If it’s time to replace the heating system at your home in Knoxville, TN, you may be debating the merits of a furnace versus heat pump. This guide will help you understand the difference between them so that you make the right choice for your home.
Comparing Upfront Purchase and Installation Costs
The cost of a furnace and its installation is usually less expensive than that of a heat pump. However, a heat pump can also cool your home, thus eliminating the need for an air conditioner. Your aggregate costs for buying and installing a heat pump may be less than buying and installing a separate furnace and air conditioner.
Which Is More Energy-Efficient?
A gas furnace must burn fuel to heat your home. However, a heat pump runs on electricity and uses heat transference to heat or cool your home. According to the HVAC experts at Trane, a heat pump can transfer 300% more energy than it uses, while a high-efficiency gas furnace may only be 90% efficient.
Are You Concerned About Air Quality?
A heat pump doesn’t burn fuel, so it produces no emissions. With a heat pump, you don’t need to worry about carbon monoxide exposure or polluting the environment.
Which Performs Better in Cold Weather?
A gas furnace performs better during the coldest weather. However, you can supplement a heat pump with a furnace that will take overheating your home on colder days. The heat pump is ideal for heating your home on milder days when the temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Life Span Comparison
A gas furnace typically has a life span of 20 years or more when it is professionally maintained. A heat pump that is doing double the work with heating and cooling your home may have a life span of 15 years with proper maintenance. You need to have a technician service your furnace once a year, while a heat pump needs service in both spring and fall.
If you are unsure whether a furnace or heat pump would be a better choice for your home in Knoxville, TN, we can help. Contact Melton Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment to discuss your home’s heating needs.
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