How A Heat Pump Works VS How A Furnace Works

As we said, in our area of Virginia, both heat pumps and furnaces are both very popular. They are both reliable systems that can keep a home comfortable in our climate. It gets cold here, but it’s not the arctic, and both systems are suited to handle the cold we experience. 

Here is how each system works: 

How A Furnace Works

A furnace generates heat by burning fuel (most commonly natural gas or propane) or by using electricity. More commonly, we see fuel burning furnaces. Once heat is created, a blower fan pushes that warm air through your ductwork and into each room of your home. We have a lot of gas and oil burning furnaces in our area of Virginia and Tennessee. 

Key points about furnaces:

• Produce heat directly
• Typically run on natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity
• Can deliver very hot air quickly
  

Furnaces are especially effective during very cold weather because their heat output does not depend on outdoor temperatures, like a heat pump does. These systems generate their own heat, which can be a benefit, and also a drawback in some cases. More on that later. Still, this ability to generate heat independently makes for quick, dependable heating. 

How A Heat Pump Works 

A heat pump works differently than a furnace. Instead of creating heat, a heat pump moves heat. Even when it’s cold outside, there is still heat energy in the air. A heat pump pulls that heat from outside and transfers it indoors. In the summer, the process reverses, allowing the system to cool your home.

Key points about heat pumps:

• Transfer heat instead of generating it
• Run primarily on electricity
• Provide both heating and cooling
• Extremely energy efficient in mild to moderate climates
  

Modern cold-climate heat pumps are well-suited for Southwest Virginia and can operate efficiently even when outdoor temperatures drop into the teens. In the past, heat pumps had a hard time handling frigid temperatures, and wouldn’t be able to produce enough heat to keep certain climates comfortable. Today, the advanced heat pump technology accommodates weather like the kind we see here in Virginia and Tennessee. 

The Benefits Of A Furnace 

Furnaces have been a trusted heating solution for decades, and for good reason. The fact that these systems don’t depend on sourcing heat from the cold outside gives them a quicker ability to heat, and when the temps really drop, this dependable heating may be a comfort compared to heat pumps. 

Benefits include:

• Strong, consistent heat during cold snaps
• Long lifespan with proper maintenance
• Ideal for homes with natural gas access
• Familiar technology many homeowners are comfortable with
  

If you want powerful heat that feels warm right away—especially during the coldest winter nights—a furnace can be a great choice.

Drawbacks Of A Furnace

A furnace is dependable, but not always perfect. Here are some of the cons to using a furnace: 

• Produces dangerous harmful gases 
• Can only heat, not cool 
• Depend on gas/oil prices for your heating bills
• Less environmentally friendly
• Not normally as energy efficient as a heat pump

Benefits Of A Heat Pump

Heat pumps have become increasingly popular as technology has improved and energy costs have changed. In fact, many energy providers, heat pump manufacturers, and even government programs will provide financial incentives when you install a heat pump for your home. 

Benefits include:

• Lower monthly energy costs for many homes
• One system for heating and cooling
• High efficiency and lower environmental impact
• Eligible for utility rebates and federal tax credits
• Great option for homes without gas service
• Ductless heat pumps great for homes with no ductwork
  

For homeowners looking to reduce energy usage and future-proof their home, heat pumps are often an excellent investment. These systems are environmentally friendly, and energy efficient. They’ve become the preferred choice to install for our team here at Complete Comfort in the past 5 years. 

Read More: Replacing A Heat Pump In Damascus, VA

Which System Is Best For Your Home?

Every home is unique, and not every system may be perfect for every home. The best heating system depends on several factors:

• Your home’s size and insulation
• Whether natural gas is available
• Your comfort preferences
• Energy costs in your area
• Budget and long-term goals

In many cases, we recommend a heat pump. The energy savings and flexibility to provide both heating and cooling are huge benefits that most of our customers prefer. We also install dual-fuel systems, which pair a heat pump with a furnace—giving you efficiency during mild weather and powerful heat when temperatures drop.

We’ve been serving Southwest Virginia for over 15 years, and we are starting to work in Northeastern Tennessee as well. We know that no two homes are the same, and make sure that our customers are taken care of individually. If you’re considering upgrading your heating system or replacing an older unit, we’d be happy to help you explore your options.

Call us at (276) 690-9222 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Our comfort experts will help you choose the system that’s right for your home!