If you need a heating system for your home, there are a great number of choices available. Many of them fit into one of two categories: heat pump or furnace. These systems generate warmth in much different ways. They both have numerous pros and cons; either option can be preferable for different homeowners.
How They Work
As its name suggests, a heat pump works by using refrigerants to move warmth from one place to another. It draws heat from indoor or outdoor air during different seasons. Even in relatively cold weather, there is enough heat in outdoor air to warm up a home. Some units can extract warmth from the ground. Next, air handlers use fans to distribute warm air throughout a building.
On the other hand, a furnace produces heat rather than moving it around. Most units burn heating oil or natural gas to generate warmth. Two of the most important components are the heat exchanger and combustion chamber. The fuel-burning process creates exhaust that the furnace must release through a vent or chimney.
Emissions
A gas or oil furnace directly releases emissions into the local environment. As long as it does not develop a refrigerant leak, a heat pump will not produce any emissions near the home. This makes the air cleaner in your neighborhood. However, it does generate emissions at the power station unless you happen to get your electricity from a hydroelectric, wind or solar plant.
Region
Air-source heat pumps generally only perform well when the temperature remains above 35 F. Many units feature supplemental electric or gas heaters for colder weather, but they are not as efficient as central furnaces. An adequately powerful furnace will work well in any climate, so it remains a popular option in northern states.
Cooling
The air conditioning abilities of heat pumps make them desirable in southern regions. This equipment can warm up a building in the winter and cool it during the summer by working in reverse. A furnace cannot do this, so a separate air conditioner or evaporative cooler is necessary in most homes.
Ductwork
Furnaces normally use ducts to distribute warmth throughout buildings. A fan helps move the air. These metal structures cost a substantial amount of money to install and maintain. Heat pumps may or may not use ducts. A ductless unit replaces them with narrow conduits containing power and refrigerant lines. However, most houses will need multiple indoor air handlers if they use this equipment.
Installation
A furnace generally costs less to buy and install. Ground-source heat pumps remain more expensive than air-source units, but they work in colder climates. Furnaces cost extra if no ductwork is already present. Either kind of heating equipment can qualify homeowners for utility or government rebates in some parts of the country.
Both options are highly efficient when used under the right conditions. The best choice will differ depending on your local climate as well as fuel and electricity rates. Your decision may also be swayed by the rebates, tax credits or types of fuel available in your area.
Charity Oil offers the best heating oil prices in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We are known for high-quality oil while giving back to the community. We are call Charity Oil because we help support charities such as the Wounded Warrior Project, Make A Wish Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. By ordering heating oil from us, five cents of every gallon of fuel will be donated to help these charities. We partner with reputable, licensed dealers who provide top-notch service and discount prices. This provides an easy way for customers to support charities and their community each time they order fuel while also helping them find affordable fuel suppliers that they can build a trusting relationship with.
To get started with your online fuel order, please click here. This will begin the registration process. The best part is that you can order your home heating oil online, 24/7! Contact us today or give us a call at (845) 470-1000 if you have any questions.