Heat Pump vs. Furnace – Which Is Right for You
Winters in Evansville, Indiana are not for the faint of heart. The nighttime low temperatures can be quite cold. Whatever heating source, Brackett Heating & Air knows your biggest concern is for the safety and warmth of your loved ones and you.
Whether you choose a heat pump or a furnace to heat your home, the key factors that should be considered are your home’s size, layout and design. These measurements help determine the size heating unit you need, and which type is best for your specific circumstances. The available fuel sources and the level of efficiency you desire vs. the number of BTUs of heat produced are important considerations when choosing between a gas or oil furnace.
Rest assured, the Comfort Specialists employed by Brackett have the expertise and tools necessary to properly evaluate your home and provide options that meet both your needs and budget.
WHAT ARE SOME PROS & CONS OF A FURNACE VS. A HEAT PUMP?
Natural gas Furnaces are some of the most efficient available. LP gas is usually more expensive than natural gas. Gas furnace installations are usually costlier due to their overall complexity. Oil furnaces produce more BTUs of heat, but their efficiency is lower than gas. Cost for installation is comparable but oil and propane require a storage tank. And oil requires additional maintenance.
Any type of furnace is for heating only. This part time usage causes less wear and tear, decreasing overall maintenance and increasing the overall lifespan.
Since gas and oil are both fossil fuels, they release more contaminants into the air when operating. This fact may make a difference for some homeowners when choosing which type of heating source they prefer in their Evansville area home.
Contractors often choose Heat Pumps when building new homes. A disadvantage to a heat pump used to be their inefficiency when outdoor temperatures fall to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. The newly developed cold weather heat pump has basically eliminated that issue. Cold weather heat pumps have even been successfully tested in subzero Arctic temperatures!
Since heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, they score big on versatility. A detractor to their frequent use is the lifespan tends to be shorter than that of a furnace. Even with regular maintenance, the average heat pump lasts about 12 to 15 years vs. 15 to 20 years for a furnace.
Heat pumps are powered by electricity, making them a cleaner heat source than furnaces. Being powered by electricity can also be a disadvantage, though, since electricity is typically the most expensive energy source. Heat pumps typically have lower upfront costs, which is a big plus for many homeowners.
When you need heating system maintenance, repairs or a new heat pump or furnace, call Brackett Heating & Air. Our professionally trained staff is ready to help.
