Since the dawn of time, we’ve been looking for the best way to keep warm throughout the long winters. Our ancestors took shelter in caves, cozied up by fires, and wrapped themselves in animal skins. Thank goodness we’ve come so far since then! But there are so many options to heat our homes these days…which is best? In Indiana, we can narrow the choice down to heat pumps and gas furnaces. Here’s a little info on both, so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Heat Pumps
How Do They Work?
A heat pump is essentially like an air conditioner that works in reverse to pump heat into the house from outside. Heat pumps and air conditioners do not produce heat or cool air, they just remove heat from inside the house and it is pumped outside. In mild weather, this is a very affordable way to heat your home.
The Advantages of Heat Pumps
Typically, heat pumps are more efficient than some other alternatives. That means you’ll probably see a lower energy bill when you’re heating your home with a heat pump. This is especially true in mild weather, and if your home is currently heated with electricity. The heat pump heats affordably in mild weather and the electric heat comes on automatically to help out in cold weather.
You can also save money purchasing a heat pump system since one unit handles both heating and cooling functions. Another advantage is heat pumps are powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels, which is better for the environment.
Gas Furnaces
How Do They Work?
A gas furnace interacts with a pilot light or a spark from an electrical starter. That sets off a small reaction which warms up a system of coils called a “heat exchanger.” Once the heat exchanger gets hot, your furnace blows air over its heated components. This heats up the air, which is then released into your home.
The Advantages of Gas Furnaces
A gas furnace is typically going to be cheaper up front, so you’ll save money on the hardware and installation. (This is without cooling functionality, however, so you would need to purchase a separate air conditioner.) A gas furnace is also better in cold-weather climates than heat pumps, because they’re more powerful. They’re also better at heating up your entire home, because they use a system of ducts, which funnels heat into every single room. There are some heat pumps, on the other hand, that only kick out heat to a single room, and that heat doesn’t always spread to the remainder of your home.
Why Not Both?
It may seem that you have to choose between heat pumps and furnaces, but that’s not actually the case. There’s also something called a dual fuel system, which uses a gas furnace alongside a heat pump. The idea is that both systems have their advantages, and a dual fuel system “knows” exactly which to use, and when, for maximum effect and efficiency.
Still not sure which system is right for your home? You know who to call! One of Appel’s experienced comfort consultants will be happy to talk you through the options and come up with the best solution for your home, your comfort, and your wallet.