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.

Dealing with a broken or malfunctioning furnace here in Colorado is no good. This time of year, chilly temperatures are here to stay—which makes a furnace going out one of the worst things for a Loveland homeowner.

Don’t fear—you’ve got the team at Good Guys Home Services on your side. We’ve been in the HVAC industry in Colorado since 2009, so we’ve seen it all. Here are 5 signs that you might need a furnace repair (so you can avoid a complete meltdown and an expensive replacement!).

5 Signs You Need a Furnace Repair ASAP

1. Weak airflow.

One of the first signs of a furnace malfunction is often weak airflow. Do you feel like your home is taking forever to get warm in the Colorado winter? Is the air stream from your vents not strong? Your furnace might be on its last leg.

2. Strange noises.

Weird noises can also indicate a problem with your furnace. Loose, damaged, or worn out parts make strange sounds like popping, cracking, buzzing, and clanking. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, it’s best to call in the professionals.

3. Foul odors.

Your furnace shouldn’t smell bad (aside from the initial odor you might sense when it’s first turned on in the winter). Foul odors could mean there’s an obstruction in your air ducts or an issue with your furnace. Thankfully, it’s an easy repair if caught early.

4. Short cycling.

Is your furnace turning on and off really quickly? That’s no good. A furnace that kicks on and off repeatedly, at weird times, is in need of a repair. Keep track of how often it turns on and off, then call a service technician ASAP.

5. Increased heating costs.

Another major indicator that your furnace is on the fritz is rising heating costs. If your energy bills are rising at a rapid rate (even though you’re not cranking up the heat!), it might be your furnace’s fault.

Choose Good Guys Home Services for Furnace Repair Near Fort Collins

Locally owned and operated, Good Guys Home Services is a trusted source for all plumbing and HVAC services in the Fort Collins, CO area. When you need a furnace repair, you can trust our team of HVAC professionals to get to the bottom of the problem and provide a quick fix fast. We put our customers first, every time, just ask your friends and neighbors how much they love Good Guys Home Services—or read our testimonials here!

Think your furnace is acting out? Contact us online or give us a call today at (970) 818-8008. We’ll have a technician out to your home and your furnace up and running in no time.