What Is The Difference Between A Furnace And A Heat Pump?

A home that keeps you safe and warm from the frigid weather outside is an absolute necessity. It is for this reason that a homeowner should invest in the best kind of heating system for their home. The two most popular options are the furnace and heat pump. It might seem like a challenging task to choose just one solution. However, knowing a little more about these two will significantly help you decide. This article will discuss the many features, including the pros, cons, and capabilities of furnace vs. heat pump. This way, you can decide which one of the two choices will best fit your needs.

What Is A Heat Pump?

A heat pump consists of four primary components. This includes the evaporator, compressor, condenser, and the expansion valve. A heat pump, unlike a furnace, does not generate heat. Instead, it extracts heat from the air outside and moves it inside when in heating mode. The transfer of heat is done with the refrigerant’s help and through an evaporation and condensation cycle.

The compressor pumps the refrigerant from one exchanger coil to the other. It is evaporated in one coil at low pressure, absorbing the heat from the environment. On its way to the other coil, the refrigerant is condensed at high pressure. It then releases the heat indoors. Heat pumps work like an air conditioning system when in cooling mode. However, it reverses cycle. Therefore, it can also be used to cool your home during the summer. This feature makes heat pumps a highly versatile system.

The Advantages & Disadvantages Of A Heat Pump

A heat pump has pros and cons, just like any other machine. Some of them are listed below:

Pros Of A Heat Pump

• Less Maintenance: This type of heating system does not need maintenance as much as other combustion-based heating systems. They typically only need an annual checkup for the heat pump to remain reliable.
• Reduced Carbon Emission: Heat pumps are highly efficient when it comes to energy to heat conversion. Therefore, carbon emissions are significantly reduced.
• Highly Versatile: Its cooling function allows you to use heat pumps during the hot summer season as well.
• Long Lifespan: With proper maintenance, heat pumps typically last from 12 to 15 years of constant use.

Cons Of A Heat Pump

• Hefty Price Tag: Unfortunately, heat pumps can be quite expensive. Not only that, but it’ll cost you more when you have it installed by a professional HVAC installation company.
• Complex Installation: Heat pumps are more difficult to install than furnaces. Also, since they operate with electricity, this system might need special planning permissions to install.
• Need For Backup: Heat pumps are more prone to damages from extreme weather. This type of heating unit does not operate as well in frigid temperatures. This could be an issue if your home is located in a place with freezing winters. Therefore, it is recommended that you install a backup heat system in case of an extreme temperature drop.

What Is A Furnace?

A furnace generates heat. This heating appliance is also called a ducted forced-air distribution system. A furnace utilizes the ducts to distribute the heated air throughout the house via the grills, vents, and registers.

The furnace needs fire to work. The flame is what will heat the heat exchanger. This heat is then transferred into the air when the furnace fan pushes air through the heat exchanger. All hazardous combustion by-products are then removed via the flue pipe.

The Advantages & Disadvantages Of A Furnace

Some of the pros and cons a furnace has are listed below:

Pros Of A Furnace

• Easy Installation: Furnaces are some of the most common heating systems because they are relatively easy to install.
• Affordable: Furnaces are inexpensive to maintain. Not only that, but furnace repairs and replacements are affordable as well.
• Cost-Effective: Furnaces heat your home quickly. Therefore, you save energy in the long run. You get to enjoy lower heating costs this way.
• Constant Heat: Furnaces provide even and continuous heat, so you don’t have to worry about staying warm during cold winters.

Cons Of A Furnace

• Added Risks: Using gas-fueled systems means there is an increased risk of your health and well-being. These dangers include carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, and explosions.
• Additional Cooling System: Unlike heat pumps, furnaces cannot cool your home. Therefore, you will need to install an air conditioner to ensure you are cool and comfortable during the hot season.
• Increased Noise Level: The furnace uses a fan to move the heated air. This increases the noise your furnace releases.

Conclusion

Knowing the differences between a heat pump and a furnace will help you choose which option is best for your home. Other things to think about are your home’s shape, insulation, your household’s long-term requirements, and your budget.

To know more about these heating systems, contact your trusted HVAC installation company. They can assist you in finding the best heating system for your home. A professional can answer any questions you have, as well as make sure that you are satisfied with all your heating expectations.

Contact With Miller Oil Company For Your HVAC Needs

Miller Oil Company offers high-quality heating and cooling services in the area. Our company has professionally certified and trained technicians who provide accurate and prompt HVAC services. Some of these include boiler tune-ups, furnace repairs, heat pump installations, air conditioning replacements, and more. Rest assured that our friendly technicians are knowledgeable and experienced to work on any HVAC make and model correctly.

Our company guarantees affordable and the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. We can also assist you in finding an HVAC replacement system that best meets your heating and cooling needs and budget. Our priority is always your home’s energy-efficiency, comfort, and more. To book an appointment, do not hesitate to contact Miller Oil Company today. We offer free, in-home estimates.

Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (860) 745-0326 if you have any questions.