What You Need to Know About Heat Pumps & Furnaces
During the colder months, having a reliable heating system is a must for comfortable warmth. Heat pumps and furnaces are two options for keeping interior spaces properly insulated. If you’re considering an upgrade to an existing HVAC system, here’s what you need to know about both.
Heat Pumps
Most heat pumps are designed to utilize outside air to provide warmth during the winter and cooling in the summer. The appliance absorbs heats through pressure from a network of refrigerant lines. Once absorbed, the warm air is released throughout the home. During the hotter months, the pressure from the refrigerant lines is reversed so that cold air flows across the appliance's coils to provide refreshing coolness inside the home.
Heat pumps will typically need a compressor, which is usually installed outdoors. The actual pump can be mounted to a wall and doesn’t take up a lot of indoor space. They are powered by electricity, which may offer heating and cooling savings because there’s no reliance on fuel consumption.
Because the pumps are designed to blow both cool and warm air, it may provide as sufficient heat in colder climates compared to furnaces. Since heat pumps provide both heating and cooling channels, their maintenance schedules may also be more frequent.
Furnaces
A furnace distributes heat throughout the home by fuel conversion. The appliance uses burners to transport and burn fuel and heat exchangers, a blower and flue to safely maintain proper gas or oil consumption. Because furnaces don’t absorb outdoor air, they will typically perform better at keeping homes warm in colder climates.
Energy efficiency will typically depend on the home’s setup. For example, without a connection to natural gas, the heating costs may not be as economical compared to heat pumps. Furnaces rely on fuel, which can also affect maintenance costs. With regular, professional maintenance, gas-fired versions can last for 20 years or more, compared to heat pumps at 15 years. Because furnaces are only used during colder weather, their life spans are typically longer.
Since 1976, Stewart Air Conditioning & Heating LLC in Nicholasville, KY, has provided both heat pumps and furnaces in homes throughout Lexington and surrounding counties. You can count on expert installations, maintenance and repair services so that your house remains reliably comfortable year-round. If you’re wanting a heating and cooling system upgrade but are unsure, expect no-pressure, customized and affordable recommendations. To learn more about the benefits of heat pumps and furnaces, call (859) 252-4945 or visit the website.
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Contact Information
Phone: 859-252-4945
Email: j@stewartac.com
Address: 213 Normandy Court, Suite C, Nicholasville, KY, USA
