If you’re a new homeowner or looking to replace your current heating system, you may be wondering about the advantages of a heat pump vs a furnace. Although furnaces are the most common heaters in Arizona homes, they may not be the most energy-efficient choice. Choosing the right heating system is like choosing a romantic partner—the two of you need to be compatible.
How do you know you are a perfect match? Choosing a heat pump vs a furnace depends on your location, energy efficiency needs, desired upfront costs, and more. Rest assured, our HVAC experts have the answers you need. In this outline, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each system and how well each would fit your home.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
Heat pumps don’t generate heat; they transfer it. Heat pumps take heat from outside and move it inside, trapping it in a liquid refrigerant and pumping it to a coil or heat exchanger. Air will then blow out of the system, effectively heating your home.
An advantage of installing a heat pump is that they act as dual heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps can capture outdoor heat, even when it’s freezing outside. There is always some heat in the air or ground, so your heat pump will transfer whatever it finds. For this reason, heat pumps tend to be less effective in climates with harsh winters. When temperatures become too low, they can struggle to keep up with your heating needs.
How Does a Furnace Operate?
Whereas a heat pump transfers heat, a furnace generates it using fuel or electricity. A furnace uses its natural gas or electricity to heat a burner, and then that burner moves its heat to a heat exchanger. A fan then blows air onto the heat exchanger, spreading heat through your ducts and into various rooms throughout your home.
Should You Install a Heat Pump or a Gas Furnace? We Will Help You Decide
The answer to the heat pump vs gas furnace debate mostly depends on your personal preferences, but there are some regional and cost-based factors that can make your decision easier. In this section, we’ll look at the most important considerations when choosing a heat pump or gas furnace.
It’s best to consult an HVAC professional before deciding which heating system to install in your home. Day & Night offers free estimates on installs, so we can recommend the right system for your specific needs. Our dedicated technicians can provide insight into upfront costs, future costs, maintenance needs, and other important factors.
1. Region is an Important Consideration
Location, location, location. Your local climate is a critical factor in the heat pump vs furnace discussion, and here’s why:
- Heat pumps work best in climates with mild winters. In areas with harsh, prolonged winters, heat pumps may struggle to keep up with your home’s heating demands.
- Furnaces are optimal for climates with long, frigid winters. They have more heating power and can run on high demand for extended periods.
Heat pumps are a great choice for Arizona homeowners. Their heating and cooling versatility is highly convenient, and they have the necessary heating power for temperate Southwest winters. For homeowners who prefer high heating power above all else, a gas furnace may be the better option.
2. Efficiency
In mild climates, heat pumps are often much more efficient than gas furnaces. This is because they transfer more energy than they use. This higher efficiency will pay off in the long run, bringing lower energy bills and fewer carbon emissions.
However, gas furnaces are usually more efficient than heat pumps in colder climates because heat pumps need to work much harder in frigid temperatures. Again, your location is such an important factor when choosing a heating system—it often has a direct effect on your other considerations.
3. Safety Factors
If you are comparing the benefits of heat pumps vs gas furnaces, it’s important to be aware that gas systems generally have more safety risks. Although it’s rare, gas furnaces can leak carbon monoxide. But don’t worry too much—gas furnaces have numerous safety features to prevent and warn you about these issues.
Furnaces prevent explosions through automatic shut-off switches, pressure regulators, warning lights, and more. Heat pumps also have automatic shut-off switches. They can also alert you of refrigerant leaks through a series of detectors and sensors.
4. Costs
If you’re looking for lower upfront costs, gas furnaces typically have heat pumps beat. In some cases, furnace installation costs may be higher than heat pump installation costs due to potential ducts and gas lines that need to be installed with it. Furnaces may also have higher lifetime operating costs, especially in milder climates where heat pumps are more efficient.
Repair and maintenance costs can depend on the HVAC provider, but furnaces typically cost more to service and maintain.
5. Maintenance Requirements
Every heating system needs to be properly maintained, or else its heating power and efficiency will take a dive. Heat pumps and furnaces should both be inspected by an HVAC professional annually. If you use your system frequently, it may even need two inspections per year.
6. Life Cycle
Heat pumps and furnaces have comparable lifespans. Factors like frequency of use, system size, proper upkeep, and local environment determine how long your system will last.
7. Size
If you’re comparing the benefits of heat pumps vs furnaces, size is an important variable to consider. Furnaces are almost always larger than heat pumps and fully reside indoors. Heat pumps typically have both an indoor and outdoor unit, requiring less indoor space than furnaces.
8. System Durability
Furnaces are generally more durable than heat pumps. Heat pumps are more complex systems and highly dependent on routine maintenance to reach their maximum lifespan, especially when used in a cold climate.
Professional HVAC Services for Furnaces and Heat Pumps
The answer to the heat pump vs furnace debate depends on your home’s specific needs. At Day & Night, our expert technicians can determine these needs and provide a free estimate on a furnace or heat pump installation.
Our professionals provide comprehensive HVAC repair services in Chandler, Arizona and the surrounding areas. From Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, to Gilbert, our team members can travel to your home to help you choose a new HVAC system.
Our goal is your complete home comfort, whether that is achieved through a heat pump or furnace. We offer heat pump repair, mini-split system installation, furnace repair, and various other HVAC services to ensure that your system runs smoothly year-round.
A comfortable home starts with a responsible HVAC crew. For high-quality service at a fair price, schedule an appointment with Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing. We believe in true craftsmanship and prompt service, respecting your time while delivering the best results. Contact our professionals to receive support.
