d love to help you prepare your home for the upcoming winter season.
