It is important to choose the right heating system for your house to get maximum value for the minimum cost. Electric heat and heat pumps are two of the most popular heating systems available. Today we will compare the two different systems and will discuss the benefits of each along with their features and the associated costs and considerations. This article will help you decide which type of heating system, electric or heat pumps, is the best option for heating your home this winter.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are basically a mix of a heater and an air conditioner. Air source heat pumps are the most popular type of heat pump. In the winter they transfer warm air that is outside the house into colder areas inside the house. In the summer heat pumps gather any cooler air outside the home and spread it around the home’s warmer areas. Other popular types of heat pumps include absorption, compression, and geothermal systems.
Electric Heaters
Electric heating systems are incredibly popular and are available in a variety of different forms. The most commonly used electric heaters are wall heaters, baseboard heaters, floor heaters, and electric furnaces. Electric heating works by pushing current through small coils, creating warmth. Collected heat is then distributed through your home by a central blower or a localized fan.
Features and Benefits
Heat pumps are typically larger than electric heaters and are designed to heat large areas rather than an entire home. Heat pumps are also typically more costly initially while electric heaters are relatively less expensive as a unit but are comparable in installation price. Another positive aspect of heat pumps is that they are meant to move air, not create it, making them more practical and cost effective in areas without extreme heat fluctuations. Electric heaters are more reliable in colder setters with radical drops in temperature and will provide more warmth than a heat pump.
Costs and Considerations
Both heat pumps and electric heating systems must be properly maintained and serviced to function at their maximum potential. Have your system serviced yearly to reduce operating costs and lengthen the life of your system. The cost of an electric heater, including the actual unit and installation costs, range from $3,000 to $4,000. Heat pumps are significantly more expensive especially if you are attempting to heat the entire home with a single unit. Without installation costs, the price of a heat pump ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. Heat pumps, however, result in lower electricity bills, which will be beneficial in the long run.
Which heating system do you think is most efficient and cost effective: heat pumps or electric heaters? Let us know in the comment section below!
