The Differences Between Gas Furnaces and Heat Pumps

When it’s time to replace the heating system in your Savannah, GA, home, you might wonder about the differences between a gas furnace and a heat pump. Both of these systems can heat your home during the winter months of the year, but they’re quite different from each other. Consider these three key differences between a heat pump and a gas furnace for your home.

1. Source of Fuel

Gas furnaces burn natural gas or propane. This combustion process creates heat for your home. Heat pumps don’t use any gas. They operate on electricity only. No fuel is burned in a heat pump. During the winter months of the year, the heat pump transfers heat from the outdoors and moves it into your home.

2. Energy Efficiency

Gas furnace efficiency is measured with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating system. Older gas furnaces may only be 65% to 75% efficient. New gas furnaces have AFUE ratings of up to 98%. Heat pumps are rated with a different system, which is called the heating season performance factor (HSPF). HSPF measures how much of the input energy is used to transfer heat into your home for the entire duration of the heating season.

3. Functionality

A gas furnace can only provide heating functions. These systems perform exceptionally well in places that have long, frigid winters. Heat pumps can perform both heating and cooling functions. In the summertime, they transfer heat out of your home. In the wintertime, they transfer heat into it. You can use a heat pump all year long to maintain indoor comfort.

At Savannah Air Factory, we’re the trusted installers of heating systems in Savannah. Homeowners also count on us for air conditioning installation and heating and cooling repair. Our indoor air quality solutions, dehumidifiers, maintenance plans, whole-home air filtration, ductless systems and hybrid systems are designed with your comfort, health and budget in mind. For more details about the differences between gas furnaces and heat pumps, get in touch with us at Savannah Air Factory today.