Heat Pump or Furnace? Which is Right for Me?

Sep 14, 2021

As the weather starts cooling down, you will soon find yourself seeking help from your heater during the cold fall nights and mornings. However, you might be facing a heating system that is overdue for replacement. Many homeowners begin to wonder: should I get a heat pump or a furnace? The HVAC experts at Newcomb and Company are here with insight.

Do I Need a New Heating System?

Before we dive into the heating systems available to you, let’s take a look at whether or not you actually need a new heater. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

  • Was my system failing at the end of last winter? If your heating system was on the brink of failure as you turned it off for the summer, you likely need a new unit to battle the cold this year.
  • Has my system required repairs before? If your heating system has received repair after repair, it will cost you more long-term than a replacement.
  • Was your air conditioner struggling this summer? If your home has a heat pump, it uses the same unit for both heating and air conditioning. When this equipment dwindles in the summer season, it will likely not last throughout the winter.
  • Is your heater under warranty? If you are covered under your warranty, a repair will come at no cost to you—making this option the obvious choice.
  • Have you kept up with HVAC maintenance? Heating system maintenance helps protect your unit from severe damage and costly repairs. When your equipment is kept clean and a professional can catch issues early, your repair is more likely to be an easy fix.

When all else fails, a professional will be able to help you decide whether or not you need a new heating system.

New Heat Pump Installation

If you are from the north, you might feel like heat pumps have a bad reputation. However, these are among the most popular heating solutions in the south. Heat pumps work as a reverse to your air conditioner. These systems use refrigerants to absorb heat outside and move it indoors.

How can heat pumps collect warmth from outside in the winter? Even on the coldest winter days in the south, the outdoor temperatures will be colder than the refrigerant. The refrigerant also compresses the heat, which significantly increases its temperature before it is distributed through the home.

Is a heat pump right for me?

Those in the south will often find that heat pumps are the ideal heating solution. They are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than furnaces while keeping your home or business comfortable. If you only need to heat one area of your house, a mini-split heat pump might be right for you.

New Furnace Installation

Are you considering a new furnace system installation? Furnaces are the ideal heating solution for homes and businesses in areas with extreme winter climates. While heat pumps move heat from one area to another, furnaces create heat. This process makes furnaces much more powerful heaters than heat pumps.

Is a furnace right for me?

If you live in a climate that reaches extreme cold temperatures in the winter, a furnace is your best bet. You will also need to ensure you have the right power supply for your new furnace. While heat pumps rely on electricity, furnace units rely on natural gas or propane power sources.

Newcomb and Company: New Heater Near Me

When you need a new heating system, the professionals at Newcomb and Company are here to help. We will work with you to find a system that fits your home and your budget. Newcomb and Company proudly serves Raleigh, Wilmington, and surrounding areas—including Cary, Knightdale, Clayton, Garner, Leland, Carolina Beach, and beyond. We also offer a range of financing solutions for our customers. You can make your appointment to get started with our local heating solutions today!


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