There’s an ongoing debate over whether a gas furnace in Santa Rosa is a smarter investment than an electric heat pump. Some studies suggest gas furnaces last much longer than heat pumps, but those who prefer the electric option argue that due to improvements in efficiency, waiting any more than 15 years to replace your gas furnace could cost you money.
Additionally, because gas furnaces are stored indoors, they’re less susceptible to damage from insects and weathering than heat pumps. However, there’s no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning with the electric-powered option.
You’re probably now starting to realize that deciding whether to purchase a furnace or a heat pump is a tough decision.
Below, we compare the pros and cons of each heating solution to help you choose the most suitable option for your home.
Installation Costs
The price of fitting either a heat pump or a gas furnace in Santa Rosa can vary dramatically, largely depending on the system you choose and its energy rating. According to HomeAdvisor, the average heat pump installation in Santa Rosa costs $5,793 while a gas furnace will set you back $5,105.
However, installing a furnace can cost anywhere between $3,828 and $6,765, and the price of a heat pump installation ranges from $4,311 to $7,275.
The figures above only take into consideration the replacement fee for an individual gas furnace, which usually works in tandem with an air conditioning unit. If you plan to install a new furnace and AC system, the price will increase, but the long lifespan of the furnace can offset the extra cost.
Durability
You can expect a gas furnace to survive for longer than the heat pump alternative. While 15 years tends to be the average life of a furnace, they can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance. Heat pumps, on the other hand, remain functional for 10 to 15 years, according to the US Department of Energy.
While a furnace can keep working for more than two decades, replacing them sooner than their maximum lifespan is often the best way to minimize your heating costs in the long run. Manufacturers continuously develop their products to improve their efficiency. You might want to start looking into a replacement when your furnace reaches the 15-year-mark.
Maintenance Requirements
Heat pumps are much more complex systems than gas furnaces, making them more susceptible to damage. Because heat pumps are often attached to the exterior of your home, they’re vulnerable to pest infestations and the elements.
While gas furnaces are less likely to break down than the electric alternative, it’s crucial to stay on top of maintenance because ventilation issues can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, which can be deadly in severe situations. You should call a qualified gas engineer for furnace and duct cleaning every one to two years. With a heat pump, you may need to either replace or clean the filter every month, which can make maintenance time-consuming as well as costly.
Overall, there isn’t too much difference in the price of keeping either a heat pump or a furnace alive and well. Moreover, modern gas furnaces are exceptionally safe provided you keep them in full working order.
If you are concerned about safety, a heat pump might be the right solution for you. If you’d prefer a system that’s likely to cost less in repairs, you might want to opt for a furnace.
Home Comfort
Heat pumps and furnaces should be able to maintain a cozy temperature inside your house without much of a struggle, but gas furnaces arguably provide the optimum in home comfort. Many people complain heap pumps can cause a house to feel ‘drafty.’ Moreover, furnaces tend to generate hotter air than heat pumps, meaning they can heat a cold room more efficiently. However, the most energy-efficient furnaces produce air at around the same temperature as heat pumps (90°-120°).
Running Costs
How much it costs to run furnaces and heat pumps largely depends on their efficiency, but gas is currently more affordable than electricity according to the Energy Information Administration.
In California, it costs about $10.98 to produce one million Btu with a gas furnace running at 82% efficiency. That price falls to $9.47 for gas boilers with 95% efficiency. It costs approximately $45.07 to produce the same Btu with an electric heat pump. Regardless of how energy efficient your furnace is, it’s likely still a much more affordable way to heat your home than by using electricity.
Electric Heat Pump vs a Gas Furnace in Santa Rosa: The Verdict
If affordability, home comfort and durability are your primary concerns, you’re probably better off with a gas furnace in Santa Rosa. If, on the other hand, safety and eco-friendliness are your main priorities, you might want to invest in an electric heat pump. There is no simple answer to the long-argued debate over which heating solution is better. The easiest way to determine which option is right for you is to discuss your requirements with a qualified HVAC engineer.