Heating your home in Nova Scotia will mean using a furnace to warm your indoors or installing heat pumps that can work all year round. Choosing between the two will mean dealing with their own pros and cons.
Know that where you’re currently at is going to play a huge role in choosing an appliance that will work well for you. The heat pumps are more versatile because they can act as an air conditioner during the summer, so you don’t need separate systems in your home. However, the furnaces are going to be able to give you more heat especially if you live in areas where the winter months are harsh. See info about a furnace when you go to this page.
Some appliances are more energy-efficient, but it depends on the size of your home. Evaluate everything and make sure to choose the one that can give you the best returns out of your investment. Below is an article that discusses the two as well as their energy-efficiency especially in Nova Scotia’s climates.
Learning More About These Appliances
Making a comparison will mean that you need to know how each appliance works. Most heat pumps run on electricity, which would draw the heat from the outdoors and transfer it to your rooms. This is possible with cold air as well, and they’re great in more humid climates. It’s a versatile choice because it’s going to act as an AC during the summer, so it has a dual function. It can be ducted or ductless, depending on your needs.
On the other hand, there’s the oil furnaces that are run by natural gas or propane. This is going to generate heat by burning its fuel and some are also run by electricity. It distributes the air through the home’s ducts but it’s not going to provide homeowners in Nova Scotia with a cooling function, so they need to install a separate system for that.
Efficiency and Energy Savings in Nova Scotia
Most of the modern heat pumps in cold climates are designed to work in a temperature that’s less than -25°C. Save more on electricity with their help because they can reduce your energy consumption by providing up to three times more heating energy compared to other heaters out there.
You can install heat pumps in Dartmouth and the experts are going to help you with the copper lines if needed. They’re great in the moderate winters in Nova Scotia but might not be a good option for places that experience extreme cold like Alberta.
For furnaces, they use gas, and they have high heating capacities that can make them work well in extremely cold temperatures. They can operate at 95% or more efficiency, where most of the fuel is converted into heat. However, since places like Nova Scotia can have relatively high oil prices, it can be expensive for many homeowners to use.
Cost Comparison: Installation and Operating Costs
Many hesitate to install these heating appliances because of the increase in their utilities. However, they’re going to benefit you a lot if you’re experiencing the cold months in Nova Scotia.
The normal range for the installation can be around $4,200 to $7,980, depending on the unit’s capacity. The ductless ones can cost around $1800 to $7500 for a single-story home, and if you wish to pump air in at least four different rooms, expect to pay more than $10,000 for other materials. Costs of a new furnace can be $3,500 on the lower end up to $9100 for the more energy-efficient types.
Get rebates from the government when you install heat pumps and continue reaping the savings for years to come. The ongoing costs of turning on your heating appliance will be less because it consumes less electricity. On the other hand, furnaces can often depend on the fluctuating fuel prices in your area before you can determine if you can save more with them.
What’s Their Environmental Impact?
Most heat pumps are not burning fossil fuels so they’re generally eco-friendly. See more info about these appliances in this link: https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/heating-and-cooling/heat-pump.htm. Transitioning in renewable energy sources like hydro power can contribute to reduced carbon emissions which can benefit your community as a whole.
Also, gas can produce higher carbon emissions so you might want to minimize waste and look for other alternatives. Even if the modern furnaces are already considered efficient, they can still contribute to greenhouse gases that are sent to the atmosphere, resulting in worsening climate change.
Homeowners in Nova Scotia will often be better off with a heat pump that can provide for both their heating and cooling needs. The furnaces can be reliable in extreme cold weather but the climate in this area is more well-suited for the modern heat pumps.
Also, there are rebates available from the government so switching to the more energy-efficient models can be more cost-effective. It’s best to assess your needs as a homeowner before making a final decision. When you want to switch, it’s best to look for trusted providers in Dartmouth to get expert installation as well as support. Find where they are located with the help of this map:
Lifespan and Maintenance Requirements
The two systems are able to operate more efficiently but their lifespans are different. On average, the heat pumps can last around 15 years but if properly maintained, experts claim that they should be able to operate for 25 years. It’s best to service the components and clean the filters regularly to avoid wear and tear in this appliance.
Generally, the lifespan of furnaces can be up to 30 years as long as you get high-quality models. Annual check-ups can definitely help and cleaning the combustion systems will prevent strain from the major parts. Changing the filters regularly which is around 1 to 3 months depending on the usage can help avoid debris accumulation and promote healthier airflow around the home. Get help from the experts who offer regular servicing for more information about these heating systems.
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