HVAC DIY Tips & Tricks

Heat Pump vs Gas Furnace?

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- By russell jones

The whole heat pump versus furnace debate is widely discussed, so which is best? Furnaces and heat pumps are the most used heating systems on the market in North America.   But which one is best for your home?

What is A Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a cooling and heating system that transfers heat from one area to another. In the case of heating, It moves heat from the air outside and moves it inside.

Heat Pump Pros

A heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat from one area to another. It doesn’t produce heat so it's highly energy efficient.

Heat Pump Cons

A heat pump works best if the outdoor temperature is above freezing and it can be inefficient during a harsh northern winter.

What is a Gas Furnace?

Gas furnaces utilize fuel-fed burners to produce heat within a combustion chamber that’s forced into a heat exchanger and then fed into your home.

Gas Furnace Pros

The biggest pro of a furnace is it will heat your home in any weather condition, regardless of the outside temperature as it creates heat from fuel.

Gas Furnace Cons

Depending on the type of furnace you purchase, you can spend thousands of bucks a year fueling your furnace. Not every home has access to the fuel you would like as well.

Which One is Best?

The most significant factor that should be used to examine the heat pump vs. furnace debate is the region you live in.

The Heat Pump Rule

Here is the general rule of thumb based on the temp where you live ️ Heat Pump: Avg Winter Temp > 40°F (4.5°C). ️ Furnace: Avg Winter Temp < 40°F (4.5°C).

There are Hybrid Options

A hybrid approach uses a gas furnace combined with a heat pump. These are increasingly popular in Canada. This is known as a dual-fuel system. 

Picking A Winner?

It can be tough to decide, so arm yourself with the right intelligence and make the best decision for your home. Check out our breakdown on heat pumps vs furnaces below.

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