Homeowners in areas where heating is necessary during winter months frequently face the challenge of high energy bills because they need to rely on their furnaces. While replacing the furnace is possible for improved efficiency, it typically comes at a high cost, and most are unwilling to bear that cost unless necessary for specific reasons.
It led many residents to opt for heat pump replacements instead, as they provide savings without sacrificing comfort levels significantly.
However, before investing in a new HVAC system, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the system thoroughly. It will help you to make a well-informed decision that best suits your needs.
So, without wasting much time, let’s check whether you should replace your furnace with a heat pump.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a HVAC system that moves heat from one place to another. It operates differently from conventional furnaces that generate heat by burning fuel. Instead, heat pumps extract heat from the air or ground and transfer it indoors.
It makes them more energy-efficient because they require less electricity than traditional furnaces.
How is a Heat Pump Different from a Furnace?
There are a few key differences between a heat pump and a Furnace; these include:
- Heat pumps are more efficient than furnaces.
- Heat pumps also tend to be quieter than the furnace.
- They don’t produce harmful emissions like carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide like a furnace.
- They do not require venting outside the home.
- Heat pumps can be more expensive to install than furnaces.
Here’s the infographic with an overview of Furnace vs Heat Pump:
Pros of Replacing Your Furnace with a Heat Pump
There are many advantages of replacing your old furnace with a heat pump, and these include:
- Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are more energy efficient than traditional furnaces, which helps you save money on energy bills.
- Dual-Use: Heat pumps can be used for heating and cooling purposes, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems.
- Quiet Operation: These pumps run more quietly than traditional furnaces, which makes your home environment more comfortable.
- Environmentally Friendly: Unlike furnaces, heat pumps produce fewer emissions.
- Consistent Temperature: Heat pumps provide more consistent heating and cooling throughout your home than furnaces, leading to greater comfort.
Cons of Replacing Your Furnace with a Heat Pump
- Installation is expensive: Heat pumps may have a pricier installation process than furnace installation. Although, you can recover this initial cost through long-term energy savings.
- Not so effective in extreme cold: The effectiveness of heat pumps may be compromised in freezing temperatures, leading to concerns in certain climates. Those requiring work under such conditions may not find them suitable.
- Require greater maintenance: Heat pumps may demand more maintenance than furnaces. Outdoor components of heat pumps can become dirtied or covered with ice/snow.
- They have a shorter lifespan: Compared to furnaces, heat pumps may have a shorter lifespan. With proper maintenance, furnaces can last up to twenty years, while the expected lifespan of heat pumps is fifteen years.
- Impact of home layout and climate: Your climate and home layout can affect the effectiveness of heat pumps for heating your home.
When Should You Replace Your Furnace with a Heat Pump?
To determine whether or not switching from a furnace to a heat pump is the right decision, you should look at some of the reasons stated below.
- If your current furnace is old and inefficient.
- You want to reduce your energy bill significantly.
- You want to migrate to a more environmentally friendly heating system.
- If you have already planned on buying a new heating and cooling system.
Can a Heat Pump be Used with a Furnace?
You can achieve maximum efficiency in terms of heating systems by using a furnace and heat pump combined with the dual fuel heating methodology.
You can use a heat pump, assuming there is not much freezing weather when using dual-fuel heaters, primarily around winter. If there is a significant drop in temperature, you can switch to a furnace.
Dual-fuel heating, which uses electricity and gas, can be a much better option for efficiently warming up your house than solely depending on the typical heater.
Is a Furnace Necessary with a Heat Pump?
It isn’t necessary to have a furnace when you have a heat pump since it provides both heating and cooling services. Using the dual-fuel heating process allows for the simultaneous use of both a furnace and a heat pump. By employing an electric heat pump and a natural gas or propane-powered furnace, you can ensure efficient heating all year round with dual fuel heating technology.
How Does a Heat Pump Work with a Furnace?
Heat pumps are engineered to remove warmth from the outdoor air and bring it into your home in chilly weather. Nevertheless, they might encounter difficulties meeting the requirement when the temperature falls below a threshold. A furnace can activate and furnish supplementary heating in such an instance.
Is Switching to a Heat Pump Worth It?
The answer to this question is a big yes. However, it is viable only if your current furnace is over 15 years old. A heat pump is an excellent energy-efficient option to keep your home warm and comfortable without excessively burdening your energy bill. However, remember that this option will work well for you if you live in a moderate climate and do not face freezing temperatures. Heat pumps can be a great option to keep your home comfortable throughout the year, summer, or winter.
How Can Infiniti Home Comfort Help You?
Infiniti Home Comfort is a leading HVAC service provider that offers a wide range of services to improve the comfort level of your home with minimum impact on your energy bill. We can help you choose the type of heat pump that is right for your home and help install and maintain the heat pump. You can connect with us to know more about our services. We are available 24/7 at your service!
