Should You Replace Your Furnace With a Heat Pump?
Old man winter is on his way! It’s only a matter of time before our lakes freeze over and our trees are heavy with snow.
In Northern Ontario, we are no stranger to frigid winters. The real challenge is preparing our homes to take on the cold before it hits!
According to Farmer’s Almanac, we can expect quite the cold and snowy season ahead. If you like skiing or snowmobiling, this is your year! White, fluffy snow and below-average temperatures are well on the way.
But while you gear up for a fun winter outdoors, it’s crucial that you also set up your heating system.
Living in Northern Ontario has taught us one very valuable lesson:
Investing in reliable and affordable heat is imperative!
Is your Sudbury heating system built to withstand the frigid weather ahead? Nobody wants to experience winter with pricy heating and repair bills.
This leaves many homeowners asking whether replacing their furnace with a heat pump is the way to go.
After all, heat pumps are one of the most effective ways to save money on your heating bills!
But replacing your entire system isn’t always the answer.
In this article, we discuss one of our most popular heating upgrades - the hybrid heat pump!
When Is It Time To Upgrade Your Furnace?
Replacing or upgrading your furnace is a big investment. If you’re like most homeowners, you’re planning to wait until it's 100% broken before taking the plunge.
While this may be a good option when saving up for a new heating system, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
Waiting until your furnace stops working means you’ll be making that dreaded no-heat call.
The call nobody wants to make!
It always seems to happen at the worst time - in the middle of the night, during an ice storm or before a big family get-together.
If your furnace stops working in the middle of winter, the temperature in your home is bound to drop - fast! This puts your family at risk - especially if you have young children or elderly individuals living in your home.
No heat also risks your other home appliances, plumbing and HVAC systems.
No-Heat Risks:
- Frozen pipes
- Gas leaks
- Elevated carbon monoxide
For this reason, we typically recommend watching out for a few furnace warning signs. Unusual noises, strange smells and uneven heating are just a few that you should watch out for.
Furnace Warning Signs:
- Poor indoor air quality
- Frequent cycling on and off
- Frequent repair visits
- Excessive dust in your home
- Unusually high heating bills
You’ll also want to check the age of your furnace. These systems last roughly 15-30 years. If yours is nearing the end of its lifespan, you’ll want to start planning an upgrade very shortly.
Heat Pump vs. Furnace
Now that you know when to replace your furnace, it’s time to explore your options.
Today, many homeowners are switching from a traditional furnace to a more affordable heating unit. One of the most popular upgrades is from a fuel furnace to a heat pump. And it’s no wonder!
With today’s advanced technology, heat pumps can reach 300-400% efficiency!
Related Article: The 2-in-1 Heat Pump - Your Energy Efficiency Answer to Year-Round Heating and Cooling
Heat Pump
A heat pump is an all-in-one furnace and air conditioner.
This system transfers thermal energy to heat or cool your home.
In the winter, it can reduce your energy usage by up to 50% compared to electric resistance heating - a must for Sudbury heating!
There are a few different types of heat pumps, depending on the source of thermal energy. The two most popular sources include air and geothermal. But there is an option to use a nearby water source as well!
Heat pumps even offer improved indoor air filtering and dehumidification!
Pros
- Improved home comfort
- Lower energy bills
- Heating & cooling compatibility
- Improved air quality
Cons
- Loses efficiency in lower temperatures
- Higher upfront costs
- Lasts 10-15 years
Furnace
A furnace is a forced air heating system. Instead of transferring existing heat, it uses combustion to create new heat.
Furnaces typically burn fuel (i.e. gas, oil or propane) to create heat. But there are also electric and wood furnaces.
Furnaces have been around since the 1800s. But the process of burning fuel for heat existed long before that. It is a tried and true heating method, and it’s not going anywhere!
Pros
- Improved home comfort
- Reliability in lower temperatures
- Lasts 15-30 years
Cons
- Only offers heat
- Only reaches up to 90% efficiency
- Higher operation costs
Today, forced air furnaces are still considered Canada's primary home heating system. But don't let that sway you!
In light of increased energy efficiency, heat pumps continue to climb in popularity!
Global sales of heat pumps grew by 11% in 2022 alone!
Thankfully, there’s a way to combine the systems and get the best of both worlds.
Introducing The Hybrid Heat Pump
The hybrid heat pump is a dual system that combines your existing furnace with a heat pump.
This upgraded system brings homeowners the benefit of both systems. Your system alternates between them accordingly, depending on which is more efficient at the time.
Hybrid heat pump systems intuitively know when to use one unit over the other. They switch depending on the season, necessary function and temperature.
This dual operation ensures optimal efficiency and home comfort!
Benefits of Upgrading to a Hybrid Heat Pump
Hybrid heat pump systems are great for Ontario homeowners.
As we all know, Ontario experiences all four seasons to their full extent. Our summers are hot and humid. Our winters are frigid and snowy. In Northern Ontario, we especially get the brunt of the weather!
That’s why efficient and reliable Sudbury heating is so crucial. It can make or break your budget and your home comfort!
A hybrid system selects the most efficient heating/cooling unit based on a few factors. It then heats/cools your home as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The goal? To ensure you don’t pay more than you need to for optimal home comfort.
Benefits of a Hybrid Heat Pump
- Lower Carbon Footprint
- Efficient Heating
- Energy-Cost Resilience
- Easy Operation
- Year-Round Home Comfort
See Our Napoleon Hybrid Heat Pump Model
Get a Free Quote
With the rising need for energy efficiency, we offer only the most affordable and effective heating solutions.
That’s why we work with innovative HVAC suppliers like Napoleon!
Napoleon offers unmatched technology and design - providing homeowners with effective, efficient, and affordable HVAC.
Canada Greener Homes Grant
Apply Now
Save up to $5,600 on a new hybrid heat pump!
The Government of Canada is helping Canadians increase energy efficiency in their homes - for less.
Their goal is to help you save money and fight climate change.
Here's how this helps you!
GRANTS FROM $125 TO $5,000
To get back a portion of your costs for eligible home retrofits.
UP TO $600
This is a maximum contribution toward the total costs of your pre and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations.
Learn more about the Canada Greener Homes Grant.
Get In Touch
We’ve already been busy helping Sudbury homeowners wind down their A/Cs and prep their furnaces!
Are you ready to get your furnace geared up for the season?
Give us a call at 705-560-2441!
We’ll help you find the best Sudbury heating solution for your home, budget and lifestyle.
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