You need a new heating system for your Eatonville home, and you’ve narrowed it down to either a heat pump or a boiler. Both systems offer excellent heating capacity and will tide you over well during Washington’s cold winters. But in the heat pump vs. boiler debate, which is best?
Below, learn the differences between a heat pump and a boiler from DEAR Services’ top-notch providers of local heating services in Eatonville, WA. We’re also happy to talk you through it, so don’t hesitate to call us!
How Heat Pumps and Boilers Work
Although both heat pumps and boilers provide great heating, they operate in very different ways.
Heat pumps work by transferring warm air into your home via outdoor sources, such as water, ground, or air. Air-source heat pumps are the most common variety. Plus, you won’t need a separate air conditioner in the summer because heat pumps also provide cooling.
Boilers heat water, sending it via underfloor systems or radiators to heat your living spaces. You can choose between a steam boiler or a hot water boiler, with the latter being the most common. Boilers require electricity, gas, or oil to run.
Heat Pump vs. Boiler: How They Stack Up for Eatonville Homeowners
Before you decide between a heat pump vs. a boiler, let’s consider factors like the installation costs and environmental impact.
Cost Considerations
You’re probably wondering what the installation costs are for heat pumps vs. boilers. That’s a great place to start because if you’re on a tight budget for the initial installation, a boiler might make more sense. Purchasing heat pumps can cost anywhere from $4,200 to more than $8,000 just for the unit, whereas boilers cost around $1,500 to more than $4,000.
However, there are also operating costs to consider. Heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, so they use much less power to run over time. A boiler will have you budgeting for gas, oil, or electricity every month.
Average System Lifespan
Any new heating system is a big investment, so you’ll want to pick the one that’s going to last the longest.
Boilers typically work for about 15 years. They can make it to 20 or more if you keep up with maintenance. Heat pumps, on the other hand, last for about 10 to 15 years, especially if they work through the summers to cool as well.
If you like the benefits of heat pumps but not the lifespan, you might look at ductless mini-split heat pump systems, which can make it to 30 years and beyond.
Maintenance Requirements
Both boilers and heat pumps require maintenance to get the most out of them. Boilers require maintenance once per year. Heat pumps need biannual tune-ups in the spring and fall since you use them all year round.
Maintenance for heat pumps includes checking for proper airflow, lubricating moving parts, inspecting electrical terminals, and looking for refrigerant leaks. Boiler maintenance tasks would include checking for corrosion and soot, verifying gas pressure regulator settings, looking for leaks, and testing the safety shutoff valves.
Energy Efficiency
In the heat pump vs. boiler comparison, how do these two stack up in the efficiency department? Although there are some energy-efficient boilers on the market, heat pumps win hands-down.
Pumps extract heat from already available sources to warm your home, which saves big on your heating bills. Those thousands you save over the lifespan of your heat pump might even make the installation costs seem negligible.
It’s worth mentioning, though, that heat pumps operate less efficiently in extremely cold weather. If you need a supplemental heat source, you should factor that into your cost considerations.
Environmental Impact
Worried about climate change? A heat pump should reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize your carbon footprint when heating your home.
On the other hand, a boiler’s reliance on fossil fuels is notable. It’s not the most eco-friendly choice if you’re trying to minimize your environmental impact.
Noise Level
Like many other homeowners in Eatonville, you might value your peace and quiet. So, what type of system makes less of a racket? Again, heat pumps win!
Heat pumps are far quieter than boilers. In fact, you’ll hardly hear them running at all.
Let Our Experts Make Your Heat Pump vs. Boiler Choice Easy in Eatonville, WA
Can’t settle the heat pump vs. boiler debate? DEAR Services can help you make the call. Contact us now or check out our next post on the signs you have a heat pump installed in your home.