Heat pumps and resistive heaters are two of the most popular heating systems available today. Between the two types of heating systems, heat pumps are more suitable for homeowners in Orange County. In today’s post, local heating and air conditioning company Kemnitz explains why heat pumps are more efficient than resistive heaters.
How Do They Work?
Resistive heaters such as electric furnaces and electric baseboard heating are heating systems that convert electricity to heat, which radiates out via coils. Toasters, electric ovens and portable space heaters operate in the same way. Compared to traditional furnaces that utilize fuel, coal or wood, electric furnaces have zero waste byproducts, and are deemed more efficient.
Heat pumps, on the other hand, are essentially reverse air conditioners. Air conditioning systems put refrigerant through various stages of compression, which takes heat out of the house and generates cool air. Thus, heat ultimately becomes a byproduct. Heat pumps utilize the same cycle but in reverse, which results in heating getting pumped into the house. Certain types of heating and air conditioning systems are bundled into one, with reversible systems that can be used either way, depending on the season.
Are Heat Pumps More Efficient Than Resistive Heaters?
You might be wondering how resistive heaters are less efficient than heat pumps when, unlike fuel-burning furnaces, most of them convert 100% of the electricity they use into heat. For houses in colder climates, resistive heaters are ideal because they heat up large spaces faster and can generate large amounts of heat.
Heat pumps, on the other hand, are ideal for places that have relatively warm climates where homes don’t require as much heating. Also, heat pumps take ambient heat from the outdoors and augment it with the heat generated by compressed refrigerant. Overall, it provides sufficient indoor heating while only consuming about half the electricity—or even as little as a third for newer, more efficient units—an electric furnace would have used. Lastly, depending on which system you choose, you won’t have to have separate heating and cooling units for your home.
Call Kemnitz for Your Heating & Cooling Needs
Kemnitz is your leading provider of AC repair and other HVAC services. Give us a call at (949) 453-8500. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Orange County and surrounding communities.
Category: Blog Tags: electric furnaces, energy efficiency, heat pumps, Heating, resistive