Heat Pump vs. Furnace: 13 Pros and Cons You Should Know
Chesapeake’s coastal climate is difficult to live in without a functioning heating system. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of a heat pump vs. a furnace, let us help you out.
RS Andrews is a trusted local provider for heating repair, maintenance, and installation. We also help homeowners get the most value out of their heating system based on their budget, home size, and lifestyle.
If you want to talk to a professional about the best options for your home, give us a call at 757-364-0051.
Heat Pump vs Furnace: Understanding the Basics
Heat Pump Basics
Electricity-Based: This fuel source makes heat pumps energy-efficient for most homes, reducing energy bills without reducing comfort.
Doesn’t Create Heat: A heat pump moves heat from the outdoors into your home rather than generating its own heat. As such, you may notice the warmth feels a little gentler than other forms of heat.
Can Provide Cooling: If you need to navigate hot summers, a heat pump can also blow cool air.
Furnace Basics
Gas-Based: Unlike heat pumps, furnaces rely on gas to create heat.
Generates Heat: Furnaces create heat via a combustion process, offering intense heat right at the source.
Needs Supplementary Cooling: If you also want to cool down your home, you’ll have to add an AC unit alongside your furnace.
The Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps
The Pros
You enjoy heating and cooling in one system.
Your home benefits from steady heating for moderate temperature changes.
Heat pumps provide some dehumidification during the cooling process.
This system is a little safer since there’s no combustion process for heating.
The Cons
Heat pumps aren’t usually hot enough to manage a cold snap.
Outdoor units can degrade faster in saltier, wetter, and hotter climates.
This system has a higher upfront cost compared to other heating systems, like furnaces.
The Pros and Cons of Furnaces
The Pros
Intense heat output that’s well suited to colder climates.
Furnaces tend to warm up quickly, so you don’t have to wait long to notice a difference.
This system has a more affordable upfront cost compared to other heating systems, like heat pumps.
The Cons
Furnaces require a regular fuel supply and steady venting to work properly.
Since furnaces use combustion, they require more risk mitigation and safety knowledge.
Smaller homes in more moderate climates may not need a furnace’s intense heat.
Not quite sure how these pros and cons affect your home? RS Andrews helps homeowners navigate heating services with both local and industry expertise.
How Chesapeake’s Climate Affects Heating Choices
Curious to know when to use a heat pump vs. a furnace? Chesapeake’s coastal location means you need to consider how salt, wind, and humidity will affect your unit’s lifespan. While our coastal climate and milder winters work well for heat pumps, homeowners sensitive to the cold may want a furnace.
It’s also important to note that your home’s insulation is another important factor to consider when choosing between a heat pump vs. furnace. Poor airflow or clogged ductwork can affect how well each system heats your home.
RS Andrews has the local expertise you need to figure out the right answer. We serve homeowners in and around the Chesapeake area to make sure you enjoy a tailored solution.
Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of a heat pump vs. furnace, a heat pump costs more upfront but tends to be more energy-efficient. Since it runs on electricity, there’s no fuel source to refill.
Furnaces are more affordable upfront and last a little longer than heat pumps, but your monthly energy bills may be higher.
Need a little help budgeting for your new installation? We offer coupons and financing options to lower costs and help you get the ideal heating unit for your home.
Which Is Best for Chesapeake Homes?
Who Should Choose Heat Pumps?
Homeowners who want a dynamic heating and cooling solution and aren’t worried about cold snaps should choose a heat pump. This option is also great for homes that don’t have or want a natural gas source.
Who Should Choose Furnaces?
Homeowners who are sensitive to the cold or worried about cold snaps should choose a furnace. You can also choose a dual-fuel system if you want the benefits of both a heat pump and a gas furnace.
This option is especially practical if you’d like to replace an AC unit and furnace at the same time.
Still torn between a heat pump vs. a furnace? You can schedule service with RS Andrews for an in-home assessment.
When to Call RS Andrews
RS Andrews can handle everything from permits to code compliance to get you a heating system that works reliably. Our heating installations are backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee to make sure you walk away happy.
Check out our customer reviews to see what they’re saying about our energy-efficient installations and friendly, hard-working staff. If you need ongoing maintenance, sign up for a Pro Service Plan to enjoy regular discounts and priority service.
Ready for a new furnace or heat pump in Chesapeake Beach? Call us today at 757-364-0051 to get a free estimate or an in-home assessment.