Heat Pumps vs Furnaces: What Works Best for Illinois Properties?

Living in Illinois means living with wind, snow, and below-freezing temperatures, with extreme fluctuations that can be hard on any home heating system. Many homeowners in our area have asked themselves what the difference is between heat pumps vs. furnaces, and which is best in the Prairie State.

The HVAC experts at On the Mark Heating and Air are available to help you choose between a heat pump and a furnace. To get started, let’s explore what each type of heating system is, how it works, and its benefits.

Should You Choose a Heat Pump or a Furnace for Your Illinois Home?

Both heat pumps and furnaces can provide reliable heating for Illinois homes, so how do you choose which is right for you? Some factors our team will take into account when helping you decide include:

• Your home’s size.
• How well insulated the house is.
• Your existing HVAC system.
• Your unique comfort goals.

If you’re ready to upgrade to a new home heating system, contact our team for a consultation to learn more about the options available to you.

How Heat Pumps and Furnaces Work

The main difference between a heat pump and a furnace lies in how they work. They both impact your home’s climate control, but the way the heat is produced is drastically different.

How a heat pump heats your home

A heat pump system transfers heat from the outside air into your home. Even on the coldest days, a heat pump can operate efficiently, using refrigerant circulating through coils to absorb heat energy in the following steps:

• Step 1: The liquid refrigerant absorbs heat energy from outside.
• Step 2: The refrigerant boils into a gaseous state, then enters the compressor.
• Step 3: The compressor compresses it into a hot, pressurized gas.
• Step 4: The hot gas enters the indoor heat exchanger.
• Step 5: The heat exchanger transfers the heat into the air in your home, allowing the refrigerant to cool back into a liquid and travel back outside to begin the cycle again.

How a furnace heats your home

Furnaces heat your home by producing heat. There are two common furnace types: gas and electric. Gas furnaces release gas into the burners, where it’s ignited by an igniter, and the heat is transferred to the heat exchanger. Electric furnaces heat the air by passing electric current through resistance heating coils.

Once the air is hot, your furnace pulls in cool air from your home, passes it through the heat exchanger or coils, and then distributes the warm air through your home via ductwork. This process continues until your thermostat detects that your desired temperature has been reached, at which point the gas or electricity is shut off.

Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces: Comparing the Key Differences

The biggest differences between heat pumps and furnaces include:

Heating performance

Overall, heat pumps are extremely effective, but in extreme cold, they may need backup. Even cold-weather-rated heat pumps may fail to effectively heat your home during long periods of severe winter weather.

Furnaces, on the other hand, are steadfast appliances that maintain their full heating capacity regardless of the outside temperature. This is because they produce heat, rather than transferring it.

Energy efficiency

Because most of the heat is transferred rather than being generated, ducted and ductless heat pumps are more efficient than older furnace technologies and electric heaters, with many reaching over 200% efficiency. They’re a more ecologically friendly, sustainable option.

That said, modern furnaces are also quite efficient, especially if you opt for a high-efficiency model, which has an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) of up to 98%. Either system will operate

Comfort

Furnaces may be the better option for your home comfort if you value fast, high heat. Heat pumps, on the other hand, offer steadier, more consistent airflow that may not feel as cozy but will maintain an even temperature throughout each room.

Installation costs

Typically, furnaces cost less upfront to install than heat pump installations, as long as your home already has the required infrastructure, such as ductwork, high-voltage outlets, or gas lines.

Heat pumps cost more to install because they’re more complex, with advanced controls and intricate parts. You may also need additional electrical panel upgrades to support your new heat pump.

Maintenance requirements

Heat pumps are relatively low-maintenance, often operating for years without needing more than seasonal tune-ups. We recommend two maintenance appointments per year, once before the winter cold sets in, and again before summer to make sure the A/C is ready.

Furnaces also require regular maintenance to remain efficient, with an annual tune-up required to keep them operating safely. A well-maintained furnace will improve air quality, keep your home heated evenly, and require fewer repairs as it ages.

