Differences Between Heat Pumps & Gas Furnaces
There is no one shoe that fits all when it comes to the heating options available for consumers. With energy sources increasingly skyrocketing in price, it is even more important to be knowledgeable of the options available when it comes to heating the home. Heat pumps and gas furnaces are two such options that provide great energy efficiency and low operating costs and maintenance. These units are certainly an investment, but the payback in reduced energy bills is worth it in the long run. Does this Spark an idea?
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Heat Pumps
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With a variety of electric heat pumps available, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highly recommends geothermal heat pumps, as they are the most energy efficient and cost effective systems on the market. Open loop, closed loop and "Direct Exchange" (DX) geothermal systems pull naturally occurring heat from the ground and close by water sources. Since the ground temperatures are consistently around 50 to 60 degrees F year round, geothermal systems are significantly more efficient than other systems and are unaffected by outdoor air temperatures.
Gas Furnaces
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Natural gas is used to heat most American residences, but electricity comes in at a close second. Older gas furnaces run at roughly 60 percent energy efficient while newer condensed gas furnaces run minimally at 90 percent energy efficiency; however, electric heat pumps outperform gas furnaces when it comes to this aspect. On average, natural gas is the cheaper energy source for home heating versus electric, but not always. Therefore, while a variety of factors need to be considered when selecting a heating unit, comparing installation costs and checking local fuel prices is a good way to start.
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Installation Costs
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Condensed furnaces cost $2,000 - $7,000 roughly to install, or more if duct work modifications are needed. Since installation can be costly, the homeowner must carefully consider how long he intends to live in the home so as to accurately calculate the rate of return on investment. It may be a better economic decision to install a standard gas furnace, which runs at 80 percent efficiency as a means to better recoup installation costs. Electric heat pumps will run a homeowner anywhere between $7,000, to $12,000 for a three-ton geothermal unit.
Heat Delivery
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The heat delivery between these two units is an important element that homeowners must consider. Gas furnaces produce warmer air, at roughly 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pumps, however, deliver colder air, at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature difference between the two units is most noticeable when there's a wide temperature gap between indoor and outdoor air as the weather hits freezing temperatures.
Longevity and Maintenance
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Gas furnaces have a longer life span than heat pumps. On average, gas furnaces last for at least 20 years. Heat pumps, given their year-round usage as a heating and cooling appliance, last for 15 years. Yearly maintenance costs also must be carefully factored into the equation. Average maintenance costs vary regionally and should therefore be checked with local providers.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of woodley wonderworks
