We seldom see temperatures dipping below 60 degrees, making Florida a haven of warmth. Our mild winters make the Sunshine State an ideal climate for heat pumps.

Unlike a furnace that only offers heating, you can benefit from the versatility of a heat pump with heating and cooling capabilities.

United Air Temp recommends and installs heat pumps for many Orlando-area homes, and yours could be one of them.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Air-source heat pumps work by transferring thermal energy. In the summer, they take warm air from the inside and release it outside, which cools your home.

In the winter, heat pumps take heat from outside your home and transfer it inside. They’re the most energy-efficient HVAC systems because they move heat instead of generating it.

Heat Pumps vs. Gas Furnaces

A gas furnace burns natural gas to generate heat in the burner. It’s passed through the heat exchanger, and then the blower forces the heated air through ductwork to various parts of your home.

There are a few key differences between gas furnaces and heat pumps:

Energy Efficiency

Gas furnaces must have at least 80% AFUE, meaning that 80% of the energy used turns into heat for your home. High-efficiency gas furnaces can go up to 98% efficiency.

Heat pumps have a minimum efficiency rating of 8.2 HSPF. Any heat pump between 8 and 10 HSPF has an ENERGY STAR® label for exceptional efficiency.

Safety

Although gas furnaces have a higher risk of natural gas and carbon monoxide leaks, they’re equipped with safety features like automatic shut-off valves and pressure regulators to prevent hazardous issues.

Heat pumps don’t pose as much threat since they don’t burn fuel and offer safety features such as shut-off switches and refrigerant leak detectors. It’s important to always have a professional inspect any type of heating unit and ensure their safety and productivity.

Space

Furnaces are installed indoors and require 30 inches of clearance on all sides.

Heat pumps are typically installed outdoors and need 24 inches of clearance on all sides. However, they also require an indoor air handler.

Heat Pumps vs. Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces are the most like heat pumps because they are both fueled by electricity and often used in southern states with milder climates.

Unlike gas furnaces that burn fuel, electric furnaces use electric coils to generate heat. Electric furnaces have a 100% AFUE rating but can cost more than two times that of a heat pump while generating the same amount of heat.

However, unlike a heat pump, an electric furnace still requires a separate central AC unit for cooling.

Heat Pumps vs. Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioners remove heat from indoor air and expel it outside using a compressor, condenser, and evaporator coil to circulate refrigerant, which cools the air.

Heat pumps are more complex in their installation process than central AC, but that’s due to their dual heating and cooling capabilities.

A heat pump is generally more cost-effective and energy-efficient, especially in a climate like Florida. Central AC systems are less expensive to install on their own but require a furnace for heating.

What’s the Downside of Having a Heat Pump?

If you are considering a heat pump, it is essential to consider the cons before installation:

• Higher installation cost: You’ll pay more upfront to install a heat pump than a furnace or central AC unit. However, installing a heat pump means you are getting both heating and cooling, and installation is less costly than replacing your heating and cooling units simultaneously.
• More complex installation: Dual functionality of a single unit means a more complex installation and requires a skilled HVAC technician. Depending on your ductwork configuration, installation cost and timing could vary.
• Shorter life span: On average, a heat pump will last 15 years compared to gas furnaces at 15 to 20 years, electric furnaces that last 20 to 30 years, and central air conditioners that last for 15 years. However, because heat pumps operate all year to heat and cool your home, it makes sense for it to experience more wear and tear.

Which System Is Right for Your Central Florida Home?

Heat pumps are the system of choice when it comes to heating and cooling your Florida home all year long. However, the HVAC unit you choose depends on:

• Your existing HVAC setup
• Your energy-efficiency goals
• Your budget

United Air Temp’s highly trained technicians can help make a well-informed decision based on your home’s needs.

Call (407) 554-9293 to request a free estimate for a heat pump installation in the Orlando area.