Electric furnace vs mini split

To put it simply, electric furnaces use electric resistance to transform electrical current into thermal energy. A blower fan then moves this hot air around the room. When compared to air source heat pumps, they are often less expensive upfront, easier to install, and safer because there’s no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Nevertheless, because of their reduced energy efficiency, their operation can end up costing more in the long run.

The way mini split heat pumps work is unique. These systems use significantly less energy than they would to generate heat, as they move heat from the outside to the inside during winter and the opposite during summer. Despite a higher initial expenditure, this efficiency can greatly lower running costs.

Electric Furnaces:

By means of electric resistance heat elements, electric furnaces are able to transform electrical energy into thermal energy. There is a lot of heat lost during conversion, which means that although the procedure is simple, it is not very efficient.

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, which measures how well an appliance converts power into heat, is often rather high for electric furnaces, hovering around 100%. But this doesn’t lead to total energy efficiency since power generation is frequently wasteful and expensive. The output level of an electric furnace is constant and unchanging; when turned on, it runs at full capacity.

Mini Split Heat Pumps:

Alternatively, micro split heat pumps use the more efficient idea of heat transfer rather than heat generation. Like a refrigerator, heat pumps transfer heat from one location to another through a refrigerant cycle; however, they can also work in the opposite direction.

Two common ways to evaluate a mini-split’s efficiency over the course of a year are the cooling Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and the heating season performance factor (HSPF). Modern heat pumps are incredibly efficient, with SEER values above 20 and HSPF ratings over 10. In order to save energy and maximize efficiency, they can adjust their output to match the need for heating or cooling.

Electric Furnaces:

Electric furnaces are typically better suited to areas with milder winters because of how expensive they can get to run in harsher climes owing to their high electricity consumption. But they keep on heating no matter how chilly it gets outside since they are not affected by external temperatures. In areas where the weather is always chilly, electric furnaces are a dependable alternative to heat pumps that don’t require additional heating systems.

Mini Split Heat Pumps:

Mini split heat pumps are adaptable and efficient in many different climates. When the temperature difference between inside and outdoors is not very high, they work best in mild to moderate climates. Their functionality in colder climates was formerly lacking, but technological improvements have made major improvements.

Nowadays, you can find a lot of models that have characteristics that make them work well in temperatures as low as -15°F (-26°C). During the coldest days, they may require additional heating sources in areas with harsh winters.

Electric Furnaces:

The primary reason electric furnaces often have more operating costs than heat pumps is that electricity is more expensive than other energy sources, such as natural gas or even geothermal energy, which heat pumps use. Power tariffs in your area and the efficiency of your electric furnace are two major factors that determine how much it will cost to run your heating system.

During the winter months, the expense of operating an electric furnace—which typically ranges from $130 to $180 a month for an average-sized home—can quickly pile up.

Mini Split Heat Pumps:

The operational costs of mini split heat pumps are typically lower than those of electric furnaces. Reduced energy consumption and costs are the results of their capacity to transfer heat rather than produce it.

The capacity to zone heat, which allows the system to heat or cool specific rooms as needed without wasting energy on empty ones, significantly lowers operating expenses. In mild regions, mini splits can be a great money saver, especially in buildings that are airtight and have good insulation.

Electric Furnaces:

The installation cost of an electric furnace is typically lower than that of a small split heat pump and other systems such as gas furnaces. Factors such as local labor rates and brand choice determine the typical installation cost of an electric furnace, which can range from $767 to $3,523.

You should expect to pay between $585 and $1,074 for the furnace alone, including installation. Because of this, electric furnaces are a good choice for people who want to save money in the beginning.

Mini Split Heat Pumps:

Although they can be used for both cooling and heating, the upfront cost of a mini-split system is often higher. The average cost to install a single-zone micro split system is between $3,000 and $5,000, but more intricate multi-zone systems can cost as much as $10,000. Size, type, and installation complexity are a few variables that can affect these prices.

Rebates for Mini Split Heat Pumps:

Mini split heat pumps are so energy efficient that they are frequently eligible for a variety of rebates and incentives. Such incentives can originate from a variety of places:

1. Government Programs: Installation of energy-efficient heating systems can be incentivized through a number of government programs at the federal, state, and local levels. Installing an energy-efficient heat pump can earn you a rebate in Ontario, for example, according to a provincial program.

2. Utility Companies: In an effort to reduce energy use during peak hours, several utility providers provide refunds to customers who install energy-efficient technologies.

3. Manufacturers: One strategy that certain micro split system manufacturers use to encourage the purchase of their more energy-efficient products is to offer rebates directly to customers.

Rebates for Electric Furnaces:

While mini split systems typically offer more efficiency, electric furnaces—particularly the most energy-efficient ones or those with programmable thermostats or other energy-saving features—may be eligible for rebates on occasion. You should look into your local rebate programs because they differ greatly from one area to another.