If you’re looking for a new heating system for your Salem, OR-area home, you may be considering having a heat pump or an electric furnace installed. Both of these systems are quite popular, but which one is the best option?

OPERATION COSTS

When it comes to efficiency, heat pumps are far better than electric furnaces and baseboard heaters. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, switching from electric heating to a heat pump can cut your electricity use for heating in half. While costs vary from one area to the next, the annual savings on electricity can be close to $500.

WHY ARE HEAT PUMPS SO EFFICIENT?

A heat pump’s efficiency comes from the fact that these systems don’t actually create heat; they transfer it. In heating mode, heat pumps draw the warm air from the outside and bring it indoors. While they also use electricity to accomplish this task, the amount that it takes to transfer heat is significantly less than the amount of electricity it takes to generate heat.

Another great benefit of heat pumps is that the heat transfer process can be reversed to provide cooling in the summer. Heat pumps offer other advantages as well:

Fewer maintenance requirements
Improved safety
Extended service life
Eco-friendly operation

ARE ELECTRIC FURNACES ALL BAD?

After reading about the benefits of heat pumps, you may wonder why anyone even uses electric furnaces. The fact is that these heating systems also come with benefits. For one, they are easier and more affordable to install than a heat pump. They can also provide much quicker heating than heat pump systems and work at all temperatures; in some areas, a heat pump needs to work alongside an auxiliary heating system to keep a home comfortable during extreme cold spells.

Also, while electric furnaces aren’t nearly as efficient as heat pumps, modern units are much more efficient than they used to be. In fact, some modern furnaces can be over 98% efficient.

YOUR LOCAL HVAC SPECIALISTS

Choosing between an electric furnace and a heat pump can be a tough task with many factors to consider. At Loren’s Heating & Air, we can help you find the best option for your home and install it for you. Our team offers a full range of heating and cooling services for heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners. We also install fireplace inserts and indoor air quality systems in Salem and the surrounding area. Contact us today for more information.