About Heating Services in Georgia: Pumps vs. Furnaces
When it comes to the dizzying number of heating services available for your home, there is only two worth considering:
- The classic, dependable furnaces, or
- Modern, efficient pumps.
Making a decision can be difficult, especially when there is a lot of conflicting information available. That’s why this guide is here to help. We’ll provide you with the facts and research surrounding both options so you can make an informed decision that works best for you.
Understanding What They Are
A heating furnace is a device that provides warm air to a home or business. It typically runs on electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil, and different types are available. It is the most popular choice for heating in the United States, with over 76 million furnaces in households across the country.
Furnaces use a power source to light burners inside the furnace cabinet. These burners heat a heat exchanger, which warms the air circulated throughout the home. They are designed only to provide heat to the home, and when they are properly maintained and paired with the correct ductwork, they can do a great job.
On the other hand, a heat pump is a device that can heat, cool, filter, and dehumidify a space simultaneously! It transfers heat from one place to another rather than creating heat. This allows it to heat and cool space using less energy than other HVAC equipment!
- In the winter, the heat pump takes the warm air from outside and transfers it inside the house to make it warmer.
- During summer, the heat pump takes the warm air from inside the house and transfers it outside to keep the house cool.
Their Pros and Cons
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of these heating services to see which one suits your home best:
- Furnaces cost much less to install and use standard technology. It’s also fast-heating and available in various forms—gas, oil, propane, and electric.
However, they aren’t the most energy-efficient devices around. Furnaces can use up to three more times energy than heat pumps. They also require ductwork, which will balloon the initial installation fee and add maintenance costs. Furnaces release an unpleasant smell (that of burning dust) when they’re first turned on during winter.
- While heat pumps are costlier to install, their purpose befits the bill. They’re not just heaters; they’re an all-in-one system that dehumidifies, filters, and cools! Heat pumps are also three times as efficient as furnaces and require service once annually. They also run on electricity, so they don’t release any foul odors when turned on.
The only two disadvantages of heat pumps depend on location and installation. For those living in frigid climates, it’s wise to have an alternate form of heating to keep your home warm during extreme cold weather events. And, as mentioned earlier, while these modern heating services are extremely efficient, they cost more to install upfront. However, this will be offset by the resulting energy efficiency and once-a-year maintenance costs down the line.
In Summary
Do you use classic, dependable, or modern and efficient heating in your home? This guide should help, so re-read it the next time you consider a heat pump or furnace to keep your home nice and warm during the colder months.
Contact Stiles Services for All Your Heating Needs
Stiles Service is ready to serve whether you’ve got a heat pump or furnace installed. We provide trusted heating services in Georgia, repairing or replacing your air conditioning, furnace, pumps, and other heating units. Call 706-548-1328 or request service by visiting our website right now!
