How to Choose Between a Furnace or Heat Pump

Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning

Gaithersburg HVAC Contractors

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Are you a homeowner in Gaithersburg or the surrounding Maryland area? If so, you may be trying to decide whether it would be more beneficial to install a furnace or heat pump for your home’s heating needs.

Both options can provide great comfort and efficiency, but each has its own advantages. Researching both can help ensure you’re making an informed decision that is best for your budget and home comfort needs.

Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD’s, leading heating and air conditioning specialists, breaks down the differences between these two options to help you make the most informed and best decision for you and your home.

How Does a Furnace Work?

All furnaces contain a heat exchanger, burner, ductwork, plenum, blower, and flue or vent pipe. Where they differ is how they are powered. Furnaces are powered by either gas – natural or propane, oil, or electricity, They create heat by warming outdoor air. Your thermostat determines the degree to which the air is warmed. This warmed air is then circulated throughout your home via the ductwork, keeping your living space warm and comfortable on even the coldest winter days.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Unlike a furnace that creates heat, heat pumps redistribute heat from the ground or air outside your home into your living spaces. Heat pumps are powered by electricity and move air from one area to another. They are ideal for milder climates as they can both heat and cool a home depending on the season. Furnaces, on the other hand, only generate heat.

Is a Furnace or Heat Pump Better For Gaithersburg, MD?

Choosing between a furnace and a heat pump has been long debated as while they both heat indoor air in the winter, their heating capabilities, energy efficiencies, maintenance requirements, use of space, and costs differ.

Probably the biggest factor in choosing the right system for your home is where you live. Since a heat pump generates less heat than a furnace they work best in milder climates – zones 1-3 on the Department of Energy’s climate zone map. As you can see from the map, Maryland is in zone 4.

High efficiency heat pumps use less energy and thus lower energy bills in warmer climates, but a 95% efficient gas furnace will fare better than ENERGY STAR® heat pumps in colder climates.

According to the Maryland Energy Administration, a heat pump may be the most economical choice when winters are relatively mild and the average temperature is above 25F. When  the temperature in winter frequently drops below 25F it may not be the most economical system to purchase.

Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning for Furnace and Heat Pump Installation in Gaithersburg, MD

Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. is your local expert for all of your Gaithersburg, MD, furnace needs. Our award-winning Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealership proudly offers the finest equipment and services like the Carrier Infinity, Performance, and Comfort Series.

When it comes to providing reliable and efficient heating and cooling solutions for homes or businesses, the high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps we offer provide unparalleled efficiency.

If you are looking to replace your current heating system, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with one of our Comfort Advisors from Presidential Heating and Air Conditioning. They can help you decide which heating system – a furnace (gas, oil, or electric) or heat pump would be the best solution for you, your family, and your home.

You can schedule your apppointment online today.