Are you thinking about replacing your furnace with a heat pump? Our average lows during a Savannah Ga winter can be mild, and a heat pump may be an excellent choice for your needs. However, there are those rare occasions of sub-freezing temperatures. Our record lows have been in the single digits. As you make a decision about a heat pump vs. furnace, there are a few important considerations.
Efficiency and Affordability
The HVAC industry has continued to aim for higher efficiency in both residential and commercial equipment. Federal standards have prompted some of these advances, and it’s important to realize that current equipment will provide you with greater efficiency than that of just a few years ago. If you replace your furnace with either a new furnace or a heat pump, you can expect more efficient heating and lower energy bills.
Higher efficiency ratings can result in higher costs for purchasing and installing new equipment. The highest efficiency ratings in furnaces are most beneficial in climates that experience harsh temperatures throughout the winter. Homes in milder climates can get sufficient heating from furnaces with lower AFUE ratings. The heat pump, however, tends to be the more efficient and affordable source of heat during much of our Savannah Ga winter.
Hybrid Systems
One way to solve the heat pump vs. furnace debate is to think about installing a hybrid system. This involves combining a heat pump with a furnace to provide dual fuel heating options for winter months. With a common thermostat, the two devices work in tandem to provide the most efficient heating based on the conditions at a given point. When temperatures are mild, your heat pump handles the load. As conditions get icy, the furnace takes over the task of heating your home. This provides one of the most economical approaches to keeping your home comfortable through the entire winter.
Before You Decide on New Equipment
It’s always wise to have an HVAC expert evaluate your home before you select a new heat pump or furnace. There are a variety of calculations that determine the type of system that will handle the load in your home, and a knowledgeable contractor can provide the best analysis related to a heat pump vs. furnace for your setting. Venting issues can also be a factor if you replace your furnace with a higher efficiency model. A heat pump also serves as an air conditioner, meaning that we need to take cooling issues into account as we evaluate your needs.
A number of our customers investigate these options because they want to save money on energy billing. Others are interested in making the most of federal 25C tax credits. It’s important to work with someone who is familiar with the efficiency ratings required for eligibility. You can contact Byrd Heating and Air Conditioning to set up an appointment to evaluate your options.
