Heat pumps are becoming ever more popular these days. With the help of the Inflation Reduction Act and other programs that incentivize homeowners to purchase them, they’re also some of the most eco-friendly systems on the market. But when it comes to a chilly winter, only the most effective heating system will be crowned the king of heat.
So, if you’re trying to maximize both your comfort and the money in your pocket, which system should you purchase? Is a heat pump or a furnace better for your home?
Well, the answer might depend on a few factors, but the race is surprisingly close. While most homeowners would say that a furnace is the best for a chilly winter’s day, the times are definitely changing. Keep reading so you can learn how a heat pump can compete with a furnace as the potential new king of heating and air in Belmont, NC.
Let’s Start With Cost
First, we need to be honest with how much these kinds of systems cost to install. If you’re looking to spend as little money as possible right now, then a gas or electric furnace will probably be your best bet. Heat pumps just cost more money to set up and install, with a few caveats.
If you’re looking to purchase both a heating and cooling system to protect you throughout the entire year, then you’ll actually save money by going with a heat pump. It functions as both an air conditioner and a heating system, so you can get two for the price of one.
And, if you’re looking to cut out your consumption of gas, due to rising costs or your home’s inaccessibility to natural gas lines, then a heat pump might be a more affordable option after all.
Efficiency
Next, let’s talk about where the heat pump really shines. While gas furnaces can run with extreme efficiency these days (some systems reaching 90+ AFUE ratings, which is exceptionally efficient), nothing beats the efficiency of a heat pump.
Heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant to move heat, while a gas furnace creates it. The difference between these processes being that moving heat is about 300% more efficient than creating heat. It’s just easier for your technology to do.
So, while a heat pump might use a lot of electricity and work harder on a cold winter’s day, it’s still running at pretty competitive efficiency rates when compared to a furnace. Neat, right?
Preparing for the Future
As infrastructure changes, it’s important to be prepared for what comes next. Furnaces will be around for a long time, but the infrastructure that’s being built out is mainly for the power grid and systems like heat pumps or electric furnaces.
If you’ve ever thought about installing solar panels on your property, or turning your home all electric, then a heat pump is going to maximize that energy usage and give you free heat on some of the coldest days of the year. This is important to consider if you’re looking far off into the future.
Contact Ace Hardware Home Services for comprehensive heating help in your area. Call Ace Hardware Home Services!
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