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Is Electric Heat More Expensive Than a Heat Pump? | Triad Sheet Metal

  • By ppc@rynoss.com
  • 23 Jan, 2023
As energy prices continue to rise, homeowners are always looking for the best investments to keep their homes as energy efficient as possible. While heat pumps have been around for quite a while, they've only become mainstream in the residential sector in recent decades. If you're considering one, it helps to understand what it costs compared to other heating sources like electric heat.

Upfront Costs

When comparing the upfront price of a heat pump installation to an electric heat furnace, the heat pump is more expensive. While most homeowners will invest in an air-source heat pump, it's also vital to note that ground-source or geothermal heat pumps can cost three to four times more than an electric furnace.

An electric furnace will have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years, depending on the specific model that you purchase. A heat pump, on the other hand, will last between 10 and 15 years. Therefore, when it comes to the upfront installation costs, the electric furnace outperforms both air-source and ground-source heat pumps.

Running Costs

Before you can decide which heating system to purchase, it's also imperative that you take a look at each option's running cost. A heat pump should be thought of as a heat transfer system. During the winter months, it will transport heat from the air outside into your home.

An electric furnace will utilize electricity to heat up elements inside of the furnace and then use its fan blower to move that warm air to the rooms throughout your home. Since an electric furnace does more than just run a pump to transport heat from one location to another, they are more costly to run.

However, there is a caveat to a heat pump's running costs. A heat pump will struggle to remove heat from the air outdoors when temperatures drop below freezing, so it's constructed with a built-in auxiliary heating solution. This auxiliary system works very similarly to that of electric heat. So, if you live in an environment where temperatures are regularly below freezing, a heat pump will cost similar to that of an electric furnace.

Top-Quality Heat Pump Services

Triad Sheet Metal Heating & Cooling offers top-quality heat pump services for the entire Greensboro, NC and the surrounding communities. We can also assist with all of your heating, cooling, roofing, indoor air quality, and ventilation system needs. Contact our office today to schedule your next service appointment.
By TriadSheetMetalEditor 23 Oct, 2023
With cold weather on the way, you'll soon be running your furnace non-stop to keep your home warm.
By Triad Sheet Metal 22 Sep, 2023

All furnaces should be serviced and maintained regularly to make sure that they continue heating effectively and efficiently. If you want to lessen the chances of your furnace breaking down over the winter, you should always have your furnace professionally serviced every year. In this post, we're going to discuss why furnace maintenance is important and what it involves.


The Importance of Yearly Furnace Maintenance

Furnace maintenance is essential for your safety. It helps to prevent possible fire hazards and carbon monoxide leaks. The technician servicing your equipment will always check that everything is functioning properly to ensure the furnace will automatically shut down if it overheats or experiences a safety issue. Maintenance is also important for the life of your furnace, ensuring it lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 years. It can also save you money by lowering your heating costs and helping to avoid costly repairs later on.


What Does Furnace Maintenance Entail?

Maintaining a furnace involves inspecting, cleaning and testing all of your heating system's components on an annual basis. This includes the various components inside the furnace, as well as the blower and thermostat.


A technician will inspect your ductwork to ensure it isn't damaged or leaking air. Damaged ductwork will greatly increase your energy costs and make your heating system far less effective.


Cleaning the blower assembly, furnace burners and flame sensor are especially important for keeping the furnace heating effectively. This also provides reliability. Inspecting the heat exchanger and exhaust flue is also essential for ensuring the furnace is properly vented and preventing carbon monoxide leaks.


As one of Greensboro's most trusted HVAC companies, Triad Sheet Metal is your best choice for furnace maintenance and repairs. Our technicians have experience servicing all makes and models of furnaces as well as central air conditioners and heat pumps. We also offer professional HVAC replacement and installation as well as a full range of indoor air quality services. Give us a call today to schedule your annual furnace maintenance service.


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