Heat pumps vs Gas Furnace/Furnace: Which one is better for you?

How do you keep your house warm? Homeowners frequently have to decide between heat pumps and furnaces when it comes to heating solutions or repairs for their homes. The age of your home, where you reside, and the climate you encounter will all influence the ideal sort of heater for your house.

Heat pumps are gaining popularity because they are more cost-effective to install and more energy-efficient than natural gas, which is still the primary heating source for most of the country. Furnaces, on the other hand, are more dependable and will not break down in below-freezing conditions for those who live in areas with harsh winters.

Which alternative is ideal for your house? In this article, we shall contrast the advantages and disadvantages of heat pumps and furnaces.

Table of Contents

• Heat Pumps
• Furnaces
• Getting Advice on a Heat Pump vs. Furnace

Heat Pumps

Generally speaking, a heat pump transfers heat from one location to another, warming or cooling your home in accordance with your demands. As reverse air conditioners, heat pumps draw warm air from the outside into the house to heat it and can also cool it during the warmer months. They are more energy-efficient than gas-powered heating systems and use electricity as well.

Using a heat pump has advantages and disadvantages. Your home’s infrastructure, temperature, and where you reside all play a role in this. Although the bulk of the country still employs gas-powered heating systems, heat pumps are becoming more and more common across the United States.

Pros of Heat Pumps

• Electricity is utilized. As a result, gas leaks and other incidents like explosions are not a concern for residents.

• They utilize energy more effectively. Heat pumps really generate more warm air than they use in terms of electricity. The Department of Energy estimates that heat pumps use around 50% less energy than furnaces or natural gas systems and can lower your utility and energy costs.

• They generate both warm and chilly air. In spite of their name, heat pumps are able to warm or cool your home by pulling warm or cool air from the outside, depending on the weather and your needs. As a result, homeowners only need one package to heat and cool their houses.

• Warmth will fill the entire house. How many times have you overheard a buddy talking about that one wintertime room that is always freezing? This problem is solved by placing ductless heat pumps in each room.

• They’re more subdued. Have you ever tried to go asleep in a home that had a noisy furnace or air conditioner running? Since they are powered by electricity, heat pumps are significantly quieter than furnaces. They can be jogging and you won’t even know it!

• Installing them is less expensive. A gas, electric, or oil furnace is estimated to cost $5,000 to install, according to EnergySage. A ductless heat pump, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000. Be aware that a heat pump that utilizes the home’s central air costs up to $20,000, making it far more expensive than both alternatives.

Cons of Heat Pumps

• They employ electric power. Yes, we also included this as a benefit. However, if you reside in an area that frequently experiences power outages due to hurricanes or winter storms, it might also be a drawback. Undoubtedly, you should have a generator on hand as a backup.

• They do not balance carbon emissions. Since heat pumps use electricity to operate, they do emit carbon dioxide if you’re searching for fully environmentally friendly devices. Heat pump and solar panels together.

• It is less effective in places with frigid temperatures. If you live in a climate that regularly drops below freezing or even 0 degrees Fahrenheit, heat pumps will have to go into “emergency mode” to keep working, or homeowners may have to turn to a furnace to take over. This may be why homeowners in the Northeast and Midwest are still very reliant on natural gas heating systems.

Furnaces

A furnace uses the HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) in order to heat or cool the home, based on feedback it receives from the thermostat.

Types of Furnaces

There are four different types of furnaces: electric, oil, natural gas and propane.

• Electric furnaces circulate the air throughout the house using electrical currents. They are less expensive and simpler to install because they are smaller. They continue longer, too. However, they are less energy-efficient and can result in higher monthly expenditures due to the price of electricity.

• The air is heated by a flame in oil furnaces instead.

• The most common furnaces in the US are those powered by natural gas. They create hot hair by heating gas jets that are circulated by a fan. They are also the most energy-efficient and least expensive to operate.

• Finally, even though they are less common, propane furnaces are useful in places where it is difficult to acquire gas and oil.

Pros of Furnaces

• Reliable heating. A furnace will be able to generate heat no matter the outside conditions, even on the coldest days. Furnaces powered by oil, natural gas, or propane will also function without power. An electric furnace must be connected to a generator in order to function, just like a heat pump.
• Less maintenance. Furnaces are less prone to wear and tear than heat pumps because they are only used to heat the home occasionally. This is undoubtedly adequate for people who reside in places where air conditioning is not frequently or even occasionally required.
• They take up less space. Heat pumps require both interior and outdoor components to function because of their nature. A furnace, on the other hand, simply needs to be assembled within the house. Furnaces must have a 30-inch clearance, so inside, it will still take up a sizable amount of room.
• Long lasting. They will last longer than a heat pump that operates continuously because they are less likely to sustain damage. They also require less maintenance because they have fewer parts. A 30-year electric furnace lifespan is possible!

Cons of Furnaces

1. More expensive to install. Furnaces will cost more to install than heat pumps unless you are comparing them side by side with central air. Electric furnaces are the most affordable option, whereas oil furnaces are the most expensive because natural gas rates are more reasonable.
2. Less energy efficiency. The Energy Efficiency Council estimates that a furnace is anywhere between 50 and 95% efficient, whereas a heat pump can be up to 600% efficient—producing more heat than it consumes in power.
3. Dangers of gas. Like any other gas appliance, there is a possibility of explosions and carbon monoxide leaks in addition to lowered air quality. Make sure your appliances are always installed correctly and aren’t leaking. For yearly checks and to be sure your furnace is operating properly, contact a professional.

Advice on a Heat Pump vs. Furnace

Not sure whether a heat pump vs. furnace is right for you, or which type of either system? Contact a Heating Repair Contractor in Dayton NJ to discuss your options and find the right system for you and your home. We recommend comparing three to four HVAC contractors in Dayton NJ before making a decision. Ask each for an installation quote as well as advice on which system works best for you.