Heat Pump vs Furnace: Which One Saves You the Most Money?

January 25, 2019

As colder weather rolls around, many people have already started preparing their homes for the oncoming winter.

As most locals know, winter in Oklahoma can get pretty chilly. So, making sure your heating system is up to snuff is an essential part of your Autumn prep.

If it’s time to replace your heating system, it’s important that you consider all replacement options before making a decision.

Heat pumps and furnaces are two of the most common heating systems available today. And, they both can be highly effective at keeping your home comfortable during the colder months.

But, choosing the wrong system for you could wind up costing you a lot of money.

So, how do you know which system is right for you?

When it comes to heat pump vs furnace, here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

How Heat Pumps Work

Heat pumps work by cycling air around to capture or release heat energy. This constantly moving air helps heat pumps achieve an ideal comfortable temperature.

Heat pumps work as a part of your existing air conditioning system. This means that with a heat pump you won’t have to worry about having a separate unit installed.

How a Furnace Works

Furnaces have been heating homes for generations–and they’re likely not going anywhere any time soon.

Unlike heat pumps, furnaces actually generate heat themselves. While older models still rely on things like gas to run, more modern electric furnaces can be more effective than traditional models.

Which Is Right for You?

One of the first things you need to consider before deciding which heating system would be best for you is what kind of system your home already uses.

Getting a new furnace or heat pump installed can be pretty costly on its own.

If your house already has the groundwork for a system built into it, then you should consider sticking with whichever system that is.

That said, furnaces tend to fare better and be more effective in extreme cold. Fully heating a home in below freezing temperatures with a furnace generally requires less energy than a heat pump. Because of this, they can be less expensive.

Unfortunately, if you have a furnace you’ll have to have a separate cooling system installed to keep your home comfortable in the Summer.

Heat pumps can be extremely effective in more temperate climates. Overall, they tend to use less energy than furnaces, so they can be more energy efficient in the long run.

That said, heat pumps aren’t always built to withstand temperatures that often dip below freezing. However, with a heat pump, you won’t also have to pay to have an AC unit installed.