Boilers vs Heat Pumps: Which Is Best for Your Home?
Is your boiler on its way out? It’s frustrating and sometimes a little scary to realize you need a new heating system, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to make your house significantly more comfortable and energy efficient.
When it comes to replacing your boiler, you have a few options. You can install a new boiler, or you can replace your boiler with a different type of heating system.
In this guide, we compare boilers to one of the best alternatives, heat pumps, to help you decide which home heating system makes the most sense for you.
What Is a Boiler & How Does It Work?
A boiler is a heating system that works by boiling water and then distributing the hot water or steam through pipes to radiators, which heat your home. As the water cools or the steam condenses, it flows back through the pipes to the boiler to be reheated, and the process begins again. Most boilers burn fuel—typically natural gas or oil—to generate heat.
What Is a Heat Pump & How Does It Work?
A heat pump is a two-in-one heating and cooling system that runs on electricity. Air-source heat pumps work by transferring heat from the surrounding air instead of creating it by burning fuel. In heating mode, they extract heat from the air outside and use pressurized refrigerant to raise its temperature. That heat is then released into the air in your house. In cooling mode, they work in reverse, extracting heat from the air inside your home and releasing it outside.
There are two types of air-source heat pumps:
- Ducted Heat Pumps - Use a forced-air system to distribute heated and cooled air throughout your home via ductwork. Ducted heat pumps provide central heating and air conditioning.
- Ductless Heat Pumps - Operate without ductwork and distribute heated or cooled air directly into the room they’re installed in via an indoor air handler that’s connected to an outdoor unit by a narrow conduit that runs through an exterior wall.
Geothermal heat pumps are another type of heat pump that is extremely energy efficient. They harness natural heat from deep below ground to heat your home, and sink heat in the ground to cool your home. In this article, we’re focusing on air-source heat pumps, but you can learn more about geothermal heat pumps here.
Pros & Cons of Boilers vs Heat Pumps
Boilers and heat pumps are heating systems that have been used in homes for decades, with the difference being heat pumps have recently started to gain popularity in North America due to their energy efficiency and environmental benefits. Both have their advantages, and there are a few important factors to consider before committing to a boiler installation or a heat pump installation.
Energy Efficiency
- Heat pumps are the most energy efficient type of heating system available today. They can deliver up to 3 times more heat energy to a house than they consume in electrical energy. Since they’re so efficient, they’re better for the environment and can save you money on your heating and cooling costs.
- Boilers, in general, are not the most energy efficient type of heating system. However, there are high-efficiency boilers on the market. If you choose to install a boiler, it’s important to look for a high-efficiency model.
Performance
- Heat pumps are extremely versatile and provide both heating and air conditioning in one. They will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but you have to choose the right model to ensure cold-weather performance. Cold-climate heat pumps are designed specifically for cold climates and maintain their heating capacity in sub-zero temperatures.
- Boilers can only heat. If you install a boiler, you will still need an AC system for cooling. In the winter, however, boilers maintain their heating capacity, even in very low temperatures. They can provide reliable heating no matter how cold it gets outside.
Air Quality & Safety
- Heat pumps create heat without burning fuel, which makes them a safe and healthy option for home heating. There is no risk of explosion, gas leaks, or carbon monixide leaks with a heat pump.
- Boilers are combustion appliances, which come with inherent risks, including potential explosions and gas leaks.
Installation Costs & Incentives
- Heat pumps are typically more expensive than boilers. But they also qualify for incentives. You can claim a $1,200 tax credit when you install an air-source heat pump and receive significant rebates through NYSERDA.
- Boilers are generally more affordable than heat pumps, depending on the model. But they don’t qualify for the same incentives. You can receive a $600 tax credit when you install a qualifying high-efficiency boiler.
Halco Home Solutions: Heating & More in Central New York
Ready to upgrade your heating system? Halco can help you decide whether a gas boiler installation or heat pump installation makes the most sense for your home. We are a locally owned and operated company with over 40 years of experience providing comprehensive home solutions in Syracuse, Ithaca, Rochester, and the surrounding areas. We know home heating and will recommend the best solution based on your needs and budget. Need emergency heating help? We do that, too. We’re open 24 hours a day 365 days a year to help with all of your home needs.
