When it comes time to replace your home’s heating system, you’ve got a few different options to choose from. For most Missouri homeowners, that decision will usually come down to two popular choices: a heat pump or a furnace.
Both systems are plenty capable of keeping a home warm during the winter months, but they accomplish that in very different ways. They also have different advantages when it comes to energy efficiency, upfront costs, maintenance, and more.
So, how do you decide between a heat pump vs. furnace for your Missouri home? The best choice depends on your home and what you want from your new heating system. To help you choose the right one, here’s everything you need to know about heat pumps vs furnaces.
How Does a Furnace Work?
There are two types of furnaces: natural gas and electric. Both work by generating heat then distributing it throughout your home via a blower and the home’s ductwork. Natural gas furnaces burn fuel to generate heat, while electric furnaces use electric heating elements instead.
Furnaces have been a popular heating option for a long time and are known for keeping homes warm even when outside temperatures drop significantly.
If your home already has a furnace, replacing your existing unit with another furnace tends to be the most straightforward option since much of the infrastructure needed to operate the system will already be in place.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
Instead of generating heat, a heat pump works by pulling heat from the outside air and transferring it into your home.
This might sound illogical since outside air tends to be pretty cold during Missouri winters, but even the coldest winter air still has usable heat that the pump can collect and transfer indoors.
One of the biggest advantages of a heat pump is that this process can also work in reverse. During the summer, a heat pump can remove heat from inside your home and transfer it outside, similar to how a traditional air conditioner functions. This means that one system can be used to both heat and cool your home.
Heat Pump vs Furnace: Performance
Traditional heat pumps become less effective the colder it gets since there is less heat available in the outside air for the system to transfer. However, modern cold-climate heat pumps have improved considerably and can continue operating at temperatures well below freezing. Many heat pumps also come equipped with a supplemental electric heater to help the system keep up on particularly cold days.
Furnaces have an advantage when it comes to producing strong heat regardless of the temperature outside. While the furnace may have to work harder the colder it gets, burning fuel is always going to produce consistent heat regardless of outside temperatures.
If you decide to go with a heat pump, just make sure that it is properly sized and designed for the climate in Southwest Missouri.
Heat Pump vs Furnace: Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the biggest reasons homeowners consider switching to a heat pump. Since heat pumps primarily move heat instead of generating it, they can be highly efficient under the right conditions.
Furnace efficiency, meanwhile, heavily depends on the specific furnace that you choose. Modern gas furnaces tend to be significantly more efficient than older systems. They also typically come with an efficiency rating so that you can compare furnaces and know exactly what you’re getting when it comes to energy efficiency.
Ultimately, which type of heating system costs less to operate depends on numerous factors, from outdoor temperatures to natural gas prices to the specific equipment that you purchase.
If you schedule a consultation with Jon Wayne Heating & Air, we can help you choose a heating system that is as efficient as possible for your situation.
Heat Pump vs Furnace: Upfront Cost
The biggest factor that determines the upfront cost of installing a new heating system isn’t whether you choose a furnace or a heat pump; it’s your current setup and the amount of labor and equipment required to accommodate the new system.
If your home already has a furnace, replacing it with a similar furnace may require fewer modifications and is therefore likely to be the most affordable option.
With that said, keep in mind that a heat pump can handle both heating and cooling. If your furnace and air conditioner are both nearing the end of their useful lives, installing a heat pump may allow you to replace both systems at once. That can change the financial calculation considerably if you’re looking at having to replace both units now or in the near future.
The best way to compare costs is to have an HVAC professional evaluate your current equipment and provide estimates for the options that will work with your home.
Heat Pump vs Furnace: Lifespan
The lifespan of both heat pumps and furnaces can vary quite a bit from one system to another. However, both types of heating systems can last for many years when they are properly installed and maintained.
One thing to consider is how often each system operates. If you are using a heat pump for both heating and cooling, you are likely to be running it year-round, whereas a furnace only has to operate during the colder months.
Regardless of which system you choose, regular maintenance is the biggest key to extending its lifespan.
What About a Dual-Fuel System?
You don’t necessarily have to choose exclusively between a heat pump or a furnace. For many homeowners, a dual-fuel system offers a “best of both worlds” solution.
A dual-fuel HVAC system combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace. During milder weather, the heat pump can provide highly efficient heating. When temperatures become cold enough that the furnace is the more practical option, the system can switch over to gas heat.
The tradeoff is higher upfront costs. Dual-fuel systems require installing and maintaining multiple pieces of equipment, which makes them more expensive.
Choosing the Right Heating System in Southwest Missouri
A heating system is a major investment, and the type of system that you purchase can affect both your comfort and energy costs for years to come. It’s an important decision to get right, and that’s why we at Jon Wayne Heating & Air work hard to help all of our customers choose the perfect equipment for their needs and budget.
Our team can evaluate your current HVAC system, discuss your heating and cooling needs, and help you determine which type of system makes the most sense for you.
Whether you are considering a new furnace, a heat pump, or simply want to know how much longer your existing heating system is likely to last, having it professionally evaluated is a great place to start.
Contact Jon Wayne Heating & Air today to schedule an HVAC inspection and find the right heating system for your Missouri home.
