Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which is Better for Your South Carolina Home?

South Carolina residents enjoy relatively warm weather. But when winter creeps around, temperatures dip, and heaters turn on. Homeowners may wonder which heating system is best for keeping their homes warm on those chilly nights. 

The two most common—and popular—choices among homeowners in South Carolina are heat pumps and furnaces. The next question usually is, “Which one is better?” The heating experts from LimRic have put together this guide to help homeowners understand the differences between the two and the individual benefits each system offers.

Understanding the Differences Between Heat Pumps & Furnaces

In the broadest sense, both systems perform the same job: warming your home when temperatures drop. While having the same purpose, each system differs in factors like size, efficiency, and even operation.

These factors help create separate benefits that only a heat pump furnace can provide. Let us break down these systems and how they work, starting with heat pumps.

What is a Heat Pump?

While heat might be in the name, that is only half of what it can do. Heat pumps are built with both heating and cooling capabilities, providing homeowners with a system for year-round comfort. The system works by transferring heat rather than creating it like a furnace.

Using an outside and inside unit connected by refrigerant lines, the pump extracts heat from the outside air or ground and transfers it back inside. The pump’s cooling process reverses the transfer, instead taking the heat inside your home and funneling it outside.

Types of Heat Pumps

When considering a heat pump installation, you’ll normally choose between three types which include: 

• Air-Source Heat Pump: The most common of heat pump types. The system extracts heat energy from the outside air and transfers it inside. 
• Geothermal Heat Pump: Also known as a ground source pump. Operates similarly to an air source except the heat energy is extracted from the underground wells around your home. 
• Gas-Source Heat Pump: Utilizes a coil, powered by natural gas, which helps to enhance heat production inside the pump. 

What is a Furnace?

Many people associate the word “heater” with a furnace. It’s no surprise since furnaces have been a great source of heating for decades. Furnaces warm your home by generating and circulating heat.

When a specific temperature reaches a certain low, your thermostat will cause system fans to kick on which will circulate the warm air. The differences in furnace types are shown when it comes to the heat transfer process.

Types of Furnaces

When it comes to furnaces, there are four common types to choose from: 

• Natural Gas Furnaces: These create and transfer heat by utilizing your natural gas supply. Natural gas allows for high heating efficiency, making this furnace type a popular choice. 
• Oil Furnaces: In a similar vein to natural gas, this type utilizes oil for the heating process. These systems typically have a much upfront cost for their installation. 
• Electric Furnaces: A more modern furnace type that provides a perfect option for homeowners looking for a system that will last them a good number of years. The downside, electronic furnaces tend to rack up much more costly utility bills compared to types like natural gas. 
• Propane Furnaces: Propane types are best for homeowners who do not have access to fuel supplies like natural gas or oil.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Heat pumps can best be compared more to an air conditioner rather than a furnace. As strange as that sounds, when you look at the pump’s mechanics it makes sense. The system requires the use of electricity and refringent to generate heating for your home.

When the pump draws in energy from the air or ground, the heat is then transferred through refrigerant and circulated throughout your home.

Benefits of Heat Pumps

The functionality of heat pumps makes them a great choice for South Carolina. When temperatures get chilly, you can count on a heat pump installation to provide:

• Energy Efficiency: The process of transferring heat rather than creating it creates a higher level of heating efficiency. This is best seen by research done by the U.S. Department of Energy, where an air source pump reduced electricity usage by 50% compared to a furnace. 

• Versatile: A heat pump is not just a heater but an air conditioner all in one package. The dual capabilities give homeowners both heating and cooling while reducing the cost of maintaining two systems. 

• Environmentally friendly: Since heat is transferred instead of created, heat pumps eliminate any fossil fuel burning and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the efficiency allows for much lower energy costs for your comfort. 

• Air Quality: With built-in filters, the circulated air is cleared of any airborne pathogens and allergens. With filtered heating, you can feel cozy breathing only the freshest air. 

How Do Furnaces Work?

Furnaces have long been a reliable choice for heating in South Carolina households, even with the introduction of modern systems like heat pumps. They work by blowing air across a heat exchanger, which generates warmth effectively and efficiently.

By installing a furnace, you can feel confident that your home will stay warm for years to come.

Benefits of Furnaces

No matter the climate, a furnace is a reliable source for keeping your home cozy. Having a furnace installation gives you the benefit of:

• Long Lifespan: Your furnace should last you for a while, typically operating for around 20 years. For homeowners who found their forever home, a furnace will be with you like family.

• Effective Heating: Compared to most other heating systems, furnaces provide a substantial and consistent heat output. With a furnace, your whole home will stay nice and warm no matter how cold it gets outside.

• Flexibility: With a variety of different fuel types, no other heater is as flexible as a furnace. Many homes have access to natural gas, but alternative homeowners can access other supplies like propane to keep their homes warm. Additionally, furnaces can vary in terms of size and energy efficiency, so no matter your specific needs, there is a furnace for your home. 

Let Our Experts Help You Select the Best Heating Solution

When winter time arrives, your home needs that perfect warm and cozy feel. No matter your preference in the heat pump vs furnace debate, it’s always best to have an expert opinion. That is when it’s time to call LimRic for consultation.

Our HVAC technicians provide years of expertise when it comes to heating options. We’ll discuss what you need and want from a furnace or heat pump and find the best fit for your home heating needs. Our installations are done efficiently, making them as non-disruptive as possible.

Don’t deal with poor heating this winter. Call LimRic today and get comfortable tonight.