As the winter months approach, you may reconsider your heating system and whether or not it’s the best bang for your buck. If you’re buying a new home or replacing your heating system, you may encounter various heating solutions. Often, all of these heating options can leave homeowners with more questions than answers.
In this blog, the experts at Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric compare heat pumps and furnaces to make the process of choosing a heating system a little less overwhelming. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of both and which is best, so you can decide which is suitable for you and your family.
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump operates by moving air inside and outside your home. These units function as air conditioners in the summer and heaters in the winter, so you always feel comfortable. In the summer months, the heat pump removes hot air to cool your home.
When the winter months arrive, the heat pumps utilize outdoor air in the winter, pass it through pressurized refrigerant lines, and pump the heat wherever it’s needed. These pumps act as a heating replacement, so you don’t need a furnace too.
Since they are versatile, heat pumps are very energy efficient and typically lower your energy costs. Some other benefits of replacing a furnace with a heat pump include:
- Minimal maintenance
- Reduce harmful emissions
- Long-lasting
- Provide warm and cool air
Some common types of heat pumps include:
- Ground source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps: utilize “ground heat”, usually under your yard, to heat radiators and underfloor heating in your home
- Air source heat pumps: transfer heat from the outside air to an indoor space with the help of coils and compressors
The pump consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, both of which work together in heating mode and cooling mode. Whether you choose a ground source or an air source pump, both can heat and cool your home all year long.
What Is a Furnace?
Furnaces are part of a central heating and cooling system, also known as a split system, and provide heat throughout your home. There are two types of furnaces, gas and electric. Both furnaces utilize a blower fan that distributes warmth into the ducts and your home. Gas furnaces create heat with natural gas or propane, whereas electric furnaces warm your home with heated coils.
Furnaces are dependable and provide heat to all areas of your home, even in the coldest temperatures. Some other benefits of a heat pump operating include:
- Fast, reliable heat
- Inexpensive installation
- Less noisy than pumps
- Compatible with all homes
Is a Heat Pump or Furnace Better?
Location is perhaps the most crucial aspect to consider when deciding between a heat pump or furnace. A furnace provides the most reliable heat if you live in a cooler climate. But, if your winters are milder, heating pumps offer warmth without the extra equipment and costs associated with sub-zero temperatures. Many people in Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida find heat pumps the most energy-efficient and cost-effective options for heating their homes.
Some other aspects to consider are cost, space, and noise. Usually, heat pumps cost more to install but require less upkeep. Most furnaces are larger and quieter than heat pumps. Various factors impact each of these aspects, so we recommend consulting with an HVAC professional to learn more about which heating system is right for you.
Heating Experts in Dallas-Forth Worth Metroplex
A professional installation is essential whether you choose a heat pump or a furnace. Your heating unit is determined by the size of your home, climate, budget, and more. An HVAC contractor can provide a fair, affordable recommendation to prepare you for the winter months.
At Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric, we install, repair, and maintain various types of heat pumps and furnaces. Call us today to learn more about which heating solution is best for you and your family!
Everybody Loves Bacon! Stay Cozy This Winter in Texas
Find the perfect home heating solution with the help of Bacon! [company-name] provides 24/7 service with skilled, trustworthy technicians ready to help you with any repairs or replacements, including furnace repairs. Contact us online or call us at (469) 864-7538 to stay cozy this winter.
