3 Differences Between Furnaces and Heat Pumps in Thomasville, GA
Heat pumps and furnaces are both good heating system choices for the moderate climate of Thomasville, GA. Differences to consider before choosing between a furnace and a heat pump include energy efficiency, how they work and heating quality. Here’s more about the differences between furnaces and heat pumps.
Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than furnaces. They cost half as much to operate and can transfer 300% more energy than they consume in optimal conditions. A heat pump uses a small amount of electricity to operate, whereas furnaces need to burn fuel or use electricity for heat.
How energy-efficient a furnace is depends on the model you choose. You can find furnaces as efficient as 98.5%, which is a significant improvement from the furnaces of the past.
How They Work
Furnaces only provide heat, whereas heat pumps can also provide air conditioning in the summer. Their versatility is one of the reasons some homeowners like them.
Some people prefer a heat pump because it doesn’t burn fuel or use a lot of electricity. Heat pumps gather heat from outside and circulate it inside the home. In the summer, it works in a reverse way, transferring heat from inside your home to the outside.
On the downside, heat pumps have a shorter lifespan than furnaces: 10–15 years under good maintenance. The average furnace lasts 15–30 years under good maintenance. Regardless of what type of heating system you install, it needs professional maintenance once a year.
Heating Quality
Furnaces provide more effective heating for indoor comfort because the air blows warm rather than cool. The air from a heat pump has a cool feel to it, although it’s still warming your home.
When the temperature falls below freezing, a heat pump is less efficient. But remember that the average lows in Thomasville, GA, are above 32 degrees.
Furnaces deliver more powerful heat, but heat pumps are more energy-efficient. Contact Waller Heating & Air Conditioning for help choosing your next heating installation in Thomasville, GA.
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