Heat Pump Or Furnace—HowTo Decide (NAPSA)—If a new heating system is in your home’s future, chances are you will want to consider the pros and cons of heat pumpsand furnaces. Both heat pumps and furnaces rely on heated air—as opposed to heated water—to distribute heat through a home. But that’s where = mal A G the similarity ends. While a furnace uses electricity or gas to pro- duce heat, a heat pump reduces energy costs by extracting heat from outside air and circulating it through your house. In warm weather, the process reverses, as the unit collects heat from the air inside your home and carries it outside. Here are sometips on selecting the system that’s right for you: Consider the climate. If you reside in an area where the temperature rarely dips below 30 degrees, experts say a heat pump may heat your home moreaffordably than a furnace. * Compare efficiencies. The efficiency of a gas furnaceis indicated by the unit’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, while the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) measures a heat pump’s efficiency. The higher the AFUE or HSPF, the moreefficient the unit and the less fuel it requires to heat your home. Electric furnaces are often considered 100 percent efficient. However, these units may be more expensive to operate, depending on the cost of electricity in your area. That’s whyit’s also important to consider the cost of available fuels as you make a decision, It’s important to consider the cost of available fuels as you make a decision between a heat pump and a furnace. especially as the price of natural gas and oil continues to increase. As you comparetheefficiencies of heating systems, remember to compare the initial cost against the annual operating expense. Some furnaces, such as the Coleman Echelon” series from Johnson Controls, offer multistage and variable-speed to improve efficiency, maintain constant temperatures and reduce sound levels. Electronic controls on furnaces and heat pumps mayoffer tighter temperature control and the ability to program periods of temperature setback, improving both system efficiency and occupant comfort. Look for a brand of equipment that has a reputation for quality and reliability. The Coleman Echelon Series of furnaces and heat pumps offer the latest features in heating technology and control systems. To learn more about heating systems, visit www.colemanac.com or call (877) 874-7378.
