Heat Pump or Furnace for MD Residents

If you live in Cecil County, Maryland, you may wonder whether a furnace or a heat pump is the best option to heat your home. Both systems have unique benefits and drawbacks, and the decision ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.

One important consideration is the heating and cooling system currently in place in your home. Suppose you now have a central air conditioning system. In that case, a heat pump may be a more seamless and cost-effective option. This is because it can provide both heating and cooling. However, a furnace may be more suitable if you do not have central air conditioning.

Another factor to consider is the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps are generally more energy-efficient than furnaces, as they use electricity to move heat rather than burning fuel to generate it. However, a furnace may be more efficient in frigid weather. Heat pumps can struggle to produce enough heat when temperatures drop below freezing.

Heat pumps use electricity to move heat from one place to another rather than generating it by burning fuel. As a result, they can be used for heating and cooling, making them a versatile and energy-efficient option. However, heat pumps can be more expensive to install than furnaces. In addition, they may be less effective in frigid weather, as they can only produce enough heat when temperatures drop below freezing.

Furnaces are a traditional and widely-used method of heating homes. They work by burning fuel, such as heating oil, natural gas, or propane, to generate heat distributed throughout the house via ducts. Furnaces are generally reliable and efficient and can be affordable for heating your home.

When deciding between a furnace and a heat pump, it is essential to consider each option’s upfront and long-term costs. For example, furnaces may have a lower initial price, but they can be more expensive to operate due to the fuel cost. On the other hand, heat pumps may have a higher upfront cost but lower operating costs in the long run due to their efficiency.

It is also essential to consider the upfront and long-term costs of the different options. For example, heat pumps have a higher upfront cost than furnaces but may have lower operating costs in the long run. On the other hand, furniture may have a lower initial price, but it can be more expensive to operate due to the fuel cost.

Efficiency

Heat Pump

During the heating season, electric heat pumps transfer heat from the outside into your house. This makes them an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. Still, in frigid winters in colder climates, these systems must work hard to heat to warm your home. This makes them less efficient compared to furnaces.

Furnace

Furnaces use an energy source to produce heat (e.g., natural gas, propane, oil painting, or electricity). Creating its own heat makes it a better option for colder climates. In general, furnaces are the most efficient heating systems. Paired with high-efficiency ratings, one of the biggest advantages of furnaces is affordability.

Durability

Heat Pump

Heat pumps generally have a 15-20 years lifespan, with some high-quality systems lasting up to 25 years or longer. However, reaching this lifespan does take regular maintenance. The pumps, refrigerants, and other components may need replacing. The lifespan of a heat pump is often longer than that of a furnace because they do not have combustion processes and experience different wear and tear than furnaces. In addition, heat pumps can be more expensive to repair if they break down, as they have more complex components. 

Furnace

Furnaces are generally less complicated than heat pumps, and as such, they can last longer. Typically, a well-maintained furnace can last up to 20 years before the homeowner may need to replace it. However, the lifespan of a furnace can vary depending on the type of fuel it uses. Proper maintenance and regular cleaning can help extend the lifespan of a furnace. However, it will still need replacement sooner than a heat pump.

Maintenance

Heat Pump

Heat pump maintenance is more involved than furnace maintenance, but it’s not overwhelming. These tasks will allow the heat pump to last as long and run as efficiently as possible.

According to Energy.Gov, You should also have a professional technician service your heat pump yearly. The technician can do the following:

• Inspect ducts, filters, blower, and indoor coil for dirt and other obstructions
• Diagnose and seal duct leakage
• Verify adequate airflow by measurement
• Verify correct refrigerant charge by measurement
• Check for refrigerant leaks.
• Inspect electric terminals, and, if necessary, clean and tighten connections, and apply nonconductive coating
• Lubricate motors, and inspect belts for tightness and wear
• Verify correct electric control, making sure that heating is locked out when the thermostat calls for cooling and vice versa
• Verify proper thermostat operation.

Furnace

Furnace maintenance is relatively minimal. Regular filter changes and vacuuming inside the unit is generally all it takes to keep a furnace running smoothly and efficiently. 

These are the standard furnace maintenance checklist to follow for all kinds of furnaces:

1. Clean the blower unit of the furnace carefully.

2. Replace all the air filters before the season arrives. The air filters filter dust particles and other allergens, which can harm you.

3. If the air filters are changed recently, clean them regularly.

4. You should check the pulley and belt as they can be dangerous if not in a suitable condition. 

5. Clean if there’s any blockage around the vents.

6. Set the thermostat to automatic mode for best performance.

7. Check the insulation around the ducts.

8. Clean the ducts to ensure that no blockage puts a load on the furnace resulting in higher bills.

Conclusion

Traditionally, heat pumps are best in areas where winters are mild (think southern states). Furnaces offer the more extraordinary ability to heat your home during harsher, colder winter conditions and are therefore better suited in northern locations. By selecting a heating system suited to your climate, you can enjoy better comfort and lower operating costs. In Cecil County, MD, oil furnaces are common and an excellent choice for heating your home.

With oil furnaces, you’ll need to consider the installation cost – a heat pump requires both an outdoor unit and an air handler. You’ll also want to consider the cost of heating oil versus electricity. In milder climates, high-efficiency heat pumps can be a very good and effective option. In colder climates, an oil furnace may provide reliable comfort even when temperatures drop below freezing.

A heat pump will keep running as long as you use it, unlike an oil furnace, so you will need to ensure you don’t run out of oil.