heat pump or
gas furnace?

  

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A  HEAT PUMP AND AN AIR CONDITIONER  WITH A GAS FURNACE?

An air conditioner only works during the cooling season and your gas furnace provides the heat for the heating season.

 

A heat pump serves both purposes. In the summer it acts as your air conditioner and in winter it reverses it’s cycle and moves the warm air inside your home and sends the cold air outside your home.

   

                                                 

HEAT PUMP   GAS FURNACE
Clean, no pollutants    Must be vented to outside
Air temp is below 100 degrees   Air Temp is usually between 120-130 degrees
Efficient – excellent economy    Fuel Oil 80-95% Efficiency only
Effectiveness become marginal below 40 degrees    Effective regardless of outside    temp
Safe -  no flammable fuel used    Gas may be Natural, LP
Emergency strip heaters are often expensive to operate   Efficient at all temperatures

                                                       

When choosing the type of system that is right for you, you should get a comparison between your local energy rates for each type of product.

 

A Heat Pump works like an air conditioner during the summer and then serves as a heating component in the winter. As explained in the “How an Air Conditioner Works” section, the heat in your house is absorbed into the refrigerant and then is transferred outdoors through the condenser. When in heating mode, the Heat Pump absorbs heat from outside and moves it into your home via the indoor coil. When temps drop below about 40 degrees there is very little heat outdoors to capture and the electric strip heaters move into action. The heaters are much like the element in a hair dryer and are very effective. However, these strip heaters consume electricity much faster than when in the heat pump mode, or in comparison to a gas appliance.

 

How do you choose a
new Furnace or Heat Pump?

Once you have decided you need to replace your unit you want to make the best decision about what you will buy. There are several factors to consider, but most importantly is who will provide you with you new unit. The installation of a Gas Furnace or Heat Pump is quite different than say, a refrigerator or a washing machine. These units are basically self-contained sealed systems that simply are plugged into a wall outlet. Your Heat Pump is part of a complex system of piping  and wiring from outdoors to the indoor section, and a gas furnace requires extensive knowledge of gas pressures, venting and proper sizing. A properly trained technician is critical to a proper installation and to insure full benefit of your new purchase. It is also critical to the life expectancy of your investment. A Heat Pump without the incorrect amount of refrigerant charge can cost you as much as double in energy costs while still heating your home somewhat effectively.

  

1.              Consider the Standard Warranty of the unit offeredSome units only carry a 1 year manufacturers warranty, others may be as much as 8 years. Also, if your Heat Exchanger fails, (the most important part in any unit, it is equivalent to the engine in your car) do you get a new part or a new unit?

  

2.              What labor warranty is offered by the installing contractor?  Different contractors have different policies and it should be determined upfront.

  

3.              What is the efficiency being offered and how much would it cost to upgrade to a higher AFUE? Most contractors will quote on a 80% furnace unless you ask. Remember that 92% AFUE is 12% more efficient than the standard 80% AFUE.

  

4.              Ask the BTU capacity and see it in writing before you buy. The output of a gas furnace is the true measurement, not the input rating. Many older furnaces are oversized and can be replaced by a smaller BTU furnace with a higher efficiency. Use caution and be certain your installer is sizing the blower to match your Air Conditioning Unit as well.

  

5.              Consider the name brand. Have you heard of this company before does the name represent quality in your mind? How can you be sure?

  

6.              Where is the equipment manufactured, as some units manufactured in foreign countries may have problems with replacement parts?

  

Three elements to consider are: Gains in your efficiency means lower energy costs, a new warranty covering all parts will add peace of mind, and even if you are considering selling your home in the near future, most buyers today expect a reliable and efficient Heating System in the home they purchase.
 


Designed by Feature Group, Chesterfield, MO.
Copyright © 2005 Mechanical Equipment. All rights reserved.
Revised: March 21, 2005.