Heat pumps and furnaces both serve to heat indoor air, though they differ significantly in terms of their heating capabilities, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements and more. Both can work seamlessly with advanced IAQ solutions like whole-house air cleaners and fresh air ventilators for improved IAQ in homes, but how do they differ in smaller parts?
Cost
When selecting between a heat pump and furnace, one must carefully consider costs of both systems. Furnaces use gas to reach their target temperatures, so more fuel must be burned than with pumps – carbon monoxide emissions from furnaces may even be toxic in large doses! Pumps on the other hand rely solely on electricity to heat and cool homes efficiently; their electricity-based solutions have proven 30-50% more cost-efficient for residential properties compared with gas furnaces.
A pump installation’s total cost depends on several variables (source: https://todayshomeowner.com/hvac/cost/heat-pump-installation-cost/), including the size and scope of its system and any necessary renovations, the costs associated with ductwork and HVAC components as well as any type of installation (i.e. ducted system vs. ductless). A ducted system tends to be more costly.
Both pumps and furnaces require regular maintenance in order to operate effectively, with furnaces often having lower maintenance costs than their pump counterparts due to having fewer moving parts and needing replacement sooner due to shorter lifespan.
pumps tend to be more cost-effective for most homeowners in milder climates than gas furnaces, providing all-in-one heating, air conditioning and purification in one convenient package while being more energy-efficient than traditional furnaces.
Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are energy efficient systems, capable of extracting two to three times more energy from the air than they consume. They work effectively in cold climates (though an auxiliary system may be required). Since they don’t burn fuel like furnaces do, pumps are also more environmentally friendly options.
Electric furnaces typically offer less efficiency than pumps, yet are more affordable upfront. Electric models may work more effectively in cold climates as well as providing both heating and cooling. When choosing between a furnace and heat pump as an upgrade option for your current furnace installation, consider the costs and energy savings vs. comfort features. You should also keep in mind the maintenance fees before making your choice.
Pumps contain fewer mechanical parts, so they’re less prone to breakdowns and require less maintenance, but are more expensive to replace and require an air conditioner in addition for year-round comfort.
Noise
Indoor pumps create some noise during operation, but that should not be an issue unless it becomes bothersome to you or your neighbors. On the other hand, outdoor units of pumps may produce louder sounds due to including both compressor and fan units; compression produces noise as it compresses refrigerant coolant while fan noise depends on fan speed and airflow.
If your pump is making unusual noises, it is essential that you identify their source in order to determine whether they are normal or require repair. Screeching noises could indicate the blower belt needs replacement while clanking noises might signal that its discharge valve needs servicing.
As your pump operates, you may hear a gentle buzzing or humming noise; this is an indicator that it is working and should not cause you any concern.
However, if the noise becomes disruptive to yourself or neighbors, and can be heard throughout your property, relocation of its outdoor unit should be explored as an option. Otherwise, using sound barriers or acoustic panels to absorb noise transmission into your house and lower its transmission level may help. Another effective solution would be vibration isolation pads; however this won’t work in cases of noise caused by compressor noise.
Installation
If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, choosing between a furnace and heat pump could be daunting. Your decision depends on a range of factors such as climate conditions in your region and energy efficiency requirements for your home.
According to The New York Times, pumps make a good choice in mild to moderate climates because of how they work – their upfront costs are usually less and operating costs lower overall than gas furnaces. Furnaces are ideal for harsh winter conditions, providing more heating power than pumps when temperatures fall. Furnaces come in various forms from natural gas furnaces to propane or oil models.
Gas furnaces usually offer lower upfront costs and easier installation requirements than electric pumps; they also require regular maintenance checks to ensure that their burners remain properly fueled and functioning as they should. Pumps, on the other hand, often necessitate more extensive planning as well as professional HVAC contractor involvement for proper functioning.
Heat pumps and furnaces both come in a range of sizes and designs to fit into any home, giving you plenty of options when selecting the ideal model for you. For instance, if size is an issue for you when selecting your pump model, ductless mini-split units offer space-saving solutions without taking up much room in your living area.
