Homeowners often wonder about the difference between a furnace and a heat pump and which is better for your Eden, Georgia, home. There are several factors to take into consideration when determining whether you need a furnace vs. heat pump; including price, noise, and efficiency. If you are thinking about replacing your HVAC system, consider these pros and cons.
Price: Furnace vs. Heat Pump
There are two different prices you need to consider when choosing between a furnace and a heat pump. First, consider how much it will cost to install or replace both units. A furnace is an indoor unit and may be installed in a basement, garage, or utility room inside the home. If the furnace uses natural gas or propane, you will need to make sure these utilities are available in your neighborhood. A home that is not already piped for gas will need to be prepared in advance before a furnace can be installed.
A heat pump is an outdoor unit that works as both your heating and air conditioning units. These units are usually installed on a cement pad outside the home and the air is transported inside. During the winter, hot air is moved inside and cool air outside, and during the summer, this process is reversed.
It may be less expensive to install a heat pump compared to a furnace, but a furnace may last longer than a heat pump. Since the furnace is kept inside, it is not exposed to weather and elements that may shorten the lifespan. If you sign up for our preventive maintenance plan, both units will last for many years.
Another comparison of price deals with the cost of electricity versus gas. Depending on your utility company, natural gas or propane may be less expensive than electricity. You will need to determine the cost of both, and make a decision that works for you and your family.
Noise: Indoor Unit vs. Outdoor Unit
If you are worried about the noise your HVAC system will make, take into consideration where the units are placed. If you choose a heat pump, these units can be placed outside, away from windows and areas where you entertain. Most heat pumps are quiet and you will probably not notice when they are running.
A furnace is placed inside the home, usually in a utility room. Depending on where the utility room is located in the home, the noise of a furnace can be kept to a minimum. If your furnace is in the basement, you will probably never hear the unit when you are on the main floor. If your furnace room is located near the main living areas or bedrooms, you will probably hear the unit when it turns on and off.
Efficiency: HVAC Systems
Both a heat pump and furnace are energy-efficient. If you are replacing older units, you will definitely see an improvement in your utility bills. Heat pumps work best in parts of the country that do not have bitterly cold winters. Since the heat pump moves around hot air, if the air is cold for long periods of time, the unit works harder. A furnace is a great option if you enjoy walking into a cool room and turning the heat up and quickly feeling the warm air. Furnaces create hot air and move the air throughout your home.
Overall, you need to think about what your family needs in an HVAC system. In Georgia, both a heat pump and a furnace will be efficient. If you are worried about air quality, a furnace is able to filter out many indoor air pollutants when circulating warm air. A heat pump is bringing outside air into the home, so you may need to install additional air filters.
When you are ready to upgrade your current HVAC system, contact us at Byrd Heating and Air Conditioning for an evaluation of your home. We can offer information and advice about whether a heat pump or furnace will be the best option. Call us today at 912-373-8447.
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