If you are in the market for a new heating system, you are likely carefully considering your options. In addition to the upfront cost of a new system, it’s important to think about how much that system will cost to operate throughout its lifetime. When it comes to furnaces and heat pumps, which one is cheaper to run?
Energy Efficiency Comparison
Generally speaking, a heat pump is much more energy efficient than a furnace. The main difference between a furnace and a heat pump is that a furnace generates heat while a heat pump transfers heat. Generating heat for your home requires a significant amount of fuel or electricity. Heat pumps, on the other hand, only need just enough electricity to circulate the refrigerant that is used to transfer heat.
It should be pointed out that today’s furnaces are significantly more efficient than older models. In fact, a high-efficiency natural gas furnace can be over 98% efficient. A heat pump, though, can deliver heat at as much as 600% efficiency. As far as costs go, a heat pump can be much cheaper to operate. The average cost to use a furnace over a winter season is around $1,500 for a propane model, $850 for a natural gas model, and about $900 for an electric furnace. The average cost of using a heat pump over the winter is $500.
Other Factors to Consider
While the average cost of operating a heat pump is quite a bit less than a furnace, there are various factors that can affect heating costs for both furnaces and heat pumps. These include your regional climate, local utility rates, and the efficiency of the specific unit you’re using to heat your home.
In colder climates, heat pumps aren’t as efficient as they are in warmer areas. However, even in Bellevue, Nebraska, heat pumps can effectively heat your home on all but the coldest days. When considering costs, you also want to think about the price of installation and the lifespan of your system. In those areas, furnaces may have the edge over heat pumps.
Let Us Help You Choose the Right System for Your Home
So, which system is best for you? At Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning, we can walk you through all your options and help you find the right system for your home and budget. We install both furnaces and heat pumps and provide heating maintenance to ensure that your system is as efficient as possible. We also provide heating repairs and a full range of cooling services. In addition, our team works on ductwork, fireplaces, geothermal systems, and indoor air quality systems throughout Bellevue and the surrounding area. Call us today for more information or to set up an appointment.
