Heat Pump vs Furnace: What’s the Better Option for My Home in Houston, TX?
Research shows that the temperature in Texas ranges from 36ºF to 96°F on average. The winters are short but can get quite cold and dry compared to the hot and humid summers. Even though Houston, TX, is a hot state, homes should still have heating systems. Systems like a furnace or heat pump help to make the winter months more bearable.
The only problem is that it can be hard to decide on the right heating services. You may not know if a furnace or a heat pump is the right option for energy efficiency in your home.
Keep reading to find out whether your home needs a heat pump or a furnace.
Furnace Vs Heat Pump
Before deciding on a heating system, you need to understand what they are. A heat pump is part of a home's heating and cooling system.
This part is often considered to be an energy-efficient alternative to something like a furnace. This heat pump uses electricity to make a cold space warmer.
If you are using heating in winter, it will take cold outdoor air and use it to create hot air for your home. If you use it during summer, it circulates warm air out of your home and cool air inside.
The main thing about a heat pump is that it does not generate heat. It is able to relocate air from inside or outside to achieve a comfortable temperature for your home.
This is very different from a furnace that is very common in most Texas homes. A furnace uses fuel to generate heat in your home.
It may use gas heating or other types of fuel to generate the heat and distribute it throughout your home.
This creates a heating system that is made up of a burner, heat exchangers, a blower fan, and a flue.
Heat Pump Pros and Cons
If you are trying to decide between a heat pump vs furnace for your home, you want to know the pros and cons. These will help you decide what the best option is for your household.
These are important to consider because not every option is ideal for every home. There are many different factors that impact how a heating system functions for your home.
Pro
One of the biggest benefits of a heat pump is that it is usually more affordable. This is not the case for every home, but in general, a heat pump costs less to run.
This is because a heat pump does not have to generate heat for your home. It is able to use the surrounding air to create a comfortable environment without burning fuel.
Con
Despite being more efficient, a heat pump has a shorter lifespan than a furnace. A well-maintained furnace is expected to last around 20 years or even more.
This is compared to a heat pump that typically only lasts around 15 years. This is often the case, even if you make sure that your heat pump is regularly maintained.
Pro
Furnaces have a lot of building code restrictions due to their size. A heat pump is located outdoors and does not need a very large clearance around the unit.
This makes it a better option for homes with limited space for a heating system. Some systems can even be mounted on the wall so they don’t take up space.
Furnace Pros and Cons
There is no clear answer about whether a furnace or heat pump is right for homes in Texas. This is because you have to base your decision on each individual home.
You will want to understand the benefits and downsides of each option and how it impacts your house. This is important because heating systems are not cheap, and this is going to be a substantial investment.
Pro
One of the benefits of a furnace for your home is low maintenance. Both a furnace and a heat pump require reoccurring maintenance to make sure they are in working order.
But a furnace does not have as many maintenance requirements as a heat pump. This means that maintaining your furnace will cost less over the years.
Con
A furnace is a more efficient option for a variety of temperatures. Because a heat pump does not create heat, it may not be as dependable or efficient in very cold conditions.
A furnace is able to keep your house warm no matter what the temperature outside is. This makes it a more dependable option if you are experiencing a surprisingly cold winter.
Pro
Something to keep in mind is that a furnace is a quieter option for your home. Heat pumps can often be a bit noisy when they are running.
Furnaces are usually located in an out-of-the-way area of your home, reducing any noise. The only sound they typically make is the sound of air moving through your home.
Many people associate heat pumps with clicking or banging noises as they operate.
Heat Pump and Furnace Pros and Cons
If you want to install a heating system in your home, P & M is a reliable company. They provide both furnace and heat pump systems, depending on your preference.
They are also a reliable company if you need any kind of maintenance on your heating system. They can install, maintain, and replace these systems as necessary.
Do you need a new heating system installed in Houston, TX? Contact us today at P & M for heating services or to receive an estimate.