Heat Pump Vs Furnace: What To Choose For Your Home?

Comfort Solutions Can Help You Decide Which HVAC Systems Are Best for Your Needs! Heat Pumps, Furnaces, and More! Call Today!

Before you begin with HVAC installation in Metro Atlanta, it’s worth considering what sort of system will work best for your home. There are pros and cons to every HVAC system and an amazing number of different units and options available. You can easily avoid becoming overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices that need to be made by doing a little bit of planning in advance. Preparation goes a long way, especially when it comes to heating and cooling.

VERSATILITY OR EFFECTIVENESS? WHAT’S BEST IN HVAC SYSTEMS?

Furnaces only do one thing, but they do it extremely well. A furnace generates heat. That means outside of the winter months, a furnace isn’t going to be helpful. On the plus side, furnaces are renowned for producing a genuinely impressive amount of heat. During periods of bitter and intense cold, a furnace is very much appreciated. It can combat even the harshest cold spells very successfully. However, it’s completely useless during the summer. There’s no need to add heat on top of an already uncomfortable July.

While a furnace is quite effective at what it does, a heat pump is far more versatile. A heat pump can be used to both heat and cool, so it’s something that you can use throughout the year. During the summer, your heat pump moves air from inside your home to the outdoors. The result is that the interior is cooled. When it’s cold, this process is simply reversed. The heat is moved indoors instead, so your home is warmed. Previously, heat pumps were known to provide a moderate degree of heating and cooling. More recent models have been shown to be much more effective. Newer heat pumps can keep your home comfortable even when faced with extreme temperatures.

SHOULD YOUR HOME HVAC SYSTEMS FOCUS ON EFFICIENCY OR POTENCY?

The efficiency is primarily determined by the specific unit that you’re using. Both heat pumps and furnaces vary in their efficiency ratings. That being said, as a general rule, heat pumps are more efficient than furnaces. It’s best to look at the specific efficiency of a unit and compare. A gas furnace should list its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). The higher the rating, the more efficient the furnace. Heat pumps use electricity, so they show a heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). Again, a higher rating indicates greater efficiency. If the unit is efficient enough, it may qualify for an Energy Star certification.

SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED WITH THE AIR QUALITY PARAMETERS OF YOUR HOME HVAC SYSTEMS?

Air quality should always be a concern. For people with allergies or respiratory issues, air quality directly impacts their health and quality of life. If you have pets and children, air quality is definitely something to keep in mind. Most furnaces use a basic air filter, and there’s nothing beyond that when it comes to impacting your air quality. Heat pumps typically include dehumidification, which can be massively helpful during months that are exceptionally humid. Georgians appreciate the difference that a dehumidifier can make. There are some furnaces that can help to moderate humidity, but most of them are cutting-edge models and can be somewhat costly.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR HVAC SYSTEMS?

Regardless of the type of HVAC system that you use, upkeep is necessary to keep in running at optimum performance. Every furnace needs annual maintenance, which should typically be scheduled in early autumn. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, so it’s recommended that a heat pump receives two maintenance checkups per year.

Always trust your HVAC service in Metro Atlanta to a skilled, experienced technician. Speak with the experts at Comfort Solutions Heating and Cooling if you have any questions or would like to learn more.