A heat pump uses much less energy than an electric or gas furnace. Heat Pump vs. For example, in the summer heat pumps move heat from your home and deposit it outside. Since heat pumps work on the same principle as air conditioners during the summer months, the costs to cool your home with either will run about the same—$300 or more, depending on your climate. The Pros and Cons of a Heat Pump vs Furnace: Heat Pump Pros & Cons Again, heat pumps are essentially air conditioners that work in reverse to provide warmth for the home. An exception to this rule is the geothermal heat pump, which buries refrigerant lines below the frost level, where the ground temperature remains a stable 40 to 50 degrees all winter, even though above-ground temperatures may be much colder. One other thing to take into consideration is the experience. A compressor takes heat from the outside and uses a refrigerant to convert it into gas. This often worries owners of a new heat pump until they realize the noise isn’t a symptom that something is amiss. Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed HVAC technicians near you. By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila. Furnaces can also be powered by electricity. A heat pump heater, on the other hand, removes heat from the outdoors and deposits it inside your home. Although they both accomplish the same goal of heating your home, they do so in different ways. Heat pumps operate as both heating and cooling systems, replacing the need for a separate furnace and central air conditioning system. Here are 5 reasons to get a heat pump instead of a furnace: 1. Here’s a quick breakdown of each type of heat system, and some of the factors you should consider when making your decision, like location, energy efficiency, cost and reliability. Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila, U.S. Department of Energy’s Climate Zone Map, 10 Home Heating Mistakes That Spike Your Bills, 10 Home Gym Must-Haves to Help You Lose the Quarantine Weight, The Best Heating System You’ve Never Heard Of, Unsound Sounds: 7 Noises You Don't Want to Hear From Your House, 15 Products to Help You Warm Up Every Corner of Your Home, Slash Your Electric Bill with 11 Savvy Hacks. The difference between a heat pump and furnace can be summarized as: Heat pumps are used in many parts of the U.S. During the summer months, your heat pump can also act as an air conditioner, making this a more versatile product compared to a furnace. Furnace & AC Combo Many of our customers ask us about the difference between an air conditioner/furnace heating and cooling system and a heat pump system. Heat pumps will cost more than either a furnace or an air conditioning system. Furnaces can run on natural gas or oil, and depending on where you live, there are hybrid options available that can use both. A heat pump uses less electricity than a typical electric furnace. Heat pumps typically produce less heat compared to furnaces, and may not be the ideal depending on how warm you like to keep your home. In short, if you live in a climate that doesn’t see long, cold winters, a heat pump is typically a better option. Heating Fenwick is your trusted name in heating services offering an unmatched level of service. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. A heat pump condenses heat present in the outside air -- usually down to about 30-degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the region and the amount of moisture in the air -- and pumps it into the home. A heat pump, like an air conditioner, … A gas furnace provides heat more quickly. In addition, heat pumps aren’t as efficient if temperatures reach below freezing. 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