Whether your furnace is on its last legs or if you’d just like to upgrade to a more efficient home heating system, a heat pump system may be a worthwhile option to consider. The heat pump vs. furnace debate has been raging for some time. Some folks swear by heat pumps and believe they save huge amounts of money with them. Others insist that heat pumps aren’t worth all the trouble and that there are energy-efficient furnaces that work every bit as well. Don’t make your decision without weighing a few of the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Advantages of Heat Pumps
The biggest, most obvious advantage of a heat pump is that it uses a lot less energy to warm your home. As a result, your energy bills will be lower. Another major perk of a heat pump system is that it can also cool your home in the summer. Heat pumps work by pulling warm air inside during the winter and removing warm air from the home in the summer. In other words, they don’t actually generate heat. The process of generating heat requires a huge amount of energy, which is why gas furnaces tend to result in higher energy bills. Keep this in mind when considering heat pumps vs. furnaces.
Disadvantages of Heat Pumps
As far as disadvantages go, the biggest one concerning heat pumps is that they are only practical for areas that have relatively mild winters. After all, they need to be able to pull warm air from the inside and bring it inside. They only work when temperatures are above freezing. Luckily, Columbus GA has mild winters most years. Another drawback is that the cost of installing a heat pump may not be worth it if your furnace still works.
Advantages of Furnaces
The main advantage of a furnace is that it can quickly heat your home. It can also be used in any kind of climate, so it’s great for people who live in areas that experience extreme temperatures. Although furnaces can’t cool your home too, they are usually compatible with air conditioning systems. Furnaces have come a really long way in terms of efficiency too, and it’s now possible to buy energy-efficient models that should run circles around your old furnace and result in more affordable energy bills. This factor isn’t too prominent in the heat pump vs. furnace debate, though, because heat pumps are still more efficient.
Disadvantages of Furnaces
Without a doubt, the cost of running a furnace is the top drawback of owning one. Even energy-efficient models cost more to operate than heat pumps. Another issue is that furnaces require regular maintenance. Sure, they only need to be worked on every year or two, but it’s crucial to have the work done. The filter needs to be replaced once a month in the winter too. You don’t have to worry about these things with a heat pump.
Whether you know what you want or need additional guidance, Indoor Solutions can help. Give us a call today.
