As the holidays approach, the tree, lights and decorations go up, and the temperatures go down. December days tend to be a pleasant 65 to 70 degrees. However, Arizona winter nights and early mornings can dip into the 40s or below – often chilly enough to require firing up the heater. Many Phoenix area homes were built with gas furnaces. Yet, not all Phoenix neighborhoods are serviced with gas lines. When a gas furnace is not possible, other options include electric furnaces, electric baseboard heaters or a heat pump.
What Is a Heat Pump?
In simplified terms, a heat pump moves or transfers heat from one place to another. In appearance, a heat pump looks almost identical to an air conditioner, and the inner workings are very similar. There is, however, one pivotal difference. A heat pump contains a reversing valve which allows it to pull heat from the outdoors and “pump” it indoors. Heat pumps are very energy efficient and take advantage of naturally occurring heat in the outside air. Furnaces burn fuel to create heat which is then blown into your home. Heat pumps are often considered an excellent option for Arizona homes especially if gas lines are not available.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages Between a Heat Pump and a Gas Furnace?
Heat pumps are a clean source of energy, powered by electricity. Furnaces burn gas, which is cheaper, but like any fossil fuel, results in exhaust containing carbon monoxide which can be dangerous. Heat pumps run year-round while gas furnaces are in use for a few short months during winter. A gas furnace may last for 20 to 30 years while a heat pump will have a much shorter life span. The truth is, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Our expert service technicians will be happy to explain the pros and cons to you during a home consultation.
Do Heat Pumps Work When It’s Really Cold?
Heat pumps are popular in Arizona because the winters are very mild. Extracting heat from the air tends to work best at 40 degrees and above. When the temperature dips into the 30s or below freezing, a heat pump may not be able to provide all the warm air needed to heat your home. Many heat pump systems include a secondary system – an air handler with electric heating coils which warm the air and heat up your home to whatever temperature you desire.
When It Comes to Heat – We’ve Got You Covered
If your old 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.
