Looking to install a new heating system for your Boulder area home? Deciding between a gas furnace and a heat pump is a tough choice—and you’re probably wondering which is more efficient for the climate out here in Colorado, right?
In the furnace v. heat pump debate, Boulder residents and those nearby often choose to install a new furnace in their home—but, plenty of Colorado homeowners love their heat pumps, too. Here, we’ll tell you the difference between a furnace and a heat pump and what factors to consider so you can decide which heating system is best for your unique home and lifestyle.
Furnace vs. Heat Pump: What’s the Difference?
Wondering the difference between furnaces and heat pumps? Let us break it down for you. First and foremost, heat pumps operate on electricity. Furnaces require gas lines to function.
Furnaces have been used for decades to warm Colorado homes in the winter, and are great when temperatures drop in the coldest months of the year. Typically, heat pumps are installed in areas with milder winters, whereas furnaces can brave even the harshest winter snow storm.
Think about your comfort level and what kind of performance you’d like to see out of your heating system. Then, consider your area of Colorado and read on to learn more.
Furnace vs. Heat Pump: Factors to Consider
Boulder, Colorado typically has pleasant year-round weather—and moderate climates allow for the installation of either a heat pump or a gas furnace. Although, furnaces are the most popular choice. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between the two.
Gas or Electric
First, if your home doesn’t have gas lines, you can’t install a furnace. Furnaces require gas to operate; heat pumps run on electricity. If you have gas lines, you still have the option to choose between the two heating systems.
Cost of installation
What does it cost to install a heat pump? How about a furnace? When it comes to upfront costs, it’s safe to say heat pumps are a little more expensive to install. However, heat pumps are used year-round as an air conditioning system, too. Furnaces only work to produce heat in the winter—so you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons here. With a furnace, you may also need to install an air conditioning unit to remain comfortable in the summer.
Comfort levels
Heat pumps and furnaces provide heat in different ways—therefore, comfort level may differ. Heat pumps use electricity to push air in and out of the home, but they don’t necessarily bring in heat from a heating source. Furnaces, however, are using gas to produce heat—pushing out air that can be up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pumps, however, operate based on outdoor weather. When the temperature drops outside, it might be harder to crank up the heat and your home may be cooler than you’d prefer.
Lifespan
Heat pumps last approximately 10 years; gas furnaces have a lifespan of nearly 20 years. However, you must remember that heat pumps operate as two systems in one: a summer air conditioning unit and a winter heating system.
Furnace Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Service Near Boulder, CO
When you’re ready to install a new furnace in your Boulder home (or anywhere in Northern Colorado!) or need heating repairs, we’re the ones you want to call. Good Guys Home Service sends genuinely good guys to your door to fix all of your HVAC and home comfort needs. Don’t go cold this winter—give us a call at 970-227-3088 or contact us online to discuss your furnace needs.
We offer year-round HVAC services for heating, cooling, and more throughout Northern Colorado. Located in Fort Collins, we also serve the following areas: Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, and Longmont, Colorado.