Are you replacing your heating system and trying to decide between a heat pump vs boiler? As trusted professional plumbers in Scituate, MA, and HVAC experts, Green Energy Mechanical Inc can help you decide on the best heating system for your home.
Keep reading to discover how to choose a suitable system for your home.
What Is a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps are dual heating and cooling systems that can replace both your air conditioner and furnace or boiler. Heat pumps work by transferring air, rather than creating heat. In the winter, it pumps warm air into the home. In the summer, it transports the heat outside.
Types of Heat Pump Systems
Ground-source heat pumps draw from the solar energy stored in the ground and pump it into your home. It puts out more consistent heat and performs better in below-freezing temperatures than an air-source heat pump. However, it requires a higher installation cost, the right soil type, and significantly more space outside.
Air-source heat pumps draw heat from the ambient air. They cost less to install than ground-source heat pumps and require less outdoor space.
What Is a Boiler?
A boiler uses a fuel source to generate heat. More specifically, it heats water, which it then distributes through your home. As the water evaporates, it dissipates the heat into your home.
If your home doesn’t already have the infrastructure for a boiler, the costs can quickly add up.
Types of Boilers
Traditional boilers run on oil and are the least efficient method of heating your home. However, they heat your home quickly and completely.
Gas boilers use natural gas. This can pose a safety risk, but it also heats at 95% efficiency.
Electric boilers don’t give off the emissions of other boilers. They remain a popular option. However, they’re not cost-effective in areas with high electricity prices.
Benefits of Heat Pumps Compared to Boilers
When comparing a heat pump vs boiler, heat pumps offer several benefits, including:
- Efficiency: Heat pumps run more efficiently than boilers, so while electricity is often more expensive than gas, you’ll still save money on your energy bills.
- Lifespan: Ground-source heat pumps have an average life expectancy of 25 years, and air-source heat pumps last an average of 15 years. Boilers last about 15 years.
- Eco-friendly: Because they don’t produce carbon emissions, heat pumps are much better for the environment than boilers.
Disadvantages of Heat Pumps Compared to Boilers
Choosing a heat pump over a boiler comes with the following disadvantages:
- Maintenance frequency: Because they function as both a heating and cooling system, you should schedule maintenance for your heat pump twice a year.
- Require good insulation: Without high-quality insulation, your home won’t retain the heat from a heat pump. The inability to create heat means the heat pump can’t compensate for poor insulation.
- Climate dependence: When the temperature drops below freezing, heat pumps experience a significant drop in efficiency. While ground-source heat pumps can compensate better, they still don’t compare to how a boiler handles below-freezing temperatures.
- Space considerations: A heat pump requires outdoor space to run effectively. If you don’t have space in your yard, you might require a different type of heating system.
- Higher installation costs: Depending on your existing HVAC infrastructure, heat pumps usually cost more to install. However, if the HVAC technician has to install pipes and radiators for your boiler, the heat pump might be cheaper.
What to Consider When Deciding Between a Heat Pump and Boiler
When you’re deciding between a heat pump and boiler, consider the following factors.
- If your HVAC system requires a network of pipes and radiators for a boiler, you’ll find a heat pump cheaper overall.
- If you live in a location where the temperature frequently drops below freezing, you’ll find a boiler more effective and efficient.
- Boilers work well for homes without much space in the basement or little to no space outside.
- If your home doesn’t have adequate insulation, the cost to improve it might make a heat pump prohibitive.
- If you prefer saving on upfront costs, a boiler is often cheaper to install. If you prefer more long-term savings, a heat pump is the better option.
Contact Green Energy Mechanical Inc for Heating System Help
Still have questions about a heat pump vs boiler? Green Energy Mechanical Inc can help you decide and then provide quality installation, maintenance, and repairs. Whether you’re wondering about the cost to replace a heat pump or need routine maintenance, we provide top-tier service.
To schedule an appointment, call 877-731-9509 today.
