Furnaces are the most common method of heating homes in the United States, but heat pumps are growing in popularity due to their money-saving properties. Furnaces generate heat by burning fuel (gas furnace) or with electric heating elements (electric furnace). A heat pump uses heat transfer to move heat into or out of your home, heating or cooling it as needed. When it’s time to install a new HVAC system, choosing between a furnace and a heat pump might feel overwhelming, but knowing the features and benefits of each option can help you make the right choice.
Call the HVAC pros at Beaufort Air Conditioning at (843) 524-0996 or contact us online for expert guidance on which option is best for your home.
Benefits of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are becoming more popular due to their many advantages over furnaces. The top benefits of choosing a heat pump over a furnace are:
- It does two jobs – Since heat pumps both heat and cool your home, they do the job of two units. If you’re looking to buy an entirely new system to heat and cool your home, you can save money by getting two-for-one in a heat pump.
- It costs less to operate – In areas with mild winters, heat pumps are more efficient than furnaces, which saves you money on energy costs.
- It requires less space – The indoor part of a heat pump does not require much clearance and can sometimes be mounted on the wall. Furnaces, on the other hand, take up a lot of floor space due to a 30” required safety clearance.
- It’s safer – Since heat pumps do not use combustion to generate heat like a gas furnace, they do not produce carbon monoxide (CO2).
Benefits of Furnaces
Furnaces are not the most common method of heating in the US by accident; they have their own benefits that make them a good option for most homes:
- They’re better in cold climates – While heat pumps are more efficient overall, their efficiency drops off as the outdoor temperature drops below freezing. Because heat pumps draw heat from the air, they have to work harder the colder it gets. A furnace, on the other hand, is able to keep generating heat regardless of the outside temperature.
- They’re quieter than heat pumps – When working as it should, a furnace does not make much noise apart from an occasional woosh. Heat pumps make clicking and knocking noises as part of their regular operation.
- They require less maintenance – Furnaces only have to run during the cold months of the year, but heat pumps run year-round. This means that furnaces only need maintenance performed once per year, while heat pumps should be serviced twice a year.
- They have a cheaper upfront cost – Although heat pumps are cheaper to run in the right climate, a furnace unit typically costs less upfront.
Which Heating System Is Best for My Home?
The most important consideration when choosing a heating system is the climate in your area. If winters are mild and the temperature does not frequently drop below freezing, a heat pump is the best option to heat your home efficiently. However, if you live in an area with frigid winters where the temperature often stays below freezing, a furnace is the better option. Whichever option you choose, your new unit needs to be professionally sized and installed by a trusted HVAC company.
Choose Beaufort Air Conditioning for Heating Installation
Beaufort Air Conditioning & Heating has been proudly serving the Beaufort, SC area for over 30 years. Our friendly, NATE-certified technicians are highly trained and ready to assist you with your heating needs. We can guide you in which heating option is best for your situation. We also offer transparent, competitive pricing to help you find the solution that fits your budget. We’ll perform a sizing analysis to determine the correct size for your new unit, then we’ll install it quickly and accurately for optimum performance. If you need heating installation in Beaufort, SC, we’re ready to give you expert guidance and high-quality service.
Schedule fast and reliable heat pump installation or furnace installation in Beaufort today by calling us at (843) 524-0996. You can also contact us online for more information about our heating services.
