Homeowners in Olympia, WA have an important decision to make when it’s time to replace their heating systems: do you go with a gas furnace or an electric heat pump? You may be on the fence about making the switch despite the many incentives to purchase a heat pump.
You’ve always relied on a furnace for heat and need to know how furnaces stack up against heat pumps. Let’s go over the pros and cons of both systems so you can be an informed consumer when it’s time to make the decision.
Gas Furnace: Pros
Economical: They cost less to purchase upfront than a heat pump and the installation cost is lower than a mini split heat pump system. The cost to run it over its lifespan is usually cheaper because gas costs less than electricity.
Powerful: They’re powerful heating machines that can quickly and efficiently heat a home.
IAQ Integration: For certain types of indoor air quality systems, it may be easier to integrate these systems into a central furnace.
Options for Efficiency: You can choose a dual-stage or variable-stage furnace that has different power levels. You can also opt for a unit with a high AFUE rating which means it’ll be much more energy efficient.
Gas Furnace: Cons
Less Efficiency: Unless you’re getting a top-of-the-line gas furnace with a high AFUE, a heat pump will be more energy efficient.
Zone Control: It’s an all-or-nothing approach when it comes to heating your home.
No Cooling Ability: Heat pumps are 2-in-1 systems which means they can provide air conditioning in the summer.
Heat Pump: Pros
Air Conditioning: Say goodbye to being the last house on the block without air conditioning. A heat pump will keep your home cool during our increasingly hot summers.
High Efficiency: They’re considered the “eco-friendly option” because they don’t use fossil fuels.
Precision Zoning: If you choose a mini split as your heat pump system, you can control the temperature of each zone and room in your home. They’re great for households that can’t agree on one temperature.
Flexibility: You can choose between a ducted or ductless heat pump system. This is ideal for homes without ductwork or where the existing ductwork is problematic.
Heat Pump: Cons
Filtration: Mini split systems each have an individual air filter and you’ll need to be vigilant about changing them every month.
Maintenance: They need maintenance twice a year since they’re 2-in-1 systems and are used almost year-round.
Aesthetics: Some homeowners don’t like the look of air handlers on the walls of their homes. But you can always go with a ducted system that’ll eliminate this.
Initial Cost: They’re more expensive than furnaces but there’s help for the expense at the state and federal levels with rebates and incentives to make the switch.
No matter what system you choose, having it installed by a professional team like ours will set it up for success.
Count on the team with the most experience. Contact the team at Sunset Air today for gas furnace services in Olympia, WA.
