Any homeowner in Argyle, TX, will tell you that it’s essential to have a working heating system to keep you warm during the winter. But when it’s time to replace your old system, you might not be sure which is the best long-term option for you — especially if that long-term option comes down to choosing between a heat pump or a furnace.
Heat pump or furnace — that is the question! The good news is that both offer incredible heating advantages, including superior performance when Mother Nature drops an ice bucket on North Texas. But let’s look at a few pros and cons of each.
How Does a Furnace Work?
Without getting too deep into the weeds, the goal of your furnace is to take the cool air that’s continuously passing through the system and convert it into warm air. The process starts when your home thermostat detects that the inside temperature of your home is too cool based on your desired set point and sends a signal to the furnace. Depending on which furnace type you have (typically gas or propane), the system generates heat in the furnace’s burner. Once warm air is generated, it passes through a heat exchanger to make it hot. At the same time, air from your ductwork is blown over the heat exchanger to warm the air.
The furnace’s blower then pushes heated air into the supply ductwork. You immediately start feeling it come out of the registers on your ceiling, and this cycle repeats throughout the entire home.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
In contrast to a furnace, a heat pump is a heating and cooling system in one. It also doesn’t generate heat. It simply uses electricity to relocate heat to where it’s most needed. In the winter, it transfers outdoor heat to a liquid refrigerant before pumping it inside over a coil or heat exchanger in your ductwork. From there, the air is dispersed as heat throughout your home. In the summer, it pushes indoor heat outside to cool your home.
Essentially, it’s like an air conditioner with a reversing valve. And it doesn’t have to be hot outside for a heat pump to scavenge heat energy from the air outside. These systems still work in temperatures below freezing.
Heat Pump or Furnace? Key Factors To Consider
The general rule of thumb in the heat pump or furnace debate is that homeowners in warmer climates might be better served going with a heat pump, while those in traditionally colder climates might prefer a furnace. This is because heat pumps don’t get near as hot as furnaces and, as a result, experience reduced efficiency in extremely colder temperatures. If it gets too cold outside, a heat pump may need to defrost before it can continue pumping heat throughout your home.
That said, most experts agree there is no clear winner when comparing the two. The right choice depends on several factors, including climate, energy costs, home structure, personal preference, preferred installation and maintenance budgets, and more. Every home is different, and each situation requires a personalized solution that fits your energy needs and budget.
Considering a Heat Pump or Furnace? Call Us!
Even if you aren’t sure if you need a heat pump or furnace, your local HVAC repair guy will be happy to shoot you straight. Our team of technicians at A&A Air knows the systems we install inside and out, including how they’re supposed to work and how to retrofit them to your home. We take the time to explain why you need a new system and what options exist.
When appropriate, we work with all budgets and will do a thorough inspection to guarantee proper airflow, etc.
Call A&A Air in Lantana, TX, Today for All Your Heat Pump or Furnace Needs!
It can be frustrating when your trusty HVAC systems are on the fritz. It’s even more alarming when you know that local HVAC companies are a dime a dozen but are often too busy to schedule your service call quickly. At A&A Air, we take your family’s comfort seriously. We know our job inside and out and respond promptly.
All you need to do is give us a call today!
We proudly serve Argyle, TX, and surrounding areas.
You can email us at customercare@AAair.net or call 972-951-1320.