When it’s time to install a new heating system, two popular options you will come across are furnaces and heat pumps. While both serve the same purpose — keeping your home warm during Wisconsin’s freezing cold winters — the way they achieve this is very different. For example, a furnace creates heat, typically by burning fuel, while a heat pump moves heat from one place to another. Both systems have their advantages; so, when it comes to heating a home in Burlington, the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and specific household needs.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Furnaces vs. Heat Pumps
Below, we break down important factors to consider when choosing between a furnace and a heat pump. With this information in mind, you can make an informed decision for your family’s comfort and budget.
1. Performance in Cold Climates
One of the most important factors in the furnace vs. heat pump debate is climate. In areas like Burlington, where temperatures often dip well below freezing, furnaces are highly reliable. They can produce a steady stream of intensely hot air even in the coldest conditions because they create heat rather than relying on outside temperatures.
Before you start thinking, “Well, I guess I need a furnace over a heat pump,” know that modern cold-climate heat pumps have made incredible technological strides. Many new models can operate efficiently down to 5°F or even lower. For the handful of days when temperatures are in the negatives, many homeowners opt for a dual-fuel system. This pairs a heat pump with a small gas furnace, giving you the best of both worlds: the super-efficiency of the heat pump for most of the year and the raw heating power of the furnace for extreme cold snaps.
2. Upfront Installation Cost
Generally, installing a new furnace, especially if you are replacing an old one, can be less expensive than installing a heat pump system. The technology is simpler, and the installation is often more straightforward. However, if you are also planning to replace your old air conditioning unit, a heat pump can become more cost-effective. Since it handles both heating and cooling, you are purchasing one system instead of two separate ones (a furnace and an air conditioner).
3. Operating Costs and Energy Efficiency
Because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, they are significantly more energy-efficient than electric furnaces. In fact, a high-efficiency heat pump can transfer 3 to 4 times more energy than it consumes. This can translate to substantial savings on your monthly utility bills.
However, the cost savings of a heat pump compared to those of a natural gas furnace are more variable. It depends on the local prices of electricity versus natural gas. (See our blogs on “What Furnace Is Best for Me?” and “Why Should You Invest in a High-Efficiency Furnace?” for more information.)
It’s also important to note that, as Wisconsin temperatures dip into the negatives, a heat pump has to work much harder to extract heat from the outside air, causing its efficiency to decrease. On the absolute coldest days, it may need to rely on a supplementary heating source, which can be expensive to run.
4. Lifespan and Maintenance
Both systems require professional maintenance to operate safely and efficiently. However, even when you keep up with maintenance, their expected lifespans can vary dramatically. For example, a well-maintained furnace can typically last 20 years or more. A heat pump, on the other hand, usually has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. This shorter lifespan is because it runs year-round for both heating and cooling, putting more wear and tear on its components, especially the compressor.
5. Environmental Impact
If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, a heat pump is the greener option. It doesn’t burn fossil fuels directly to create heat, and it uses less energy overall. As the electrical grid increasingly incorporates renewable energy sources, the environmental benefit of using a heat pump will only grow.
Making Your Choice Between a Furnace or a Heat Pump
So, should you invest in a furnace or heat pump for your home in Burlington, WI? Here’s a quick cheat-sheet to help you decide:
Choose a Furnace if:
- You want a powerful heating solution that will stand up against the most demanding winter weather conditions.
- You want an option with a lower upfront installation cost.
- You prefer gas-powered appliances over those that rely on electricity.
Choose a Heat Pump if:
- You want a heating system that is highly energy efficient so that you can lower your monthly utility bills.
- You care for the environment and want an option that has as little impact as possible.
- You would like an all-in-one system for heating and cooling.
Let Us Help You Decide
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? You don’t have to make this decision alone. Our experienced technicians can help you evaluate the pros and cons of a furnace vs. a heat pump so that you can get a heating system that is perfectly matched to your family’s comfort preferences, your budget, and your home’s size.
Contact H.J. Faust in Burlington, WI, today to begin exploring your options for keeping your home comfortable no matter what the winter brings.
