So you’ve heard about heat pumps and you’re wondering , “Would I be smarter to buy a heat pump than a furnace?” What’s the difference? How do they operate? Here is a short explanation of heat pumps and how they differ from furnaces. From price to effectiveness to installation and repairs, evaluate the information prior to making a choice.

A heat pump functions as both a furnace and an air conditioner. It can both heat and cool your residence. It does this by removing heat that exists in the air (or ground, if it is a ground source heat pump) outside your home and transferring it into your home. The major advantage is that it can do this much more affordably than a gas or oil furnace. So who wouldn’t install a heat pump for heating their house, you ask. It’s more efficient and it’s one unit vs. two.

Look a little further into the details and you’ll discover that a heat pump, while it does a great job, is only effective for heating your home when the weather is above 40 degrees Farenheit. So the issue really turns into where you live and the seasonal temperature ranges there. If you only own a heat pump and the temperature drops below 40 degrees, your heat pump will not be able to heat your home effectively and you will require a back-up source of heat. You will most likely be better off installing a furnace to be comfortable during cold weather. But if you live in a milder climate, installing a heat pump will save you money over a furnace simply because energy bills are reduced with a heat pump.

That’s the simplest clarification as to the best option for heating your home. Besides the seasonal weather, here a few more details to take into account when evaluating heat pumps and furnaces.

• Purchase cost – heat pumps are usually more expensive than furnaces, however if you have to buy an air conditioner as well as a furnace, the price may make more financial sense.
• Lifespan – because a furnace is only used through half of the year, and a heat pump works all year, the heat pump won’t last as long as the furnace.
• Maintenance – repair prices may be larger too since it functions more continuously.
• Heat Pump or Furnace Installation – contractors may bill more to install a heat pump vs. a furnace.