Question 1

Which is better - heat pump or furnace?

Accepted Answer

From both environmental and financial factors, a heat pump system is better. It’s more energy-efficient leading to lower utility bills. The upfront costs for a heat pump are higher, but in the long term, the heat pump will save you money yearly and pay for itself quickly.

Question 2

How many years should a heat pump last?

Accepted Answer

Answers vary from source to source, but typically most heat pumps are expected to last between 10-15 years, with some up to 20 years.

Because heat pumps act as both a furnace and an air conditioner, they technically run all year round. A furnace really only runs in the colder months and an A/C only in the cooler months. This may lead to a “shorter” life span than if compared solely to one of the other appliances. However, the energy savings and no need for a separate A/C and furnace can balance that out.

Question 3

Are there different types of heat pumps?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are a handful of different types of heat pumps. Most residential-scale heat pumps you’ll see are Air-Source pumps with a backup electric or gas system. There are also Geothermal and Ductless Mini-split heat pump systems.

The geothermal system uses heat from the ground rather than outdoor air, so installation required pipes and trenching, which causes it to be more expensive. A Ductless Mini-Split uses multiple small indoor units in each zone of the home and connects them to an outdoor unit. These are best for small homes and are typically one of the cheaper options.

Lastly, there are Gas-fired heat pumps which are powered by gas, thus less efficient. However, gas-fired heat pumps can come in larger than 5-ton sizes to support large rooms and buildings at varying temperature zones. Typically, these are a more popular alternative for commercial buildings.

heat pump analysis

How To Sustainably Heat The Home – Heat Pump vs Furnace

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