Heat Pump vs. Furnace
Heat pump vs furnace? Many Spartanburg, SC homeowners come to us asking this very basic questions. It’s normal to compare the two when it’s time to install a new heating system in your home. Fortunately for you, the Floyd’s Heating & Air team is here to help you decide how to pick the right heating system for your home. Keep reading below to learn some of the basics of heat pumps and furnaces!
Heat Pump
Heat pump systems serve as an air conditioner during the hot weather and a heating unit during the cold weather. A heat pump works by constantly moving warm air from one place to another. In the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from the air or ground and moves it inside of your home. During the summer, your heat pump works in reverse.
Furnace
A furnace on the other hand, generates its own heat. When the indoor temperatures dip, an oil or natural gas furnace receives the signal and send fuels to the burners inside a combustion chamber, a pilot light ignites the burners that heat the heat exchanger. The blower fan moves air around the exchanger and send hot air throughout your home.
Heat Pump vs. Furnace
- Energy Efficiency - Heat pumps are extremely energy efficient in fact, a heat pump can transfer 300% more energy than it consumes. However most sources say that furnaces heat efficiently and even better than a heat pump in colder climates.
- Comfort - While both heat pumps and furnaces provide heat for your Spartanburg, SC home, the air from a heat pump isn’t as hot as the air you get from a furnace. However, heat pumps circulate naturally humid air so there may be less need for a whole home humidifier with a heat pump.
- Lifespan & Maintenance - Finally, furnaces with proper maintenance can last you around 20 years. A heat pumps lifespan is closer to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Furnaces also have fewer mechanical parts than heat pumps which typically means fewer repairs will be needed with a furnace.
If you’re still struggling on what heating unit is best for you and your Spartanburg, SC home, give the Floyd’s Heating & Air team a call today! To learn more about our heat pumps and furnaces we carry and install, check out our products page.







