As environmental awareness continues to grow, a rising tide of eco-conscious initiatives is taking root at the community level. Both homeowners and manufacturing companies have been the driving force in maintaining safer and healthier homes through transitioning to complete electrification. One crucial component among US homes is the heating systems.
HVAC systems are treading lightly on the environmental aspect as fuel emissions harm the surrounding ecosystem. However, it is not entirely hopeless yet, as emerging technologies have focused on making this essential appliance more sustainable. Nevertheless, it is necessary to investigate which technology has less carbon footprint than the other and its overall environmental implications.
Two of the most common heating systems in American homes are heat pumps and furnaces. Comparison of the difference between heat pump and furnace is typically based on their pricing structures, operating costs, and effectivity. In this article, we will focus more on their impact on the environment and the movement towards mitigating impending climate change.
Factors Influencing Heating Systems’ Carbon Footprint
First, you should know what constitutes a carbon footprint for heating systems. Any appliance’s carbon footprint starts at the very first emission of all associated greenhouse gases, down to its very last puff. For heating systems, this includes the gas emissions necessary for its production, the energy source used, its fuel efficiency, and its end-of-life disposal. Other factors could make an impact on heating systems’ environmental footprint. The top ones are as follows:
- Energy source
The source of energy the equipment is operating on plays a significant role in determining which device is more sustainable. Sources can be electricity or fuel, and depending on the place’s availability of renewable energy, both heating systems can have a potentially lower ecological burden. - System Efficiency
High-efficiency systems are considered a more sustainable choice as they consume less energy. No matter what type of device you choose, ensure that they have lower energy consumption throughout their operation.
- Maintenance and Operation
Proper maintenance, including regular professional servicing and daily upkeep, ensures that the components are in optimal condition and that the system performs at its peak. Routine maintenance also ensures longevity and will keep your equipment away from landfills for an extended time. Additionally, optimal operation contributes to lower energy consumption, reducing emissions.
- Local Climate
When choosing the right heating system, you will need to take into account your area’s weather patterns. Generally, heat pumps may perform better in milder climates, while furnaces are preferred in colder regions.
Heat Pumps as the Popular Greener Choice
Heat pumps are famous for their high energy efficiency and low carbon emissions. They use electricity to transfer heat from the outdoor environment to the indoors. This type of heat generation does not have any combustion involved and, therefore, has primarily no direct emissions. Read more about heat pumps’ potential to reduce emissions from this study.
In terms of energy efficiency or converting electricity into heat, this particular heating system also tops the race, with some models providing more than 300% efficiency. This high efficiency reduces the amount of electricity required, substantially minimizing direct emissions, especially in areas with coal-based electricity generation.
On the other hand, heat pumps have shorter lifespans than furnaces, requiring more production and, therefore, producing higher gas emissions in the manufacturing process. They also contribute more to landfills, posing more challenges in sustainable disposal.
Furnaces with Higher Longevity
Furnaces undoubtedly produce higher direct emissions, mainly when powered by natural gas, propane, and even electricity, as they operate through combustion. Their direct emissions involve greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, and sometimes nitrous oxide and methane. They also emit CO2 as a byproduct of combustion and require more fuel and electricity to generate the same amount of heat as heat pumps, even with their modern technology.
Read more on greenhouse gas emissions from heating technologies here: https://wcec.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/uploads/GHG-Emissions-from-Residential-Heating-Technologies-091520.pdf
Similar to heat pumps, the indirect emissions of furnaces also depend on the energy source. Suppose the electricity or gas grid relies on fossil fuels. In that case, the indirect emissions can have a substantial adverse environmental impact if the area has electricity or gas relying on fossil fuels.
Furnaces have a relatively longer lifespan than heat pumps, as a properly maintained furnace can last 20 years or more, while heat pumps can last as long as only 15 years. Thus, it has less contribution to waste management struggles, and with their modern technology, they have more parts that are salvageable before they are fully disposed of in landfills.
To conclude, both heating systems have promising potential in promoting sustainable solutions to HVAC systems. However, the heat pump comes out at the top with its high-efficiency energy generation and lower gas emissions. A system’s minimal operational gas outflows surpass the impact of its higher production-related emissions due to its shorter lifespan.
In some cases, a furnace can still be a greener option under extraordinary circumstances. By making an informed choice, you can reduce the environmental impact of your home heating and contribute to a greener future.
