Heating System Installation: Reasons To Choose A Heat Pump Over A Gas Furnace

For decades, gas furnaces have been the go-to units for residential heating. However, new, more efficient systems, such as air-source heat pumps, have recently become popular among homeowners. Unlike furnaces that use fuel to heat the air, heat pumps absorb heat from the surroundings and transfer it to the indoor air. Here are four reasons you should choose a heat pump over a gas furnace for residential heating.

Ductless Whole-House Heating

Heat pumps are efficient and cost-saving heating systems for homes with no existing ductwork. Split air-source heat pumps feature a heat pump and an indoor air handler. You can use multiple indoor air handlers to create zones for precise temperature control. Each air handler has its own thermostat, which allows you to regulate the temperatures in individual zones without relying on ductwork, dampers, or vents. This promotes even airflow throughout the home and improves indoor comfort.

Reduced Energy Costs

Gas furnaces rely on fuel to provide heating, which increases the appliance's annual running costs. Heat pumps use electrical energy only to power the unit and its components. The system does not use power to generate heat; thus, its energy consumption is negligible. Therefore, if you are looking to lower your annual heating costs, a heat pump is an ideal choice. Modern heat pumps can cool your home during the summer using reverse refrigeration technology. By using the appliance for year-round heating and cooling, you can significantly lower your household's energy costs.

Low Maintenance Costs

Furnaces have complex systems and components that require regular maintenance to function optimally. These include the venting system, pilot assembly, gas lines and valves, heat exchangers, and ductwork. These components can be costly to repair and maintain. On the other hand, heat pumps have no ductwork, gas components, or venting systems. You only need to service the heat pump, compressor, and evaporator units. Fewer things can go wrong in a heat pump, and when they do, they are easy to fix.

Safe and Eco-Friendly Heating

Gas heating systems must be maintained regularly to operate safely. These systems emit exhaust gases as byproducts of the combustion process. Thus, they require adequate venting to release the gases outdoors. Improper venting or damaged vent pipes can leak harmful exhaust gases indoors, endangering household occupants.

Air-source heat pumps do not burn fuel; thus, they do not emit exhaust gases. You don't have to worry about carbon monoxide leaks from your heating system. Also, since heat pumps have no emissions, they are among the most eco-friendly heating systems for households. 

Proper installation is crucial to optimizing the performance of an air-source heat pump. Therefore, contact an HVAC contractor for professional heating system installation services.

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