Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which Is Best for Your Home?
Winters in the Pacific Northwest can be cold and wet, which is why it’s so important to have a reliable heating system. If you’re thinking of installing a new heating system in your home, you’re probably wondering, what are the real differences between a heat pump and a fossil fuel furnace?
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place, as we make it our goal to help homeowners in Oregon and Washington understand the ins and outs of their heating systems. In this heat pump vs. fossil fuel furnace guide, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision for your home.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps are interesting, as rather than generating heat, like you’d expect, they transfer it. Using a refrigeration cycle, heat pumps pull heat from the outdoor air (even when it’s cold outside). Then they move it inside to keep your home warm. When summer rolls around, the process is reversed to keep your home cool.
Because they use electricity rather than burning fuel, heat pumps are incredibly energy-efficient heating systems.
We love them for mild winters here in the Pacific Northwest, as temperatures rarely drop to extreme lows. This is because they’re not the most efficient in very harsh climates, and often require backup heat to work optimally.
How Fossil Fuel Furnaces Work
Unlike heat pumps, fossil fuel furnaces create heat by burning natural gas, propane, or oil.
That combustion-generated heat is then distributed throughout your home through ductwork. Many homes use these systems, especially during the coldest parts of the year.
However, furnaces also require proper ventilation to safely expel combustion gases.
Plus, unlike heat pumps, they only provide heating, meaning you’ll need a separate system for cool air in summer.
Key Differences Between Heat Pumps and Fossil Fuel Furnaces
Energy Source
Heat pumps run on electricity, which makes them cleaner and more sustainable. This especially true in places like the Pacific Northwest, where renewable energy sources are common. Fossil fuel furnaces require natural gas, propane, or oil, to run, making them less eco-friendly.
Efficiency
Heat pumps can deliver anywhere from two to four times more energy into a home than they consume from its electricity. This makes them much more cost-effective in moderate climates.
On the other hand, fossil fuel furnaces lose quite a bit of energy through combustion and ventilation.
Environmental Impact
Heat pumps can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%, even with today’s refrigerants. So, if you’re on the environment’s side, it might be worth looking into instead of a fossil fuel furnace. This is because which relies on burning nonrenewable resources.
Operating Costs
The cost of operating any system will largely depend on your local utility rates.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, electricity tends to be affordable, thanks to our high hydroelectric output. This gives heat pumps the edge.
With that, natural gas is still relatively cheap as well, so you might actually save some money upfront with a fossil fuel furnace.
Heating Performance in Extreme Cold
Fossil fuel furnaces overwhelmingly take the cake in extremely cold environments. This is because heat pumps often struggle to extract enough heat from the air with freezing temperatures.
Lifespan
Your average heat pump will last anywhere from 10-15 years if taken care of, though it can easily last up to 25 years if well-maintained. The same can be said for fossil fuel furnaces.
Which System Is Best for Pacific Northwest Homeowners?
If we had to recommend one system to Pac-Northwest homeowners, it’d be the heat pump.
With our mild winters, these systems are highly efficient. Add the dual functionality, and you have a system that works just as well during the summer.
Plus, Oregon and Washington offer a variety of incentives and rebates to homeowners who adopt heat pumps.
Benefits of Working with a Professional HVAC Contractor
In the end, finding the right heating system for your home is only half the battle. We hope this article has shed some light on the differences between heat pumps and furnaces.
Having your system installed properly and keeping up with regular maintenance will make sure it lasts for many years.
As a professional HVAC contractor in Vancouver, WA, our team can assess your home’s unique needs to recommend the best system and make sure it’s properly installed so that it’s operating at its most efficiently.
Plus, with our fossil fuel furnace replacement, we can help you take advantage of the state’s rebates and incentive programs.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Home
At the end of the day, both heat pumps and fossil fuel furnaces have unique benefits.
The choice between the two ultimately comes down to:
whether you want better energy efficiency and less environmental impact or
better cold weather performance.
If you’re looking to upgrade your current HVAC system with heat pump installation in Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA, get in touch with us today! We offer some of the highest-rated Pacific Northwest heating solutions in the state.
