Should I Choose a Heat Pump or a Furnace?

The What’s What

Here are some things to consider helping you in your decision-making process. And remember, you can always call one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals at All Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning for more clarity on this whole subject.

What About a Heat Pump?

The short version of how a heat pump works is that it transfers heat from inside to outside and then outside to inside. It works on the same philosophy as an air conditioner—it does not create heat. It simply moves it around.

A heat pump is also an air conditioner, so essentially you get a two-for-one system. Here are its pros and cons.

Heat Pump Pros

• Runs cleaner. A heat pump runs off electricity, so it is a cleaner source of energy than gas or oil. It can create one-and-a-half to three times more energy than it uses.

• Washington State Energy Code. Heat pumps are the prime equipment Washington State energy code uses to comply with its high standard of efficiency & low carbon footprint.

• Can be safer. Because a heat pump runs on electricity, there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or gas explosions.

• Can provide both heating and cooling. In other words, it is convenient and could be more cost effective in the right home. Moreover, there are no added components or elements. Just be sure to keep the heat pump well maintained, because the US Department of Energy (DOE) notes how this can result in a 10 to 25 percent difference in energy consumption as compared to a neglected one.

Heat Pump Cons

• Can have a shorter lifespan. A heat pump has an average projected lifespan of 15 to 20 years, while a furnace has an average 20 to 25 years life span. The reason is heat pumps run all year long heating and cooling, as opposed to a furnace that typically runs only a few months a year. To ensure a productive longer life, consistent proper maintenance is a must, including regular filter changes & cleaning.

What About a Furnace?

The short version of how a furnace works is that it uses a fossil fuel to create its own heat, and then its fan blows the heat to different areas of your home via ductwork. Here are its pros and cons.

Furnace Pros

• Has a longer life span. Running only a few months of the year, a furnace’s life span is greater than a heat pump’s. Most furnaces nowadays can last 20 to 25 years.

• Requires less maintenance. Since a furnace is utilized only part of the year, the wear and tear are less, resulting in fewer repairs with proper annual maintenance by a professional—like one of our All Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning HVAC experts.

• Can be used in homes everywhere. A furnace can be installed in any climate, regardless of the temperatures, including your Washington home.

Furnace Cons

• Can’t cool air. Since a furnace can only heat air, unlike a heat pump, you would need to make an additional investment in an air conditioner.

• Not as safe. Any time gas or oil involved, there is an inherent safety risk of fire or an explosion, no matter how minimal the risk. And with gas, a carbon monoxide leak is possible.

• Not as environmentally friendly to run. Gas and oil do not burn as efficiently as electricity. Their burning produces toxic gases released into the environment. Washington State Energy Code looks at gas furnaces as a debit in energy credits because of the higher carbon footprint.

What It All Comes Down To

As far as which is a better choice, you should take into account several important factors–– such as your area’s climate, the energy rates for electricity and gas, how environmentally friendly the energy source would be––and go from there. If you have more concerns regarding furnaces or heat pumps, do not hesitate to contact our highly trained and knowledgeable All Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning team.

We Are Your Furnace and Heat Pump Experts

All Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning is a team of fully licensed professionals. For any questions or to schedule service, call us at 509-248-6380 or request service online today. We service Ellensburg, WA, and its surrounds, offering furnace and heat pump expertise, along with installation and replacement, repairs, maintenance, and more.