Furnace or heat pump?

[clovis]

We wanted to add central air to our home, and are strongly considering replacing our furnace at the same time.

The current furnace was built in '87, and does a fine job.

I am looking to upgrade to a higher efficiency heat source, both to save money and to be better stewards of the earth.

We have about 1000 SF home, very, very well insulated.

House was built in the 1920's, and we are in central Indiana.

The new furnace would be 92.6% efficient. Our old one is 80%.

The new furnace will cost about $1200, with labor, and a new duct.

I am new to heat pumps.

Which should we opt for? The furnace or a heat pump? Advantages of both?

Thank you so much!!!!

[tomstractormag]

You can use both! The heat pump will cool or heat depending on the season (just using electric). If you have a furnace also (fossil fuel backup) it can be set to come on at a lower temp (30 or below). Still would be just 1 unit. Another option is geothermal, it uses liquid lines buried in your yard to use the temp of the ground to help heat/cool. The lines are buried about 6ft deep where the ground has constant temp year around.
Tom

[agmantoo]

clovis,
If budget is a concern I suggest you consider a PTAC heatpump version for your home. These units are inexpensive, efficient and can be installed by anyone with average carpenter skills.
If you are after the maximum efficiency, then go for a geothermal heatpump. The initial cost is high but the cost of operation is very low. The heat output of one of these is much hotter than a regular heatpump during colder weather. Cooling with a geothermal heatpump is the most economical cooling available.

[Cindy in Nebraska]

We just made the decision to put in geothermal. We found that an outdoor furnace was almost as expensive as this unit is going to be plus there will
be a shortage of wood if everyone decides to burn wood. Cindy

[clovis]

Budget for the new units is somewhat of a concern, but I want to do it as right as possible for what we can afford.

I think we will see natural gas prices skyrocket in the future. I sadly believe that one day our peak usage months for natural gas will be more than our house payment.

I will research the PTAC.

Wood heat is not an option for us. The chimney is not really good enough without major work. I wish I could add optional wood heat to our furnace. I can get truck loads of free pallet scrap in our town.

Again, thank you so much!!!!!!

Clove