This winter will be one to remember for residents of Rocky Mount, VA, and the surrounding areas. As snowstorms, rainstorms, and even hail plagued our community for weeks on end, many families found themselves struggling to stay warm with an old and outdated heating system. Yikes!
Of course, the Davis Heating & Air team was available to help with quick and affordable heating replacement and installation services. The only challenge was picking between two great heating options! Let’s view the difference between furnaces and heat pumps. Maybe you will be inspired to upgrade too!
What’s the Difference Between a Furnace and a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps rely on electricity and refrigerant to transfer heat between two areas —much like an AC unit, except this can be reversed to cool and heat. During the winter, the refrigerant absorbs heat from outdoor air and relocates it inside your house. High-efficiency heat pumps can work in temperatures as low as 20 degrees! During the summer, the refrigeration cycle is reversed. Heat is pulled from inside your house and transferred outdoors.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
Furnaces actually create warm air by burning gas or oil and use ductwork to distribute the warm air throughout the house. Some “hybrid” furnaces can run on both oil or gas.
Benefits of Heat Pumps
Takes Up Less Space
Heat pumps are made up of two units: the compressor and the air handler. Much like an AC, the compressor is installed outside your home. The air handler — the part that emits heat — is small enough to be placed just about anywhere in a home. Some air handlers can even be mounted on walls near the ceiling to avoid using any floor space.
Costs Less to Run Than Furnaces
Heat pumps don’t use as much energy as furnaces because they don’t run on oil or gas. For those of us lucky enough to live in a moderate climate, using a heat pump to keep warm during the winters is a great way to reduce monthly utility costs.
Heat Pumps Double as Air Conditioners in Summer
If you have a heat pump, you don’t have to worry about getting an air conditioner to keep you cool in the summer! Many Virginians prefer heat pumps for this reason alone. It’s the perfect two-in-one heating and cooling system.
Also, when they need a heat pump specialist, Roanoke residents know they can depend on Davis Heating & Air!
Benefits of Furnaces
Furnaces Cost Less Than Heat Pumps
While heat pumps can help reduce energy bills, they are more expensive to purchase and install upfront. If you need a new heating system ASAP but simply don’t have the funds to invest in a heat pump, a furnace would likely be more suitable to your budget.
Furnaces Blow Hot and Dry
Some families prefer the warm and cozy environment created by a furnace, which blows hot and dry right out of the air vents. Heat pumps, on the other hand, tend to “blow cool,” meaning the air is warm as opposed to hot and holds more moisture. This doesn’t make heat pumps any less efficient than furnaces — it simply comes down to the homeowner’s preference!
Still not sure which heating system is right for your needs? Just call Davis Heating & Air today to speak to one of our friendly technicians about your next heating or AC system.