Categories: HeatingHVAC System

What Is The Difference Between A Furnace And A Heat Pump?

A heat pump generally refers to a device that is used to transfer heat in freezers, air conditioners and refrigerators among others. Mechanical energy is converted into thermal energy as a function of the heat pump in these machines. Refrigerants, which are fluids that are also used in the process, aid the heat pump to carry out this task. Carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbon are popular examples of these fluids.

Different machines have different output requirement and the heat pump functions to lower temperatures or heat atmosphere as required in each case. The only purpose of a furnace on the other hand, is to provide heating. A furnace does not provide cooling. Some examples of the several sources that the furnace uses to produce heat include wood, fuel oil, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), coal and oil. A furnace is often found to generate heat for boilers, kilns and ovens.

The heat pump is the better choice in the winter when compared to chimneys as the likelihood of choking is eliminated. In addition, built-in air purifier that comes with modern versions of heat pumps increase the opportunity for users to breathe in fresh air. A great feature of the heat pump is that it is practical yet does not require a lot of space. They can maintain their usefulness for a very long time and is generally the least costly of heating devices. There are also options of eco-friendly heat pumps available.

A furnace will require more space than the heat pump as it uses other components such as blowers, burners and thermostat. However, the furnace is quite handy and makes use of a variety of sources such as coal, electricity, wood, gas or oil to provide heat. In addition, burners and blowers serve to increase the lifespan of the furnace. A digital system accompany modern thermostat which increases its ability of efficiently controlling temperatures. This in turn serves to significantly cut cost on fuel and electricity bills.

As outlined, the benefits of the heat pump tend to outweigh those of a furnace.

Call us for all your air conditioning and heating system needs.

Ed Lambert

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