With fall in full swing and the winter weather quickly approaching, now is a good time to choose a heating system. For many homeowners, it’s choosing a furnace vs heat pump. Unless you’re a seasoned heating and air conditioning contractor, understanding the difference between these two options can be overwhelming, let alone trying to decide which one is right for you and your home. But don’t worry, Eastergard HVAC is here to help you make the right choice!
What is a Furnace?
A furnace generates warm air for your home by burning fuel. Once your furnace has burned enough fuel to generate heat, it then distributes this warm air throughout your home. Because furnaces actually generate heat, they do an excellent job of keeping your home warm and cozy even in the middle of the coldest winter night. Furnaces are also energy efficient, especially when you choose a reliable brand.
Furnaces are cheaper than a heat pump and have a longer lifespan – usually around 15-20 years when properly taken care of. Like we mentioned before, furnaces are extremely effective at keeping you warm even on the coldest days.
What is a Heat Pump?
Unlike a furnace, a heat pump moves warm air – it doesn’t generate it. A heat pump uses the air from outside to both heat your home in the winter time and to cool it in the summer time. So yes, your heat pump is a two-in-one heating and air conditioning unit. Because of this, they are extremely energy efficient.
Heat pumps are more expensive than furnaces which makes sense because you are paying for an air conditioning system and heating system in one unit. Because your heat pump is running almost 24/7 to keep you comfortable, they have a shorter lifespan – usually around 12-15 years when properly maintained.
Can You Use a Heat Pump and Furnace Together?
Yes, but not in the way many homeowners think. You can’t run a heat pump and a furnace at the same time through the same ductwork to “double” your heat output. Instead, what’s known as a dual-fuel or hybrid heating system allows both systems to work together, just not simultaneously. In this setup, the heat pump typically handles heating when outdoor temperatures are mild, since it operates very efficiently in moderate cold. When temperatures drop too low for the heat pump to operate efficiently, the system automatically switches over to the furnace to provide stronger and more consistent heat. This type of setup gives homeowners the best of both worlds: energy efficiency and dependable cold-weather performance. Heat pumps are extremely efficient when temperatures are above freezing, while furnaces are better equipped to handle very cold conditions. A properly installed dual-fuel system uses a compatible heat pump, furnace, and thermostat to transition seamlessly between the two. The result is improved comfort and an added layer of reliability during the coldest months of the year.
Which One is Right for You?
Now that you understand some of the major differences between a heat pump and a furnace, you should have a clearer idea of which option might be the best fit for your Greenville, SC home. Both systems have their advantages, and the right choice often depends on factors like your budget, your home’s size and insulation, your long-term energy goals, and how you typically use your heating system during the winter months. If you are still unsure, no worries! Give Eastergard HVAC a call today. To look at some of the furnaces and heat pumps we offer, check out our services. Our team can help walk you through the pros and cons of each heating system to give you a better idea on which one is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you!