So, you’re considering new heating and cooling options and weighing in on the heat pump vs furnace debate? Deciding between a heat pump and furnace involves evaluating your climate, budget, long-term goals, and whether or not you have gas available to your home. Well, here in the Valley of the Sun, we have mild winters (we do not have to shovel sunshine) and rarely see temps fall below freezing. The following guide breaks down the key differences, helping you choose the optimal fit for your Phoenix-area home. Let’s explore each and compare.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is basically a reversible air conditioner. It utilizes electricity and refrigerant to transfer heat, drawing it from the outside air to heat your home in winter, or extracting indoor heat for summer cooling.
Heat pumps are known for energy efficiency. They excel in moderate climates, such as Phoenix. They might struggle when outdoor temperatures drop near freezing; sometimes even below 40 degrees. This higher efficiency can limit the energy used vs a traditional heater thus lowering utility bills. However, the initial up front cost for a heat pump is more than the furnace system.
Overall, the reasons for a heat pump are: Potential lower operating costs, Higer efficiency, and they can both heat and cool. The CONS for a heat pump are: Higher up front material and installation cost, noisier operation, will struggle in colder climates, and a shorter lifespan.
What is a Furnace?
A furnace is a heating only system that produces heat directly, typically by burning natural gas, propane, or oil (In the Phoenix area, if you have a furnace, you’re probably using natural gas to get your heat). Since the furnace is heat only, it must be paired with and air conditioner for the sweltering Phoenix summers.
A furnace has a burner that heats up air in the heat exchanger (similar to your AC coil) and the indoor fan motor blows the air from your home across the heat exchanger distributing heated air through your home’s ductwork, ensuring consistent warmth on cold days. Since a furnace will heat your home much quicker than a heat pump, this system may be the better for those that have gas available at their house and are looking for a hearty system that can heat their house quickly. However, the heat produced is very dry and some may find that adding a humidifier is necessary. High-efficiency furnaces, paired with smart thermostats, will help manage energy usage while providing consistent heat energy.
Schedule Service
Request service today and experience the Big Sky difference—quality service, upfront pricing, and comfort you can count on!
Heat Pump vs Furnace: A Detailed Comparison
Cost
Initially, furnaces seem less expensive, costing between $1500 and $3,300, but they require the installation of a separate air conditioner. Installing a heat pump (between $2,500 and $10,000) removes the need for a separate AC as the system uses a reversing valve to provide both heating and cooling. Since split system furnaces and heat pump air handlers have different voltage requirements, another potential to factor in is electrical rewiring costs for (between $2 and $4 per square foot).
Federal tax credits may be available to homeowners who install high-efficiency heating systems. Be sure to investigate upfront costs thoroughly and explore additional savings through federal tax incentives for certain HVAC systems.
Efficiency
Heat pumps are inherently energy efficient. They move heat rather than generating it. They can reduce electricity use by up to 50%, and in some cases by up to 75% compared to electric baseboard heaters and furnaces. Gas furnaces are typically more efficient thatn their electrical counterparts, but they come with the inherent risk of burning fuel to produce heat. However, furnaces (especially those with AFUE ratings above 90%) are often a better option over standard heat pumps when outside temperatures fall below freezing.
Certain high-efficiency heat pumps provide superior humidity control and cooling compared to standard air conditioners while eliminating the risk that comes with burning fuel for heat. They may be the more efficient option compared to high efficiency natural gas furnace systems. Ultimately your local environment will impact the efficient option that best serves your needs.
Maintenance
Both heat pumps and furnaces need annual checkups to perform smoothly and efficiently, maximizing their lifespans.
Lifespan
Furnaces typically last 20+ years. Heat pumps last 15–18 years. Regular maintenance significantly impacts the lifespan of both. However, one thing to remember is, the older the appliance is, the less efficient it becomes. Make sure to keep this in mind and be prepared to replace your current HVAC system once it has reached the effective limit and repairs and utility bills are becoming more and more expensive.
Climate Considerations
Heat pumps excel in mild climates like Arizona. They are highly valuable due to their dual functionality as heaters and air conditioners. If you live in an area with consistently hot months and rising average temperatures then you will likely find greater savings by switching over to heat pumps. During the hot summer months you will find an efficient option with cooling, something not provided with traditional furnace heating.
For colder regions, a high-efficiency furnace, or an inverter heat pump, offers a good balance of heating capabilities and energy efficiency.
Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which Is Right for You?
In Phoenix, with its hot climate, choosing between a heat pump and a furnace is relatively straightforward. Heat pumps provide year-round climate control in moderate climates, serving as both air conditioners and heaters.
Furnaces cost less up front and may eventually have higher operating costs, while heat pumps will cost more upfront to purchase and install but have lower operating costs.
For harsher winter climates, a dual fuel system pairing an electric heat pump with a furnace might be preferable. Inverter heat pumps may provide sufficient heating for more temperate climates in winter conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing between a heat pump and a furnace requires consideration of climate, upfront costs, and long-term energy efficiency. In Phoenix, with milder winters, heat pumps are a good choice.
Factors like available fuel types (natural gas, propane, oil) and desired features (dual fuel systems, inverter style condensers) play a role in your choice between a furnace and a heat pump. Ultimately, your local climate and heating requirements dictate the ideal system. This includes weighing energy efficiency and installation cost, plus considering potential long-term tax credits. Contact us today for a free estimate and let’s make sure your home is prepared to stay comfortable all year long.
