The holiday season brings chilly nights and downright cold mornings. Morning and evening temperatures in the Valley of the Sun can dip down into the 40s or below in some outer lying areas in November. In other words, it’s chilly enough to require firing up the heater.
Although some Phoenix area homes were built with gas furnaces, not all Phoenix area neighborhoods are serviced with gas lines. When a gas furnace is not possible, another option is a heat pump. Not sure what the difference is? Keep reading.
What is the Difference Between a Heat Pump and a Gas Furnace?
The home heat pump moves or transfers heat from one place to another. A heat pump looks almost exactly like an air conditioning unit and the inner workings are quite similar. There is, however, one big difference. A heat pump contains a reversing valve which allows it to pull heat from the outdoors and pump the heat indoors.
A gas furnace, whether conventional or high efficiency, takes in cold air, cleans this outdoor air with an air filter, heats it up with a gas burner using a steel heat exchanger, and distributes the warm air with a blower motor through your house’s ductwork.
What Are Some Advantages and Disadvantages Between Heat Pumps and Gas Furnaces?
Heat pumps are a clean source of energy, powered by electricity. They are very energy efficient and take advantage of naturally occurring heat in the outside air. Heat pumps run year-round and are considered an excellent option for Arizona homes, especially if gas lines are not available in your neighborhood.
A gas furnace may last for 20 to 30 years, while a heat pump will have a much shorter life span. Unlike heat pumps, gas furnaces are generally in use only from November to February. Furnaces burn gas, which may be less expensive, depending on the economy, but like any fossil fuel, results in exhaust containing carbon monoxide which can be dangerous and contribute to climate change. The fact is, there are advantages and disadvantages to each.
Bruce’s expert service technicians will be happy to explain the pros and cons to you during a home consultation.
Bruce’s Technicians Know-How
If your old gas furnace needs to be replaced, or if you’re considering installing a new heat pump, why not give us a call? Our friendly experts have decades of experience heating and cooling Arizona homes. We will perform a thorough inspection of your current HVAC system and provide you with options, so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for your home. Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating today at 480-968-5652.
