A question many people ask themselves or you have probably asked yourself before is whether to purchase an electric heat pump or a furnace. The main difference between the two is that the former uses a special refrigerant to provide cooling during the summer and to provide heating during the winter whereas the latter blows warm heated air throughout your home.
If you live in an area with a relatively warm climate, buying a heat pump may be the more cost effective choice. However, if you live in a cold area, a furnace may be the better option. It all boils down to personal choice but the differences mentioned below should guide you in making the right choice.
Efficiency
Heat pumps have proven to be about 30 — 40 percent more energy efficient as compared to gas furnaces. This means that you can save plenty on your electricity costs. In fact, they can provide up to four times more energy than that consume because they move heat rather than generate it. However, this efficiency is severely reduced in areas where there are great temperature variations between summer and winter. This is especially the case where the winters are really cold. Increasing your heat pump’s efficiency means getting an appropriate size for your premises for it to run continuously and not cyclically as most do.
Cost
Several factors come into play when it comes to determining the price of an electric heat pump and a gas furnace. The cost of the units themselves is one major factor to consider. Depending on the area you live, a heat pump can provide year-round heating and cooling. If you opt for a gas furnace, you will need an air conditioner to cool your house during the warmer months. This can mean the difference between buying a single unit (the heat pump) or two units (the gas furnace and the AC). Differences in prices of gas (for a furnace) and electricity (for a heat pump) also matter.
Safety and convenience
Gas furnaces present higher risks as compared to heat pumps as they require continuous gas flow that is a huge combustion risk.
With the aforementioned differences, you should be in a better position to make the right choice. Call us for all your heating and furnace needs.