We all take climate control for granted these days. In winter, we expect warmth from our heating system; in summer, we demand the cool comfort of air conditioning. Most Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania homeowners don’t give that a second thought—until the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system breaks down and replacement decisions need to be made. Today, the majority of homes either use a conventional air conditioner (AC) and furnace combination or a heat pump. Our team at Burns & McBride is well-versed in the difference as well as the benefits of each type of system.
The Basics of a Conventional Furnace and AC System
In the case of a conventional HVAC system, two separate pieces of equipment share the job of keeping your comfortable. The air conditioner is electric and has both an indoor and outdoor component while the furnace can rely on different fuels to generate heat. The most common furnaces use electricity, fuel oil, natural gas, or propane to generate heat.
Furnaces and air conditioners share the components that circulate the conditioned air through your Delaware home. They both utilize the same blower fan, air duct network, and thermostat. Smart thermostats can help you micro-control your environment, and when used in combination with zone control systems, can deliver individualized comfort and increased efficiency. Newer, high-efficiency systems offer additional features such as variable-speed motors that can save you even more energy.
The Basics of a Heat Pump
A heat pump, on the other hand, is one unit that provides both heating and cooling to your home. A heat pump operates by essentially moving heat into or out of your home, depending on the season. In summer, the heat pump moves heat from inside your home to outside. A heat pump works in reverse during winter; it moves heat from outside to inside your home. The rap against heat pumps was that they would not heat your home comfortably below a certain temperature. At that point, you needed to use expensive electric “backup” heat. Sort of like heating your home with a toaster. Homeowners complained about cool air coming from the registers.
Fortunately heat pumps have come a long way and can now provide reliable, comfortable heat to much lower temperatures. Some very high efficiency models can provide the heat you need at well below freezing temperatures.
The Best Situations for Conventional Furnace and Air Conditioner
Since furnaces generate heat using a fuel, they often perform better in Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Homeowners in the coldest areas of the country can rely on their furnace to keep them comfortable all winter long, even on the coldest days. In some areas of the country, air conditioners are not needed, but more and more our expert installers are adding air conditioners in northern regions. With a furnace, you can choose to go with, or without, the added expense of an AC.
The Best Situations for a Heat Pump
A heat pump is normally cheaper to install than a conventional furnace and air conditioner. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, some homeowners might save up to half their annual energy costs by using a heat pump over a conventional furnace/AC combination. The potential savings is dependent on the cost of fuel in your region.
Here’s Something to think about
Many homeowners combine a traditional gas or oil fired furnace with a heat pump rather than a traditional central air conditioner. This combines the energy savings of a heat pump during the shoulder seasons with the comfort of a high efficiency furnace in the cold months.
We Have Answers to Your Comfort Questions
Visit our website to learn more. Reach out to our team at Burns & McBride in Newark, DE, to get more information. Our trained professionals would be happy to explain the intricacies of different air conditioning systems, furnaces, and heat pumps. We want to help you make the best decision for your family, home and budget. Call at tel:3022197098 or contact us online.
