5 Benefits of Replacing A Furnace With a Heat Pump

At John Cipollone Inc. we take pride in being able to offer installation, repair, and service of all kinds of heating and cooling systems. And right now, the “hottest” (forgive the pun) system that we have been installing is the heat pump. 

If you are thinking about replacing your old traditional furnace, I urge you to take a good look at today’s heat pumps. Not only do they provide both heating and cooling, but there are several other important reasons why the heat pump is the answer to today’s heating and cooling needs.

Benefits Of A Furnace Replacement With A Heat Pump

Today’s heat pumps are far and away more efficient and cost-effective than the original heat pump generation. Let’s drill down to some of the real benefits. Today’s heat pump offers:

• Superior Energy Efficiency

Heat pumps are some of the best heating and cooling technology available, partly because of their efficiency. They use electricity to create heat, unlike furnaces that burn fuel. Because the heat pump is so efficient, it is an energy saver translating to saving you money on energy costs.

• Both Heating And Cooling

Offering both heating and cooling means that the homeowner only has one system to maintain. Switching from heat to cooling is done with the press of a button.

• Environmental Benefits

Because heat pumps do not burn combustible fuel like oil or gas, there are fewer toxic emissions entering the environment and even your home. This is part of the reason they are eligible for rebates and tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act and local utility companies.

• Safety

Because the heat pump operates on electricity, there is no off-gassing of carbon monoxide or other by-products of oil or gas combustion.

• Predictable Pricing

Since your home is no longer heated or cooled with oil or gas, energy prices are more stable and predictable. We’ve seen some winters where oil and gas can become very expensive.

Heat Pump System Installation Vs. Conventional HVAC

If you are thinking about switching from a conventional HVAC system like a gas furnace, oil furnace, or electric furnace to a heat pump, doing so may be easier than you think.

Since a heat pump HVAC system runs a whole house, it is able to utilize the same ducts and ductwork that is currently used by your conventional system. So there is no need to go through expensive and invasive construction. We may have to make a few adjustments to optimize your system, but nothing major.

One of the main benefits of a heat pump is that it provides both heating and air conditioning. Conventional HVAC products are limited in their ability to provide only heating or cooling, and are frequently paired with a second HVAC system to comfort a home or business.

Conversely, today’s heat pump provides both heat and cooling, moving air through the air handler and “conditioning” it for the desired temperature.

Heat pumps also come in the form of the ductless mini-split. These smaller dedicated mini split heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling for individual rooms or zones. They are especially effective in “bonus rooms” or rooms that have been difficult to heat or cool because of lack of proximity to the heating and cooling source.

Heat pump HVAC systems come with a SEER energy efficiency rating assigned by the Department of Energy. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. This is an important indicator of efficiency, potential energy savings, and available rebates and incentives.

Replacing a Gas Furnace With a Heat Pump

You will be pleased to know that most replacements of a gas furnace with a heat pump have a fairly uncomplicated switch. You can use the existing ducts, and simply swap the systems for each other.

Replacing an Oil Furnace With a Heat Pump

Switching out your old oil furnace with a heat pump replacement is a relatively easy task. Draining the oil and removing the oil tank are a little different than dealing with a gas furnace, but still something we are used to doing.

Replacing an Electric Furnace With a Heat Pump

As with the other types of systems, a heat pump can easily make the switch from electric. It helps that heat pumps also use electricity to function. It is important to make sure that your ductwork is compatible and that you have adequate insulation to prevent leaking of treated air.

Average Costs Of a Heat Pump Furnace Replacement

The average cost of adding heat pumps to existing homes is about $14,000, according to estimates by Carbon Switch, a website analyzing electrification technologies. In smaller homes or condos, a single-installed heat pump may cost as little as $3,500.

And while the cost of a heat pump may be more expensive on the front end, homeowners can save anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $1000 annually in reduced energy costs.

You can also expect rebates and tax credits to be available through the Inflation Reduction Act and local utility rebates.

Remember to ask your HVAC technician for estimated labor costs, permit costs, and any kind of extras such as removals as well, so that you have a complete picture.

Heat Pumps Vs. Mini Splits

A mini split is a specialized small zone or room-designated heat pump. It is typically sized to handle small open space zones or individual rooms whose temperatures are difficult to regulate. They are available to use in a whole home, or can be used as a supplement as well.

Heat Pump System Installation Near Havertown, PA

When choosing an HVAC contractor, make certain that you choose one with years of proven experience in all types of installations. Our company, John Cipollone Inc. has been successfully servicing and installing all kinds of HVAC systems for over 60 years. 

Our trained technicians understand the system you have – and we understand the system that you now need. We take pride in a clean, smooth installation and transition.

FAQs

During our 60 years in the business, we have been asked a few questions. So I have put together these FAQs for you.

Does a heat pump heat as well as a furnace?

In an answer yes! The new heat pumps work more efficiently and are able to handle variations in temperature down to negative degrees Fahrenheit.

Do heat pumps run longer than furnaces?

Furnaces tend to last a little longer than heat pumps. Heat pumps run in both the winter and the summer, so they work twice as much as a furnace does during the year. A heat pump should last for 15+ years.

When should I replace my furnace with a heat pump?

Signs that it may be time to replace your furnace:

• Furnace older that 15 years
• Frequent breakdowns
• Problems achieving the desired temperature
• Frequent system malfunctions

Older systems experience system fatigue. If your current furnace has had a spotty maintenance record at best or your regular preventive maintenance is proving to be not enough., it may be time to consider a system replacement.

All HVAC systems need regular tune ups. And heat pumps are no different. We recommend an annual tune up to keep your system running in top shape. Mini split installation in Havertown, PA.

Call John Cipollone, Inc. at (610) 446-7877 to speak with your trusted mini split installation in Havertown, PA.