Propane Furnace vs. Heat Pump

In climates where heating is a primary concern from the months of October through April, all homeowners must decide what their main source of heat will be. There are pros and cons to each type of heat source, however, the colder the temperatures, the more efficient a propane system is compared to electric.

Heat Pumps are generally a dual fuel system. They utilize electricity as their primary form of power. After the temperature gets below freezing, electricity doesn’t heat as efficiently as propane. The propane portion of the heat pump then begins to be utilized and the primary form of power is then propane. Most heat pumps blow air that comes out of the vents at about 95 degrees, which is colder than normal body temperature. This is because a heat pump isn’t generating / creating heat, it is only transferring heated air, or ‘pumping it’ into your house. However, a heat pump can also provide air conditioning in the summer months by reversing the flow of refrigerant to then cool the air being pumped into your home.

Propane furnaces actually create heat instead of just heating air. They utilize multi stage burners and variable speed motors to deliver heat that is approximately 120 degrees coming through vents/registers. They are also efficient in the fact that they produce low carbon emissions when compared to other heating fuels/systems. For larger homes, a propane furnace is more efficient, especially when temperatures drop below freezing.

It is the responsibility of a professional installer to recommend the correct size and type unit for your home heating needs. Blue Ridge Propane can recommend installers who can also service your heat pump or propane furnace.