If your furnace is getting older and you’re thinking about making a change, you’ve probably heard people talking about heat pumps. They’re not just an option for warmer climates anymore. Newer heat pumps can heat homes efficiently through cold weather, making them a realistic option for many Allentown homeowners. Our team at Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling & Electric helps homeowners look at the whole picture of their heating needs before replacing a system, including the house, the ductwork, utility costs, and how much heat the home needs in winter. Here’s what to know about heat pumps and whether they’re the right fit for you.
Heat Pumps for Cold Pennsylvania Winters
Yes, heat pumps can keep your home warm during winter by pulling heat from the outdoor air and moving it inside. It may not sound like it can really work when it’s freezing outside, but modern systems are built to keep working at much lower temperatures than older models. The goal is to choose the right equipment for your individual home. A properly sized heat pump for cold climates can handle most or all of your heating needs. A dual-fuel system may make more sense in some homes. The heat pump handles the milder winter days, and a gas furnace can take over when temperatures plummet.
Heat Pump vs Furnace Heating Costs
Heat pumps can use less energy than electric resistance heating because they move heat instead of creating it with heating elements. Compared with a gas furnace, the answer depends more on local utility rates, equipment efficiency, and how the system is set up. Homeowners should also look beyond the heating bill. A heat pump heats and cools, so if your furnace and central air conditioner are both nearing replacement age, one new system may replace two older pieces of equipment.
Heat Pump Comfort Compared With Furnace Heat
Homeowners accustomed to furnace heat may notice that heat from a heat pump feels different from what they’re used to. A gas furnace usually sends out shorter blasts of hotter air. A heat pump usually runs longer and delivers a steady stream of warm air. Heat pumps can make the temperature in your home feel more even, but the equipment can’t fix every comfort problem. If your upstairs is always chilly or one bedroom never seems to warm up, our technicians will also look at airflow, insulation, return-air placement, and duct leakage before recommending a brand new system.
Electrical and Ductwork Checks Before Heat Pump Installation
The electrical side of a heat pump installation is an important part of the process. Some heat pump systems, especially those with electric backup heat, may need more electrical capacity than the existing heating system. That doesn’t automatically mean you need a panel upgrade, but it should be checked thoroughly before the job starts. The same goes for older ductwork. High-efficiency equipment connected to leaky or undersized ducts can leave you with uneven temperatures and unreliable performance.
Choosing the Best Heating System for Your Allentown Home
A heat pump can be a great fit for Allentown homeowners, but isn’t automatically the best answer for every house. Our team can help you find the best system for you based on your existing system, utility costs, electrical capacity, ductwork, and comfort priorities.
If your heating system is aging out or not performing efficiently, schedule an estimate with us at Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling & Electric to find the right system for your home.
