When it comes to heating your home, you have several options available to you. Two of the most common heating systems these days are heat pumps and furnaces. There are several key distinctions between the two, so you’ll need to evaluate your priorities, preferences, and budget to help you determine which type of system makes the most sense for your home. Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of heat pumps and furnaces.
About Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are air conditioning units that can also reverse their function to put out heat. They accomplish this by pulling warm air from outside into your home. These types of machines run more efficiently than furnaces, as they use heat that already exists, rather than creating their own. Because heat pumps don’t require the burning of natural gas to produce heat, they put less strain on our planet’s resources, making them better for the environment as well.
One key drawback of heat pumps, though, is that they may not be powerful enough to heat your home on exceptionally cold days sufficiently, so you’ll need to have a backup heat source to stay comfortable. When it is colder outside, there is not as much ambient heat in the atmosphere for the heat pump to pull through, so a furnace or space heater can help make up the difference on the coldest days.
Concerning cost, heat pumps tend to be more expensive than furnaces. However, heat pumps double as air conditioners, so you’ll essentially be getting two appliances for the same price. If you recently upgraded your air conditioner, this likely wouldn’t be an advisable expense, but if yours is due for a replacement, you can kill two birds with one stone, figuratively speaking.
Heat pumps are not as common as furnaces, so you may have a bit more difficulty finding a high-quality repair company for your machine. They do exist, so take the time to find a company that can meet your needs.
About Furnaces
Gas furnaces are the most common type of home heating system in America and are more affordable than heat pumps. What’s more, gas is far less expensive than electricity in most areas, so this will keep your energy costs low. Up to 97 percent of the gas burned will ultimately be turned into heat energy, so they are remarkably energy-efficient, helping you save even more.
Unlike heat pumps, furnaces can always create enough heat to keep your home comfortably warm, even when it is below freezing outside. Furnaces create their own heat energy, so there is no need to worry about there not being enough warmth in the atmosphere to pull from. With modern smart thermostats, you can even control the temperature in your home remotely so that it is always warm when you need it to be, without wasting energy when you don’t need it.
Because furnaces are so common, you’ll have no trouble finding a reputable repair company to handle the ongoing maintenance for you. This will help to extend the life of your furnace and keep your house warm and cozy for many years to come.
Making Your Choice
You’ll need to look at your budget and weigh the pros and cons of each heating method to make your decision. If environmental consciousness is important to you, you’ll be better off with a heat pump. On the other hand, if affordability is your primary concern, a furnace would be the better option. If your current air conditioner is due for a replacement, a heat pump can help you tackle your home’s heating and cooling needs all at once.
There is no one right answer as to whether a heat pump or furnace is better. Only you can make that decision for yourself. When perusing your options, be sure to ask lots of questions to ensure you understand exactly what you are getting for your money, and what distinguishes each machine from all the rest. There are tons of options out there, so you are sure to find a suitable machine to satisfy your preferences while accommodating the size of your home.
Trust Custom Air Systems
Here at Custom Air Systems, we can help you out with all your heating and cooling requirements in Pearland, Friendswood, and the neighboring communities. We can help you evaluate your options and decide which heating method is right for you. Our associates are highly knowledgeable about our products, and we partner with the top brands in the industry. When you work with us, you can have confidence that you’re getting high-quality equipment from brands you can trust.
We know exactly how to install a furnace or heat pump, so our technicians will get the job done right the first time. Our job isn’t finished until you are completely satisfied with our work, including the cleanup after your furnace or heat pump is installed. We’ll be happy to get you set up with a new furnace or heat pump, so get in touch with us today to learn more about our service and choose your machine.
