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

If you’d like to replace your old furnace, don’t assume that a new furnace is your only choice. This may be the default choice for most North American households, but heat pumps are steadily growing in popularity. Still, the question remains: Is a heat pump the right fit for everyone? Explore several convincing reasons to choose a heat pump, how this equipment differs from a traditional furnace and whether a heat pump is the best choice for your home comfort needs.

How Does a Heat Pump Differ from a Furnace?

The underlying technology between a heat pump and a traditional furnace is fundamentally different. Furnaces burn combustible materials like natural gas, oil or propane to generate heat. On the other hand, heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant to move heat. This fundamental difference impacts the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.

Modern condensing furnaces feature high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings, which is undoubtedly appealing. But an AFUE rating only measures the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it doesn’t account for the full energy footprint involved in the extraction, refining and transportation of the fuel.

By comparison, a heat pump’s efficiency is measured by its HSPF. While it’s not easy to compare these numbers at first glance, know that heat pumps typically perform better than 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 deciding on 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 the heat energy than the electrical energy consumed in the process. In other words, heat pumps can be 300% efficient under ideal operating conditions. This budget-friendly performance leads to lower utility bills.

H3: 2. Eco-Friendly Heating

Your household’s environmental footprint could be more modest with a heat pump. While electric furnaces are available, traditional gas-fired furnaces run on combustible 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, particularly if you also have solar panels to produce environmentally friendly electricity from the sun.

3. Heating and Cooling Versatility

One of the most innovative features of a heat pump is its dual heating and cooling functionality. It’s an effective wintertime heater and doubles as your air conditioner for the summer. Thanks to a straightforward built-in switch, the heat pump reverses its operation and pulls out warm air from your home, similar to a standard AC unit. This two-in-one solution is highly desireable to many homeowners.

4. Quiet Operation

Heat pumps run more quietly than traditional furnaces because they don’t have to combust fuel to generate heat. No combustion means reduced noise, resulting in a more peaceful living space.

5. Easy Transition

If your home already has ductwork, transitioning to a heat pump is fast and easy. The air handler goes where your furnace is currently located, and the outdoor unit replaces your air conditioner. It’s as simple as that.

Are Heat Pumps Right for Everyone?

While heat pumps are innovative and energy efficient, they may not suit every situation. Heating efficiency drops in severe cold, making heat pumps less suitable in regions with colder winters. At the same time, advancements in cold-climate technology are making heat pumps more efficient overall in the far north, so be on the lookout for models designed to continue working in these kinds of climates.

It’s also worth noting that the up-front cost of investing in a high-quality heat pump is generally higher than a traditional furnace. However, it means you don’t have to purchase an air conditioner. If both systems are getting older, you may actually save money up front by swapping them with a heat pump. Plus, you’ll gain back any investment cost through lower energy bills over time.

If your home doesn’t already have the required ductwork, adding it adds to your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily favor opting for 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 exceptionally high electricity costs. You can offset this by adding solar panels, which generate electricity from the sun to power your heat pump, light bulbs, electronics and more.

Choose Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts

Still not sure if a heat pump is ideal for you? Consult Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, and our installers can help you figure out if a heat pump meets your heating and cooling needs. Then, whether you opt for a heat pump or a traditional furnace, we can set up your new system above and beyond your expectations. Contact us today to seek a free installation estimate.