Mid-Atlantic-area winters are long, snowy, and brisk. To keep warm and safe at all times, it’s important to guarantee your home is equipped with a heating system that won’t fail you when you need it the most. However, it can be hard to determine what system is right for you and your home’s needs.
Considering aspects such as how each operates, upfront costs, maintenance, and average lifespans are crucial. Below, we break down the operational aspects of furnaces and heat pumps, along with the pros and cons of each, to help you make the right decision for your heating needs.
How These Systems Work
Understanding how furnaces and heat pumps work is a great first start when determining the right system for your New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Delaware home.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are praised for their ability to provide both heating and cooling. A heat pump system uses electricity to transfer heat from one place to another. In the winter, heat is pulled from the air or the ground outdoors and blown over the heat exchange surface, warming the refrigerant enough to turn it into gas. From here, the gas moves through a compressor that increases the pressure and temperature before distributing the warm air throughout your home. In the summer, the process is reversed to cool your space.
Furnaces
Furnaces come in three main types: natural gas, oil, and electric. As the names suggest, a natural gas furnace is fueled by mixing gas and the air inside the burner and is then ignited within a combustion chamber. Cool air is pulled from indoors and is warmed over a heat exchanger before being pushed back out. Similarly, oil furnaces burn oil and heat the air over a heat exchanger before blowing it back through your ductwork. An electric furnace uses a blower to warm air over electrically heated coils, distributing the now-warm air throughout your ductwork system and into your home.
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4 Benefits of Furnaces in the Mid-Atlantic Area
Furnaces are tried-and-true heating systems. Some of the perks of heating your home with this type of system include:
- Extended lifespan: They’re ultra-durable and can last over 20 years with proper maintenance.
- Heating reliability: No matter how cold it gets, these heaters are designed to withstand it all, delivering dependable heating during even the chilliest winters.
- Quick heating: In addition to heating well, they work hard to heat your home quickly. This means that if you come home after a trip away, it shouldn’t take long to get your home back up to a toasty and comfortable temperature.
- Improved comfort: Because they provide more reliable heating, the overall atmosphere of your home can be more comfortable.
There are a few cons to consider when it comes to furnaces. Gas furnaces are at a higher risk of hazards such as fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide if they’re not properly maintained. Additionally, electric furnaces can be costlier to operate.
4 Reasons To Get a Heat Pump in the Breadbasket
Heat pumps are rising in popularity for many homeowners due to the following benefits:
- Energy efficiency: In the right climate, they can run efficiently using little electricity.
- Versatility: Many homeowners choose to install this type of system because it provides both heating and cooling, offering a streamlined system that’s ready for year-round use.
- Cost-effective: Given its energy-efficient properties, it’s likely that you’ll cut operation costs by making the switch.
- Easy installation: Heat pumps are flexible and customizable; they can work with or without ductwork.
One drawback of a heat pump is that it will be less efficient in colder climates, as it will have to work harder to keep up with your heating needs. Additionally, more maintenance is required year-round to keep the system working in good condition, and the unit requires both an indoor and outdoor unit.
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Harris Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Electric is your one-stop shop for expert heating services in the Mid-Atlantic. Founded in 1986, we have decades of industry experience under our belt that’s given us access to the resources and knowledge we need to complete each project with professionalism and promptness.
We will always prioritize quality services and fast response times, delivering top-notch, five-star service with every project we take on. Our technicians are highly experienced and receive thorough ongoing training so that they can best serve you. We provide upfront, honest pricing on all services, same-day emergency services, and a satisfaction guarantee!
Set up an appointment with our expert team. Achieve the reliable heating you need to get you through the bitter Mid-Atlantic winter.
