As a homeowner, you might wonder about heat pump systems and whether you should consider one, especially if your current HVAC system has issues. However, you might also debate whether a heat pump can heat your home effectively. Do you need a furnace with a heat pump?
As Katy’s trusted heating and air conditioning company, BVS Home Experts breaks down the answer. Read on to determine whether a new heat pump can effectively keep your humble Texas home comfortable for your family.
How Heat Pumps Operate
Understanding how a heat pump functions helps you make an informed decision about its heating and cooling capabilities. Heat pumps don’t create heat from a fuel source. Instead, they transport heat, depending on your thermostat settings.
For example, an air-source heat pump uses your outdoor air to regulate temperature. It draws heat from inside your home, expelling it outside to keep the building cool. During the winter, it collects heat from the outdoor air and deposits it into your home.
Many homeowners feel skeptical about electric heat pumps for this reason. How can this appliance keep a building comfortable when temperatures drop? Manufacturers have significantly improved heat pump technology over the years. Modern heat pumps are highly effective at extracting heat from designated sources and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
How a Furnace Works
Furnaces rely on designated fuel sources to create and distribute heat. More people are familiar with these appliances as an integral part of traditional HVAC systems. Plus, modern furnaces rely on one of two different energy sources, adding variety to consumer options.
- An electric furnace connects to your power grid. Like air conditioning units, it uses electricity to generate heat.
- Gas furnaces operate by burning fuel. They often cost less to install and use than electric models. Therefore, many homeowners prefer gas furnaces.
Furnaces consist of numerous heating elements and other components to function. Since they create heat, they use more energy than heat pumps.
Do You Need a Furnace with a Heat Pump?
If you want the best of both worlds, you can shop for systems that rely primarily on a heat pump and use a backup furnace. But do you need a furnace with a heat pump? Examine factors that may influence the answer below.
Heating and Cooling Needs
What do you expect from your heating system? On one hand, heat pumps work quietly and use less energy to support indoor comfort. On the other hand, furnaces may provide better comfort in some climates, which introduces the next factor.
Regional Climate
Where do you live? If you live somewhere with extremely frigid temperatures, you might prefer a furnace. However, residents of Katy, TX, should have no problem getting the results they desire from a heat pump.
When Is a Furnace Better?
If you’re used to traditional furnaces or boilers, you likely understand some of the pros and cons of these systems. How do they stack up against heat pumps?
Advantages
There are myriad reasons why many Americans prefer using furnaces to heat their homes. A furnace system offers the following perks:
- Familiarity: Furnaces are a long-standing comfort staple. Therefore, more people understand how they work.
- Low upfront costs: You’ll pay less to install a new furnace than most other heating systems.
- Fuel versatility: You can choose from numerous energy options, including oil, gas, and electricity.
- Comfort preferences: Furnaces can quickly make homes feel cozy.
Disadvantages
Although many homeowners stay loyal to their furnace preferences, these heating systems can still cause a few problems. By choosing a heat pump, you might avoid these pitfalls:
- Monthly costs: Furnaces often eat into your monthly budget due to how they operate.
- Maintenance and retrofitting services: Furnace systems have complex components and constantly turn and off to maintain your temperature settings. This increases the need for professional repairs.
- Inconsistent temperatures: A furnace operates in short bursts. As soon as it reaches your desired temperature, it shuts off. This approach doesn’t sustain the temperature effectively.
- Indoor air quality: Traditional HVAC systems force air through vents, transferring various pollutants throughout the house. Furnace heating also diminishes moisture, which can lead to sinus issues and dry skin.
When a Heat Pump Is Superior
How does a heat pump compare to a furnace? Will you notice any differences while living in Katy, Texas? Examine how the pros and cons outlined below compare to your preferences.
Advantages
Despite a controversial beginning, heat pumps have gained popularity in recent years. The benefits listed below contributed to the growing demand:
- Utility bills: Although you might pay a higher installation cost, your new heat pump would pay for itself in monthly energy savings.
- All-in-one system: Traditional HVAC systems require two separate units to manage heating and cooling. Heat pumps can handle both in one system.
- Rebates: You could earn a tax for installing a heat pump instead of a furnace.
- Improved comfort levels: Heat pumps continuously circulate warm air throughout buildings, providing consistent comfort all winter long.
- Less maintenance: A heat pump doesn’t need as much maintenance as a furnace since its system isn’t as complex.
Disadvantages
Why might you avoid installing a heat pump in your home?
- Upfront costs: A new heat pump costs significantly more to install than a furnace.
- Extreme temperature drops: In the event sudden frigid temperatures arrive in your area, your heat pump may struggle to manage the difference. However, some homeowners mitigate this issue by supplementing their pumps with ductless mini-splits.
If you’re a Texas resident, consider installing a heat pump to reap significant benefits that outweigh the disadvantages.
Ask for Guidance from BVS Home Experts in Katy, TX
Do you need a furnace with a heat pump in Katy, Texas, and the surrounding areas? Not necessarily. Our local winter temperatures stay well above freezing. You can employ supplement heating systems in the rare event your heat pump fails to keep up with your demands.
Have questions about the average heat pump life expectancy or maintenance requirements? Call (281) 391-1510 for advice from BVS Home Experts. We’ll provide in-depth answers and a free quote on your heat pump installation.