Expected lifespan

The average lifespan of a modern furnace is 15 to 20 years, but some electric models can last even longer. For heat pumps, the average lifespan is between 10 and 20 years. You can extend your heater’s life by:

• Keeping the air filters clean.
• Scheduling regular professional maintenance.
• Keeping the system clear of debris and clutter.
• Optimizing your thermostat settings to avoid large temperature swings.

Why Heat Pumps Are Becoming More Popular in Illinois

Illinoisans are choosing heat pumps more often because of benefits like:

• Dual use: They do double duty as both a heater and an air conditioner, simplifying your HVAC system and keeping you comfortable year-round.
• Rebate options: A new heat pump purchase may be eligible for the Illinois ENERGY STAR® rebate program, along with other incentives, tax credits, and rebates.
• Eco-friendly: They’re better for the environment, as they produce fewer greenhouse gases than traditional heating systems and don’t rely on burning fossil fuels.
• Energy efficient: Homeowners can save big on energy bills, with heat pumps delivering up to 3 times as much heating energy as the electricity they consume.

When a Furnace May Be the Better Option

Some of the pros of choosing a furnace include:

• More reliable cold weather performance.
• A longer lifespan than most heat pumps.
• High-intensity heat.
• Lower upfront cost.

Illinois homeowners often choose a furnace because our winter cold snaps can last weeks at a time. Prolonged below-freezing weather can test a heat pump’s reliability, leading to poor efficiency. A heat pump may even shut down completely if it’s overworked, while a furnace will keep on going as long as it has electricity or fuel.

Proper System Setup and Installation is What Matters Most

Proper installation is important for heat pumps and furnaces. In fact, most system issues stem from poor installation. This includes factors like:

• Proper system sizing.
• Professional installation.
• Regular maintenance.

At On the Mark Heating & Air, we take the time needed to thoroughly inspect and audit your home to help you choose the right-sized system and ensure we install it properly so it’s balanced and efficient. We install systems that average 20 years because our knowledgeable technicians know how to make them last.

Which Heating System Is Right for Your Illinois Property?

Our team may recommend you choose one of the following heating systems, depending on your needs.

• A furnace-heat pump combo: Also called a “dual fuel” system, having both means you can enjoy the maximized efficiency of a heat pump while keeping a furnace available as a backup for the coldest days.
• A gas furnace: If your home already has a natural gas line and you want fast, consistent warmth, gas furnaces may be a good, cost-effective option.
• A cold-rated heat pump: Cold-climate heat pumps are great for homes without natural gas lines. Modern cold-rated models can operate well even when temperatures reach -15°F to -22°F.

Why Homeowners in Schaumburg Trust On The Mark Heating & Air

On the Mark is a family-owned and operated business, and we take care to build long-term relationships with all our customers through quality products, excellent customer service, and honest business practices. Our customers trust us because:

• We are insured, experienced, and have in-depth HVAC knowledge that spans a wide variety of products, brands, and models.
• We’re locally owned and operated, understanding the unique needs of Schaumburg residents.
• We make sure you know what to expect before we arrive, including price quotes, timelines, and how to prepare your home for our visit.
• Along with heating, we also offer air conditioning, indoor air quality, thermostat, humidifier, and dehumidifier services to residential and commercial customers.

Make the Right Investment for Long-Term Comfort

Speak to a home heating professional at On the Mark Heating & Air for help finding the right furnace or heat pump for your needs. We can help you make a good investment in your home and in your long-term comfort.

Contact On the Mark Heating & Air for All Your Home Heating Needs

At On the Mark, we provide customized solutions for home heating, keeping Schaumburg-area homeowners cozy, even on the coldest nights of the year. Contact us today to schedule your furnace or heat pump installation. Whether you have questions about heat pump costs or you’re ready to upgrade your HVAC system, our qualified technicians are available now.