In Missouri winters, temperatures can drop below freezing and even below zero at times. When chilly weather arrives in Springfield, MO, you need to weigh your heating options. It’s beneficial to look at a heating system comparison of heat pump vs furnace. You should consider furnace and heat pump efficiency during winter in addition to cost, value, and comfort. All Klear specializes in heating installation in Springfield, MO. When considering a furnace vs heat pump in Missouri, we can help you choose the best heater for your home.
How Furnaces Work
When it comes to a furnace, it uses an igniter to light the burners, which results in a flame. This allows the heat exchanger to become hot due to combustion. The warm air from the heat exchanger will need to circulate the air throughout your home using a blower.
There are many positive aspects of a furnace. The top benefit of a furnace is its ability to produce rapid and intense heat. Another benefit of this type of heater is its reliability factor. Not only that, but a furnace will come equipped with a multitude of safety features. Two of these include flame sensors and automatic shut-off valves. Even heat distribution is another welcome benefit furnaces provide. This means that the temperature in your home will stay consistent through all types of winter weather.
There can be some downsides to a furnace. A furnace can pose the risk of a carbon monoxide leak. These systems only have the ability to heat your home. Additionally, when a furnace uses non-renewable fossil fuels, like propane and natural gas, it can affect the environment. These non-renewable energy sources can increase greenhouse gas emissions.
Strong Cold Weather Heat
A furnace can operate off natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity. In most cases, natural gas and propane are more affordable choices to power your furnace. Many furnaces, especially newer models, are highly efficient and have an AFUE rating of 90% or higher.
A furnace needs maintenance at least once a year in order to perform at its best. It’s essential to keep your air filters clean and replace them every one to three months. As for professional maintenance, we will inspect and clean your unit. This includes ensuring proper venting and checking the heat exchanger for any signs of leaks or damage. We will lubricate the motor, which will reduce friction. In addition to that, we will check connections such as electrical and gas to ensure they are tight. Maintaining your furnace will lengthen its lifespan and allow it to run efficiently and effectively.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps run only on electricity. They use the thermal energy from the outdoor air or even the ground to produce heat. A heat pump does not have the ability to directly create heat. It can only transfer existing heat from one place to another. With that said, the heat pump refrigerant will absorb outdoor heat and then use a compressor to pressurize it. This will increase the temperature of the air, which will then circulate throughout your home.
There are several benefits of using a heat pump system to warm your home. For one, a heat pump has the ability to move more heat than what it initially takes in to create the heat. These units are also environmentally friendly as they have significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions.
There are some drawbacks you can run into with a heat pump. When temperatures drop below 25 degrees, they may not heat well. Furthermore, these units don’t produce intense, rapid heating. Additionally, since they run off electricity, if your power goes out, you will not have heat.
Temperature Performance
A heat pump can handle your heating and cooling needs all in one system. Heat pump efficiency in winter and other seasons is generally very high until cold snaps hit. They can save you a significant amount of money on heating bills. A heat pump can let off up to three times as much heat as the energy it consumes. However, when temperatures plummet, there’s less heat in the outdoor air to transfer into your home. This can cause your heat pump to fail to produce heat. In these instances, you need to have a backup heating plan. This could be wood heat, space heaters, or a furnace on standby.
Cost, Efficiency, and Long-Term Value
When looking at heat pump vs furnace cost, you need to consider installation costs. Heat pumps are more expensive to install than a furnace. Another thing to consider regarding heat pump vs furnace cost is the expense to run the system. Would you rather pay for propane or natural gas, or would you want a higher electric bill?
Heat pump efficiency in winter is high until freezing temperatures settle in. This is where a furnace shines as they heat your home in a jiffy. When it comes to long-term value, a heat pump can generally pay for itself within five years. On the other hand, the lifespan of a furnace can be 10 years longer than that of a heat pump. You may spend more to repair and maintain your heat pump in comparison to a furnace.
Cost and Efficiency
Heat pumps cost more to install but less to operate whereas a furnace is typically the opposite. As of 2023, SEER2 and HSPF2 became mandatory efficiency standards. With both of these, the higher the number, the higher the efficiency of a heat pump. We offer financing upon approved credit, for new heating installation services in Springfield, MO. You may also qualify for federal tax credits for both heat pumps and furnaces.
Which System Fits Your Home?
Talking with one of our professionals can help you conclude which system is right for your home. If you enjoy rapid heating, a furnace is for you. If you would rather have an all-in-one heating and cooling system, a heat pump is the way to go.
Existing Ductwork for Budget-Friendly Use
Both types of systems can utilize your existing ductwork. A furnace can produce a dry heat. A heat pump can help control humidity with its ability to gradually warm the air and enhance indoor air quality. A heat pump is more budget-friendly to operate, but a furnace is less costly up front. If zoned heating is important to you, a heat pump has this capability.
Next Steps
All Klear understands the importance of selecting the right heater for your Springfield home. Our award-winning, BBB-accredited business can help you weigh all the pros and cons of a furnace vs heat pump in Missouri. A side-by-side heating system comparison is an excellent tool to visualize which benefits and drawbacks you would rather have. Upon making a selection, All Klear provides top-tier heating installation in Springfield, MO to deliver comfort in the coldest months.
When considering a heat pump vs furnace in Springfield, let the experts at All Klear help you with the decision. Contact us today to schedule a heating and cooling consultation!
