Furnace vs. Heat Pump: Which Should You Choose?
A furnace burns fuel to heat your home, while a heat pump uses electricity to move heat from outdoors. Compare efficiency, noise and cooling to choose well.
When it is time to replace your heating system, you will need to decide which type of system to install. A furnace burns fuel, most commonly natural gas, to heat air for your home. A heat pump uses electricity and refrigerant to move heat from the outdoor air into your home.
As you compare these two options, consider these important factors.
Energy Efficiency of a Furnace vs. Heat Pump
A heat pump moves heat rather than creating it, so in mild and moderately cold weather it can be very efficient. As outdoor temperatures drop, a standard heat pump has less heat to draw from and its efficiency declines. Newer inverter heat pumps are designed to keep working well in colder weather.
A gas furnace, by contrast, produces a steady supply of heat no matter how cold it is outside. For homes in Burlington County, a dual-fuel system that pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace is a popular middle ground: the heat pump handles milder days and the furnace takes over in deep cold.
How Noise Level Affects Comfort
Noise levels can differ between a furnace and a heat pump. Because most furnaces are in a basement or another out-of-the-way location, you typically hear little more than air moving through the ducts.
With a heat pump, you may hear the outdoor unit running and occasional sounds during defrost cycles. The indoor air handler also makes some noise as it operates, though modern equipment is generally quiet.
Will You Want to Cool Your Home?
Your choice will also depend on your cooling needs. If your home already has a separate central air conditioning system in good shape, sticking with a furnace may make sense.
If you want one system that both heats and cools, a heat pump is a strong option. It reverses its operation to switch between heating and cooling, using the same refrigerant, coils and components for both.
Installing Your Furnace or Heat Pump
Gibson Home Services installs and services gas furnaces and heat pumps, including inverter and dual-fuel systems, for homeowners in Cherry Hill, Moorestown and throughout Burlington County. We start with an honest assessment and a load calculation so your new system is sized correctly, then offer good, better and best equipment options. Call (856) 220-4158 or request an estimate online.
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