Furnace vs Heat Pump — How To Choose and Maintain the Best Heating System
When selecting a heating system for your home in Bedford, Halifax or any part of Nova Scotia, you want to ensure that you are choosing wisely, not just for convenience but also based on your investment and your needs within our unique coastal climate. If you are researching the consideration between a furnace and heat pump, you are not alone. This is a choice that most homeowners face and we are happy to help you with a smart decision and keep your system running smoothly for many years to come. Let’s discuss the benefits and disadvantages of both systems while taking into consideration the ways of life here in Nova Scotia.
A Quick Note on Our Climate
Bedford and Halifax have cold wet winters and comparatively mild summers. Living near the Atlantic Ocean means that while the weather is constantly changing, it also means that for long periods of time we are typically left with a broad range of temperatures for review. In winter, the temperatures usually hover around -2°C to -8°C, but it’s not unheard of for really cold snaps to push the numbers much lower than -15°C. This is where your heating system decision really comes into play.
Furnaces: Traditional, Reliable and Powerful
How a Furnace Works
A furnace generates heat by burning fuel (usually natural gas, oil or propane) or using electricity, then circulates the hot air through ducts with the help of a blower.
Benefits of Furnaces
- High Heating Capacity: Furnaces perform really well in extreme cold. During extreme cold periods of Halifax and Bedford, a furnace can keep the inside temperature consistently toasty without much effort.
- Fast Heating: Furnaces warm a house quicker than all other systems. If you return home to a cold house, you will have it nice and healthy in a flash.
- Long Operating Life: A well maintained furnace can last 15-20 years or longer.
- Low Installation Cost (when replacing): If you already have duct-work and an old furnace you are replacing, it is easy and low cost to install a new one.
Drawbacks of Furnaces
- Energy Expenses: Depending on fuel costs (especially oil), furnaces can be expensive to operate.
- One Function: Furnaces provide heat. If you want cooling for the hottest months, you’ll have to install a separate air conditioner.
- Less green friendly: Oil and gas furnaces are greenhouse gas-producing. That bothers a good number of “green” homeowners in Nova Scotia.
Heat Pumps: Versatile and Energy Efficient
How a Heat Pump Works
Instead of generating heat, a heat pump extracts heat from the outside air (including cold air) and brings it into your home. It can also run in reverse in the summer as an air conditioner.
Advantages of Heat Pumps
- Energetic Efficiency: While some other heating systems consume fuel to generate heat, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat which results in a highly efficient system. In moderate cold air (greater than -10°C), heat pumps are highly economical.
- Two in One: Heat pumps provide both heat and cooling which is important in Halifax during hot and humid summers.
- Small Carbon Footprint: Heat pumps consume lower amounts of fossil fuels and lower electricity overall, giving a smaller carbon footprint.
- Rebates: In Nova Scotia, homeowners may be eligible for government rebates and benefits when high-efficiency heat pumps are installed.
Cons of Heat Pumps
- Performance Drops in Extreme Cold: Although new cold-climate heat pumps are impressive, performance and heat output may drop off quickly in extreme cold (below -15°C). Auxiliary heat sources are often a requirement.
- High Installation Cost: Their installation (especially ductless mini-split systems) may appear more costly than just replacing a furnace.
- Maintenance Requirements: Heat pumps usually require maintenance. This includes cleanings and inspections of filters, coils and fans to ensure efficient performance.
Which System is Better for Bedford and Halifax Homes?
It depends on your specific needs and configuration of your home.
Choose a Furnace If:
- Your house has ductwork and a conventional heater.
- You want guaranteed heat in winter’s cold.
- Startup cost is a significant concern.
- You want a heating source that’s simple, the heating power of a heater (without worrying about a secondary source.)
Choose a Heat Pump If:
- You enjoy year round comfort with heating & cooling in one system.
- You are looking for long term energy savings and sustainability.
- Your house has no ductwork (ductless mini-split heat pumps are a great option).
- You don’t mind paying up front for lower monthly bills.
- You plan to apply for any available rebates.
For many homeowners in Bedford and Halifax a combined system by using a heat pump for most heating needs and a furnace or electric backup for extreme cold, provides the best of both worlds.
Heating System Decisions Made Easy
Expert Consultation
We start with a full home assessment and energy audit. We will assess the size of your home, insulation performance, window performance and the effectiveness of the heating that is currently in place before making recommendations. We will showcase performance you can expect from actual installations, instead of specs on paper.
Custom Installation
Whether you are installing a high-efficiency gas furnace or a cold climate heat pump (or both) our skilled installation ensures the ultimate efficiency and durability. We use quality parts and ensure the right size and proper installation for all.
Maintenance and Repairs
Maintenance is essential, especially for heat pumps in our coastal humidity. We can provide service plans, with cleaning, inspection and tuning. For furnaces, we will check the burners, motors, vents and more, allowing us to focus on minor problems, so they do not become costly repairs.
Emergency Services
No one wants to lose heating in the middle of a blizzard. Our 24/7 emergency services mean that if anything should go wrong, help is just a phone call away.
Final Thoughts
In Halifax and Bedford, heat is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Choosing between a furnace and heat pump is a big decision, but you certainly don’t have to make that decision alone. Having the advice of professionals, complete professional installation and sound maintenance through us, you can rest easy knowing you will stay warm through each Nor’easter and cold snap and stay cool when the summer arrives.
Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can make your home more comfortable, efficient and ready for the future.