How To Choose Between A Furnace And A Heat Pump

There are several options to choose from to heat your home. Two main types of units used to heat homes are furnaces and heat pumps. The right one to choose depends on the needs of your home.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump is designed to transfer heat from one location to another. As a result, the heat pump does not generate heat on its own. The pump brings heat in from the outside and circulates it throughout your home.

These units consume electricity to function but can operate more efficiently than a furnace in some cases. However, the fact that they use electricity can be inconvenient if you live in an area that is prone to power outages. The heat pump is also versatile in that it can be used to cool a home in the summer.

This type of heating unit is also popular because it is cheaper to install than a furnace unless it is using the central air of the home. If it uses central air, it will be much more expensive to install. They are also usually only a good option if you live in a climate that has warmer weather overall.

Gas Furnaces

Furnaces provide you with more variety. For example, you may burn natural gas to heat your home. This can be convenient in a location that is prone to power outages and where natural gas is inexpensive. If natural gas is less available, you might use a propane-powered furnace. Natural gas might be the perfect fuel for a home built in a colder region. 

Oil Furnaces

An oil furnace is powered by a flame that heats the air. The oil acts as fuel, and you will usually need to hire a company to periodically deliver more oil to your home to use when needed.

Electric Furnaces

This is the least efficient type of furnace. However, it is smaller and is much cheaper to install. You also have the option of obtaining a portable space heater that can be placed in any room. However, all furnaces are smaller than heat pumps and the unit only needs to be indoors.

While a furnace is more expensive to install, it will usually last much longer than a heat pump. Because of this, you may save more money in the long-run. If you live in a colder climate, you will also save more money since it will be much more efficient.

Contact a company like Dr HVAC, Inc to learn more.