When it comes to heating your family home, you really have two major options. An electric heat pump or a gas furnace.
Lot’s of people think that electric heat pumps are expensive and heat pump running costs are too high. But that’s not always true. There are also numerous other factors to consider when deciding whether to choose a new gas furnace installation or a heat pump install for your home.
Today’s blog post is all about helping you to make the right choice for your family. Here are some things to consider when making the choice between a heat pump and a furnace.
#1 – Running Costs – Is An Electric Heat Pump More Expensive To Run Than A Gas Furnace?
It’s true that, for most of us here in Canada, gas is significantly cheaper than electricity.
However, to really consider which is cheaper between a gas furnace and an electric heat pump, you also need to think about the efficiency of the heating devices you’re considering.
Although the cost of gas is cheaper than electricity, a non energy-efficient gas furnace could end up costing you more than an energy-efficient heat pump, simply by using a greater volume of energy to heat your home.
If you have a small home or only need to heat a small space (a living room, for example) then a high-efficiency heat pump could end up being a more cost-effective solution for your family.
When it comes to heating larger spaces or full homes, that’s really when a gas furnace system can start to become a cheaper heating option.
If you are considering making the switch to a new heating system, we highly recommend taking a close look at the energy efficiency ratings of the systems you’re considering before you commit one way or the other. If you’re in any doubt as to which option is right for your situation, give one of our technicians a call on +1-778-522-5669.
#2 – Safety
Gas furnace safety is another major point worth considering.
If your gas furnace installation is not carried out properly, or if your furnace is not serviced and maintained regularly, the risk of a Carbon Monoxide leak is significantly increased. Even a Carbon Monoxide detector may not be enough.
In this respect, an electric heat pump may be a safer option than a gas furnace, since electric heat pumps don’t generate Carbon Monoxide in the same way a gas furnace could.
#3 – Heat Pump Installation Costs Vs Gas Furnace Installation Costs
Electric heat pumps are usually cheaper to install than a new gas furnace installation.
For many families here in Vancouver and throughout the Lower Mainland, that is an important factor to consider.
Most houses here in BC have natural gas lines installed and ready to use, but if you don’t, you may decide that the upfront cost savings of a heat pump over a furnace could offset any potentially higher running costs in the short term.
For more detailed information and a complete assessment of what’s best for your family home, contact our team of experienced HVAC specialists today.
