Furnace vs. Heat Pump – What’s best for your McDonough home

When it comes to heating systems, most homeowners are usually unable to choose between heat pumps and furnaces. Although both these systems cater to the same requirement of heating homes, the working principles and heating methods are entirely different. Both these heating solutions have their advantages, making them suitable for specific situations.


So, which option is best for your home? Read on to learn more about the differences between the two as we analyze the performance, cost, maintenance, energy efficiency, and much more about heat pumps and furnaces.


Difference in the working methods

Furnaces require fuels such as oil or natural gas to function. For this reason, furnaces are more suitable for homes equipped with natural gas lines. After the fuel is burnt in a combustion chamber, the resulting hot air is directed through the ductwork and distributed within your home. Now you also get to buy furnaces that run on electricity. The most advanced versions of furnaces are more energy-efficient than their older counterparts.


The working of heat pumps is entirely different. Heat pumps use electricity and feature refrigerants to absorb heat from outside. This heat is then transferred into your home. Amazingly, heat pumps can also perform this function in reverse. During summer, it can absorb warm air from within your home and blow it outdoors so that temperatures within your home remain cool.

Heat pumps services in McDonough | Difference in working method of heat pump and furnace

Heat pumps services experts in McDonough recommend installing a heat pump if your home does not feature a natural gas line connection or is in an area where temperatures can be extremely low in winters.


Other points of difference between heat pumps and furnaces are as follows:

Cost: The cost of installing a furnace will depend on whether you already have access to a natural gas line. If yes, a furnace will be an affordable choice. Else, you will have to pay more to get a furnace up and going. In general cost comparisons, heat pumps usually turn out more affordable.


Maintenance: A furnace incurs fewer maintenance issues than a heat pump due to fewer mechanical parts. In the long run, you will generally have to spend more on maintenance for heat pumps.

Heat pumps services in McDonough | Maintenance of gas furnace

Lifespan: While well-maintained heat pumps have a lifespan of up to 15 years, furnaces can last more than 20 years.


Energy efficiency: Heat pumps are more energy-efficient since they transfer heat rather than generate heat like furnaces. However, heat pumps must work overtime to maintain warmth during extremely cold winters. In such situations, a furnace will be an energy-efficient option.

Summing up

If the climate in your place is rather mild without drastic variations in temperatures, a heat pump might be an ideal choice. Rather than generating heat, a heat pump can help absorb heat from outside and transfer it inside your home. According to professionals engaged in heat pumps services in McDonough, this makes a heat pump more energy efficient.


On the other hand, if your area experiences extremely cold winters, a furnace will be more appropriate. This is because heat pumps have a hard time offering proper heating in very cold temperatures. By generating adequate heat, a furnace will offer better warmth during winters.


With the above comparisons, you will probably realize that it is not possible to rank either as better than the other. While both heat pumps and furnaces have certain advantages, the right choice for you will ultimately depend on the specific weather conditions in your area and your specific requirements. Not sure which works best for your home? Contact us or call us on (770) 227-5325, and we’ll help you out.

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