Heat Pump vs. Furnace: What's the Difference, Really?
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Many homes rely on a furnace for heat. This option is especially useful in colder climates that often experience sub-freezing temperatures. Alternately, homes in warmer climates can install a heat pump, which draws in heat from the air or the ground, instead of producing heat.
Learn the differences between a heat pump versus a furnace so you can make an informed decision about the best HVAC appliance for your home and family.
What Is a Heat Pump?
While a furnace generates heat, a heat pump only transfers heat to the interior of the home. This is possible even when the air is cold, though the performance is reduced the colder the ambient temperature.
Usually, heat pumps absorb heat from the air using pressurized refrigerant lines, but geothermal heat pumps absorb the heat from deep in the ground below the frost line, allowing them to function in colder climates. A heat pump can also work to cool the home during the summer months by absorbing the heat from inside and transferring it to the outside.
Pros
Low operating cost
High efficiency performance
Capable of heating and cooling
Takes up less space than a furnace
Cons
High installation cost
Noisy operation
May struggle in cold climates
Shorter lifespan than a furnace
What Is a Furnace?
A furnace burns oil, natural gas, or propane to generate heat. Alternately, electric furnaces have a heating element that generates heats, in much the same way as an electric heater. After generating the heat, the furnace uses a fan or blower to force the heated air through the ducts and into the home.
Furnaces are highly effective in cold climates where the temperatures frequently fall below freezing. However, the heat produced is often very dry, so the home may require a humidifier to make the air more comfortable during long operating periods. A furnace must be paired with an air conditioner to cool the home during the summer.
Pros
Lower installation cost
Relatively quiet operation
Superior heat production in cold climates
Lasts over 20 years
Cons
Higher operating cost
Not as efficient as a heat pump
Requires an air conditioner to cool the house
Bulky size takes up a lot of space
Heat Pump vs. Furnace
Efficiency
When it comes to efficiency, a heat pump is the best choice. On average, a heat pump can reduce the electricity usage for the home by 65 percent when compared to electric baseboard heaters and furnaces. Geothermal heat pumps are even better than standard heat pumps, reducing the overall energy use by 70 to 80 percent.
Gas and oil furnaces are typically more efficient than an electric furnace, but these appliances come with the potential risk involved with pumping in and burning dangerous fuels. Heat pumps can both heat and cool the home without worrying about these hazards.
Climate
Heat pumps draw in heat from the air or the ground. This method of heating the home is highly efficient, but doesn't work well in sub-freezing temperatures. Furnaces generate heat independently, so the outdoor temperature has little effect on their ability to warm the home.
If the property is located in a region that frequently experienced sub-freezing temperatures, a furnace is usually the best option, but if the home is in an area with warmer climates, then a heat pump is more effective for both heating and cooling.
Cost
The cost to operate a heat pump for a single winter season is about $500, while the cost to operate a gas furnace is $850. Switching to an electric furnace increases the operating cost to $900. A propane furnace is the most expensive to run, costing about $1,550 on average for a single winter season.
However, it's important to note that a new furnace is typically less expensive to purchase than a heat pump. A new furnace will cost about $2,815 to $6,810 on average, while a heat pump costs between $4,200 to $7,630.
Noise
Heating and cooling systems often rely on fans or blowers to move the heated air through the ducts, but may also make noise when turning on or switching off. The amount of noise produced can also vary depending on whether there are additional appliances connected, such as a humidifier, dehumidifier, or an air conditioner.
In most cases, a heat pump is considered noisier than a furnace. Heat pumps tend to make clicking or knocking sounds when they turn on or turn off, though it can also be attributed to the longer runtime of a heat pump over the considerably shorter runtime of a furnace.
Space
Furnaces are typically installed indoors and can take up a significant amount of space in the basement, leading to many people simply reserving a full utility room or laundry room for this appliance.
Heat pumps have a compressor, which is located outdoors, and an indoor air handler that can be mounted to the wall. The compressor only takes up about as much space as an air conditioner compressor, and the air handler takes up less space than a furnace. So, if space is an issue and the home is located in a relatively warm area, you should install a heat pump instead of a furnace.
Lifespan
Heat pumps can last about 15 years with proper maintenance, though the lifespan may be shortened if the home is located on the coast due to the high salt content of the air.
A furnace will last 15 to 20 years on average with regular maintenance, but some gas furnaces may be able to last up to 30 years before needing to be replaced. Just keep in mind that in most cases, the older the appliance, the less efficient, so make sure to upgrade the HVAC system when the existing system has reached it's effective limit.
Maintenance
Both heat pumps and furnaces require regular maintenance to keep the HVAC appliance operating efficiently. You will need to keep heat pump compressors free of ice and snow during winter, and during the rest of the year you will need to remove leaves, plants, and other debris that block airflow. Additionally, the coils on a heat pump should be kept clean and you should replace the air filter about once a month.
Furnace maintenance isn't quite as involved as heat pump maintenance. Generally, as long as you replace the air filter every one to three months, and vacuums the ductwork about once a year, the furnace will keep working for years to come. It's also a good idea to clean the flame sensor on the furnace about once a year to help the appliance operate effectively.
How to Choose
Generally, a furnace is a better option for homes in colder climates, while a heat pump is better for homes in warmer climates.
Heat pumps tend to be more efficient and they are capable of both heating and cooling, so you don't need to worry about installing an air conditioner. However, a furnace can keep up with heating demands in the dead of winter and typically lasts longer before needing to be replaced.
Furnaces cost less upfront, but the operating costs are higher, while heat pumps have a lower operating cost despite being more expensive to purchase and install. Weigh the pros and cons of each heating appliance before choosing the best HVAC system for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, a furnace or a heat pump?
Whether a heat pump or a furnace is better depends on where the home is located. Furnaces are generally better for colder climates because they generate heat instead of relying on heat from the air or ground. Heat pumps are better in warmer climates because they have a higher operating efficiency and are capable of both heating and cooling the home.
Is it worth replacing a furnace with a heat pump?
A heat pump offers dual-operating capability for both heating and cooling. It also has lower operating costs, higher efficiency, and tends to be both safer and more eco-friendly than a furnace, making it a worthwhile upgrade.
What are the major problems with heat pumps?
Heat pumps tend to have reduced efficiency and performance in cold weather. They can also have a higher installation cost and a shorter lifespan than furnaces. A heat pump is also noisier and may need to defrost regularly to function in sub-freezing temperatures.
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Read the original article on The Spruce.
