If you’re preparing to buy a new heating system for your home, you’ve probably come across the term “heat pump” on your internet quest for information. Even though many people are unfamiliar with this type of HVAC equipment, heat pumps have been used for residential heating and cooling for over 50 years. They’ve also become even more energy-efficient with time.
Not sure if a heat pump is right for you? Below, we’ll explain:
HOW IS A HEAT PUMP DIFFERENT FROM A FURNACE?
The biggest difference between a heat pump and a furnace is that a heat pump can cool and warm your home. If you need to replace both your furnace and air conditioner, instead of buying both, you can simply buy one heat pump.
How Heat Pumps Work: A Basic Explanation
Like an air conditioner, a heat pump contains refrigerant. That refrigerant absorbs ambient heat (ground, air, water, etc.). If you want to cool your home, the blower (fan) moves this heat outside. If you want to warm your home, the blower moves this heat indoors.
A furnace uses electricity or combustion (with gas or oil) to generate heat inside your home. This method is less efficient than a heat pump’s process, and it also produces more pollution.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OWNING A HEAT PUMP?
There are multiple advantages to replacing your furnace with a heat pump that many homeowners don’t know.
One System, Two Functions
As mentioned above, you can benefit from owning one system that performs both heating and cooling. This means that instead of requiring annual maintenance for your furnace in the fall and your air conditioner in the spring, you’ll only need one yearly maintenance appointment to cover everything.
A Safe and Greener Alternative to Gas and Oil Furnaces
Heat pumps are a more energy-efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative to furnaces that use gas and oil. Because they run on electricity, they don’t create the harmful byproducts that come with combustion (burning gas or oil). This means you don’t have to worry about carbon monoxide or exhaust leaks worsening your indoor quality. You also don’t have to worry about gas leaks, delayed ignition, and combustion issues that require repair.
Increased Comfort While Using Less Energy
The Department of Energy reports that heat pumps can reduce energy usage by 30 to 60 percent. During cooling seasons, heat pumps are actually better at controlling humidity than your average AC. Better humidity control means the system can cool your home faster and keep it comfortable with less energy.
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