What Should I Install: A Heat Pump or a Furnace?
Are you considering purchasing a new heating system, but you are still determining whether to install a heat pump or a furnace?
An expert technician from reputed HVAC companies Tampa will help you decide. A gas or electric furnace lasts an average of 15 years but consider heat pumps as an alternative. A furnace can be an affordable way to heat your home, but there may be better choices for some.
Let us explore the differences between furnaces and heat pumps so you can decide which is suitable for your home.
How does the furnace work?
Furnaces use fuel or natural gas to generate electricity in the home. The pilot light or electronic ignition creates heat that blows through the house. The primary units of the furnace are a burner to burn the fuel, heat exchangers to transfer heat, and a blower fan to distribute the heat throughout the home.
How does a heat pump work?
A heat pump uses electricity as the general source to transfer heat from cool to warm spaces. During winter, it captures outdoor heat and keeps your home warm. It moves the heat from your house during summer to keep it cool. It is a reliable HVAC system to provide a comfortable temperature inside your house for all seasons.
Heat pump vs. furnace - which is better?
Here are some factors that will help you decide which one is better for your home:
Cost
The first question that comes to your mind while comparing a heat pump and a furnace is the cost. First, it depends on the equipment that your house needs. The primary sources are already present if there is direct access to natural gas. Heating repair experts in Tampa finds homeowners with natural gas connection find furnaces affordable. Heat pumps are best options in homes without natural gas accessibility as the installation cost of furnaces increases.
Maintenance
Both heat pumps and furnace requires recurring maintenance. However, furnaces need service and repair less than heat pumps. Eventually, the long-term maintenance cost is higher for heat pumps making the furnaces affordable.
Performance
Furnaces generate heat, and heat pumps relocate it from outside. Heat pumps work optimally in moderate temperatures.
Heat pumps are still reliable in the cold. However, the more complex the weather gets, difficult it becomes for the heat pumps to transfer heat. On the other hand, a furnace continues to generate heat from natural gas in the cold.
Energy usage
Heat pumps are famous for their energy efficiency. As furnaces generate heat from the fuel, it needs more energy to keep your house warm. It works harder than furnaces in cold climates to keep the house warm. Heating repair Tampa recommend choosing furnaces if you live in freezing temperatures to save energy.
Expected lifespan
A gas furnace with proper maintenance has a lifespan of 20 years and more. Besides furnaces, heat pumps have a lifespan of about 15 years. Eventually, the furnace lasts longer than heat pumps in cold climates.
Bottom line
While both furnaces and heat pumps have advantages, the right choices depend on your home and accessibility.
If you need help deciding which HVAC system is best for your home, contact ACME Electrical Services, one of the best HVAC companies in Tampa. Our experts with 30 years of experience will help you find the perfect HVAC system. Call (813) 878-2263 for more information today,.