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Differences Between Furnace and Heat Pump Heating
Posted On: September 30, 2023
Furnaces and heat pumps are both common heating systems, but they operate in different ways. Here are the key differences between furnace and heat pump heating:
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Heat Source:
- Furnace: A furnace generates heat by burning a fuel, typically natural gas, propane, or oil. The combustion process produces hot air, which is then distributed throughout the house via ductwork.
- Heat Pump: A heat pump, on the other hand, does not generate heat but moves it from one place to another. It extracts heat from the air or ground outside the home and transfers it inside during the heating season. In cooling mode, the process is reversed, and it extracts heat from inside and releases it outside.
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Energy Efficiency:
- Furnace: Traditional furnaces have efficiency ratings, and newer models can be highly efficient. However, they still burn fuel to produce heat, and some energy is lost through the combustion process.
- Heat Pump: Heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency because they transfer heat rather than generate it. They can provide more energy-efficient heating in moderate climates. However, their efficiency can decrease in extremely cold climates.
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Climate Suitability:
- Furnace: Furnaces are well-suited for colder climates where temperatures frequently drop below freezing. They can provide reliable and efficient heating even in extremely cold conditions.
- Heat Pump: Heat pumps are more effective in milder climates. In extremely cold temperatures, especially below freezing, the efficiency of a heat pump decreases, and supplementary heating may be required.
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Initial Cost and Installation:
- Furnace: Furnaces generally have lower upfront costs, especially for homes with existing ductwork. Installation is often straightforward, especially if the infrastructure is already in place.
- Heat Pump: Heat pumps may have higher upfront costs, and the installation can be more complex, especially if ductwork is not already in place. However, they can be more cost-effective in the long run due to their energy efficiency.
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Maintenance:
- Furnace: Furnaces require regular maintenance, including cleaning of burners, inspection of the combustion system, and changing air filters. Combustion-based systems may also involve safety considerations such as checking for gas leaks.
- Heat Pump: Heat pumps generally require less maintenance. Regular tasks may include cleaning the coils and filters, but there is no combustion process to monitor.
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Cooling Capability:
- Furnace: Furnaces do not provide cooling. A separate air conditioning system is needed for cooling purposes.
- Heat Pump: Heat pumps have a dual function; they can provide both heating and cooling by reversing the refrigeration cycle. This dual functionality can be an advantage in regions with moderate climates.
In summary, the choice between a furnace and a heat pump depends on factors such as climate, energy efficiency goals, upfront costs, and existing infrastructure in the home. Each system has its advantages and limitations, and homeowners should consider their specific needs and circumstances when selecting a heating system.
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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
May 9, 2018
I had cold and hot spots all over my 70 yr old home. My furnace is quite new and Greg optimized the fan and furnace. The original installer just took it out of the box with factory settings and installed it- basically running at 50% of capacity. Greg also routed heat into my laundry room, yeah - so now I can renovate laundry room - thanks Greg. He is honest, professional and knowledgeable. I will be calling him back in the spring to optimize my AC as well.
May 8, 2018
Wonderful from beginning to end. I tend to fret and worry about home improvements but the excellent team at TwinTech put my mind as ease. They listen, they are patient and best of all ... the work they did is amazing! I chose the Goodman 80K BTU 2 stage furnace and the matching Goodman air conditioner. Greg, Grant and Poitr "Peter" arrived on time, took great care, explained everything to me and they answered all of my questions. They carefully adjusted the factory settings to optimize the furnace for my house and they also checked the duct work in the basement. Dave, the Sales Manager, came by to say "hello" and to see if I was happy. YES, I am happy with the work! The furnace is very quiet. I have it running on low just to circulate the air in the house and it's so much quieter than my old furnace. When I need new duct work for an upcoming basement renovation TwinTech will be my first choice. I highly recommend TwinTech. PS. They were even nice to my dogs.
Apr 21, 2018
Greg was prompt on the scheduled day of installation and the work was done well within the time estimated beforehand. Installation was neat and the equipment and scope of work was as specified in the quote. One item I must point out is that we were faced with a "No Heat" situation the day before the scheduled installation and Greg came out to address it free of charge. Not only that, but he also corrected an installation fault with our smart thermostat that was not part of the original job, again free of charge.
Mar 16, 2018
Greg came by to do a routine furnace checkup. He was very knowledgeable and professional, letting me know what's being checked/adjusted and giving me tips to ensure everything runs smooth. Very honest and upfront about what's working fine vs. what may need to be fixed/replaced. He didn't attempt to up sell anything that wasn't necessary. I'm glad to have finally found someone I can trust and rely on for all my HVAC needs - furnace, A/C, and hot water tank.
Mar 4, 2018
I'm very happy with the work that was done. Everyone from salesperson to the installers were friendly and professional. They were on time and cleaned up the job site after it was installed. They also answered all my follow up questions promptly. I wouldn't hesitate to work with them or recommend them again.
Feb 28, 2018
Thanks to the team at Twin Tech for a great job installing my new heat pump/ac unit. The guys were very polite and professional. When they left you would never have known they had been there except for the new Mitsubishi unit on the wall!! would highly recommend the Twin Tech team.
Feb 28, 2018
Installed professionally, no delays, no rework needed. Very reliable contractor and sales person. Also installed BBQ gas line and some duct work.
Feb 19, 2018
Greg and Grant are friendly, reliable, and knowledgeable HVAC professionals. The twins, Dave and the entire team provided efficient top quality service. Our family plns to use Twintech for all of our future HVAC needs.
Feb 10, 2018
Very impressed with this company. They show up on time , kept my place clean and after they left it looks like they were never there. Very professional team. Those people know what they doing . Their installation was on the highest standard. They are very knowledgeable especially they're worker Peter. I strongly recommend this company to everybody. After the installation I receive the call making sure I'm satisfied with their products and their job. Bravo!!!
Feb 8, 2018
Greg and his brother were referred to us by a friend. They arrived when they said they would, did an exceptional job and left the place as tidy or tidier then they found it. Their professionalism is only surpassed by their kind and friendly demeanor. Even after several calls to help me with my high tech thermostat I feel that I could always call with any concern (No one responds to my texts as quickly as Greg) and have a friendly helpful response. I found out their grandfather started the company and now as a 3rd generation company, they are doing their grandfather proud. I would highly recommend Twintech over any other hvac company out there.
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