We all want to save energy nowadays. We’re becoming more concerned about the environment and we are looking for ways to reduce our energy bills each month.
One of the best ways to save energy is by adjusting the way you heat up your home. No matter where you live, there are certain times of the year that can get chilly. During these times, having a heater in your home can be a lifesaver.
Two of the most common components of HVAC system in Shreveport, LA are the heat pump and furnace. Both are suitable options to heat your home but there are key differences between the two.
Which option you choose depends on your preferences but if you are looking to save energy in your home, heat pumps are the better option. This is because heat pumps work by moving heat around your property, as opposed to generating a constant stream of new heat.
Here are some of the key differences between heat pumps and furnaces.
Energy Efficiency
Generally, heat pumps are more energy efficient because they move heat, as opposed to using energy to generate new heat. Heat pumps can generate 300% more energy than they consume and they are powered by electricity. This is unlike furnaces that burn fuel and generate just 95% of the energy that they consume.
This means that heat pumps are a better choice for HVAC systems in our area due to the warmer temperatures and better weather conditions in the area. They’re going to cost less to run but they’ll keep your home just as warm and cozy.
As expected, the air blowing from a heat pump is not usually as hot as the air being generated by a furnace. However, if you live in an area with milder atmospheric temperatures, you might prefer the warm stream of air that is released from a heat pump over a hot furnace. Since heat pumps circulate the air that is already present in the room, they don’t dry your skin out in the same way that furnaces can.
Lifespan and Maintenance Costs
The lifespan of heat pumps and furnaces are fairly similar. Furnaces generally last between 10-15 years and you can expect to have a heat pump for around the same amount of time.
Maintenance costs depend on how much you use your heater. If you use a furnace at very limited times of the year, the gas-operated heating element won’t wear out very quickly and it won’t need much maintenance. Heat pumps are often used throughout a larger proportion of the year, so they tend to require more maintenance. But, again, it largely depends on the amount of usage it gets!
If you’re looking to save energy and money in your home, we recommend heat pumps over furnaces for your HVAC system in Shreveport, LA. Due to the milder temperatures, they are much more heat efficient but will keep you warm over the colder winter months.
