Heat pumps and gas heaters are both capable of providing effective heating for your home, but they each have pros and cons. If you’re unsure which of these options you should choose, take a closer look at their attributes below.
The right solution often depends on your personal circumstances. This includes the type of property you have, what kind of climate you live in and what your priorities are. For example, do you want something that just quickly warms you up? Or are you after something that offers additional benefits like air filtration and reverse cycle cooling?
Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are ideal for homes in moderate climates and for people looking for a versatile, efficient solution. Pros and cons include:
- Energy efficiency – Heat pumps can provide 3 to 4 kW of heat pumps for every 1 kW of energy used, making them the most cost-effective heating solution available.
- Versatility – Heat pumps are unobtrusive and whisper quiet. You can choose where you’d like it discreetly installed. It can go on the floor, wall or ceiling or they can be integrated into new or existing ducted systems. They can also cool the home during summer as well as being a heater.
- Improved air quality – Heat pumps filter air, meaning dust, pollen, humidity and other airborne pollutants are kept out of your home. Perfect for asthma or allergy sufferers!
- Precise and convenient control – Heat pumps offer precise temperature and space heating control and the touch of a button without manual tasks.
- Safety – With no fire or hot surfaces, the risk of an accidental fire, carbon monoxide poisoning or someone injuring themselves is eliminated. Good for homes with pets and children.
- Effectiveness – One problem with heat pumps is that that they may not be effective in areas with extreme cold as they extract outside heat to warm your home. In colder climates you will need to get Mitsubishi Hypercore.
Pros and Cons of Gas Heaters
Gas heaters operate independently from outdoor conditions, simply heating the indoor air with gas combustion. Pros and cons include:
- Effectiveness – Gas heaters can supply a steady, consistent flow of warm air regardless of outdoor temperatures.
- Rapid heat – Gas heaters do a much better job of quickly warming a house should you want to supply heat rapidly to your home.
- Reliability – Gas heaters tend to have fewer mechanical parts than a heat pump, meaning there’s less chance of a break down and overall lower cost of maintenance.
- Air pollution – A major downside is that gas heaters a notorious for spreading pollutants around the home, from dust and pollen to the dirtier air produced by gas combustion itself.
- Potential dangers – Gas heaters come with the danger of a gas leak, potentially leading to poisoning, explosions or a fire.
- High operating costs – While installation and maintenance costs tend to be lower than heat pumps, the overall operating costs are often higher due to the cost of gas.
Need Advice about Heating in Auckland?
If you’re still unsure whether heat pumps are the right solution for your property, speak to the friendly experts at Albany Heat Pumps. We’ll help you determine the best solution for your property and provide installation and maintenance services if you need. Contact us online today.