When it comes to heating your home, you have several good options.
Furnaces and heat pumps are both energy-efficient, but the differences in their design make it possible for homeowners to benefit from installing both.
Before deciding what type of heating system is right for you, consider the pros and cons of having a furnace and heat pump combination.
This article dives into what makes a furnace and heat pump different. It also touches on the advantages and drawbacks of owning both a heat pump and a furnace.
Keep scrolling to learn more.
Furnace vs Heat Pump: What’s the Difference?
Many homeowners aren’t aware of the differences between a heat pump and a furnace.
An air source heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling system that uses electricity to move warm air from one area to another.
It’s more energy efficient because instead of burning gas to generate heat, it transfers existing heat from the outdoors into your home.
When it’s in cooling mode, it does the opposite and transfers the heat from inside your home to the outdoors.
Meanwhile, a furnace does not draw heat from the outdoors to bring into your home. It generates heated air using natural gas, oil, or propane fuel.
There are electric furnaces that use electricity instead of natural gas to generate heat.
They are a great alternative for homeowners who are looking to reduce their energy costs, as electric furnaces require less energy to heat your home.
Does a Heat Pump Replace a Furnace?
An air source heat pump—or other heat pump types—can certainly replace a furnace in milder climates.
However, if you live in an area with cooler temperatures, it may not heat your home as efficiently as a traditional gas furnace or electric furnace.
Regardless, heat pumps have their place—regionally and seasonally—so it’s beneficial to consider using both a heat pump and gas furnace together.
When the conditions dip too cold for heat pump efficiency, you can easily switch to your more powerful gas furnace.
That way you can benefit from the heat pump’s energy efficiency until it’s time to whip out the winter powerhouse.
If having both sounds cost-prohibitive, consider how the combo could help you save money on heating bills in the long run.
The Pros and Cons of Installing a Gas Furnace With a Heat Pump
Installing a heat pump and furnace combo in your home allows you to take advantage of the different benefits each provides—without compromising on efficiency. Still, this doesn’t mean that each heating solution comes without its share of drawbacks.
Here are the various pros and cons of installing a gas furnace with a heat pump:
Pro: Heat Pumps Provide Backup Heating for the Home
The great thing about a double-duty heating system is that when one breaks down, the other can take over the task of heating your home.
Furnaces have a lot of components, making them more vulnerable to breakdowns and damage.
A heat pump can replace a furnace if the furnace gets damaged or stops working.
No need to worry about your family suffering a cold winter. You can use your heat pump to generate emergency heat for your house.
Pro: Enjoy More Energy Efficiency
Gas furnaces offer an effective and energy-efficient solution to home heating, especially when combined with a heat pump.
Using gas instead of electricity makes gas furnaces more affordable since natural gas costs are usually much lower than electric rates—although, electricity prices will vary between states.
Heat pumps provide an added level of efficiency by transferring existing warm air from one area of your house to another. This means you don’t have to rely solely on the gas furnace for your heating needs.
Utilizing both gas furnaces and heat pumps provides the ultimate energy efficiency, giving you control over your monthly costs while still maintaining a comfortable home all year round.
Pro: Reduce Carbon Emissions
Using a gas furnace with a heat pump is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions. Not only does it increase efficiency, but it also reduces the amount of natural gas needed to create heat.
Heat pumps work by using air from outside the home and transferring it inside, creating warmer temperatures without relying on gas-powered appliances. This means less gas consumption and fewer carbon dioxide emissions.
In addition, a gas furnace is far more reliable than other alternative fuel sources—such as an oil furnace—when used in conjunction with a heat pump. Investing in a gas furnace with a heat pump can make households greener while still providing comfortable temperatures for everyone.
Pro: Stay Warm in Cold Climates
Installing a heat pump with a gas furnace is a great option, especially for people who live in cold climates. When temperatures begin to dip, a heat pump may not be able to provide heat as effectively.
A furnace performs better in the cold because it generates its own heat as opposed to transferring it from one place to another. You may not be able to spare as much in terms of energy savings; however, you can keep your family warm during severe weather.
Con: Occupies a Lot of Space
A heat pump typically has outdoor and indoor units that take up a lot of space in your home. Combining that with a gas or oil furnace leaves you with far less space in your home for other things.
(Not to mention if you also have an AC unit installed in your house.)
If you’re considering getting a heat pump and furnace for your house, make sure that you have enough space for both systems in your home.
New homeowners might find it difficult to look for a new heat pump system or furnace. If you’re having trouble finding what you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for assistance.
Con: Risk of Gas Leaks
Furnaces emit carbon dioxide and other harmful byproducts during the combustion process as a result of burning fuel. If you want to avoid heating solutions that involve carbon emissions and possibly put you at risk of gas leaks, you may want to stay away from gas furnaces.
Con: More Expensive Maintenance and Repairs
Having both a heat pump and furnace can truly save you from the nipping winter. If your furnace fails, your heat pump can provide emergency heat to your home and vice versa.
However, what happens if both systems fail at the same time?
The labor costs of getting a heat pump and gas furnace installed simultaneously can be expensive. If you are on a tight budget, this might not be the best solution for you.
How Much Are the Installation Costs for a Heat Pump and Furnace?
Cost is a major concern among homeowners looking for the right HVAC system for their home. Installation costs for either a heat pump or furnace will vary between states.
Generally, the installation costs for a heat pump stands at around $4,000 to $8,000. It’s twice as expensive as installing a furnace alone, which averages at around $2,000 to $5,400.
Considering the prices mentioned above, you can expect furnace and heat pump installation costs would be much greater.
So, Is a Furnace and Heat Pump Combo Right for Your Home?
For those who are looking for a cost-effective way to keep their homes comfortable during colder months, installing a furnace with a heat pump can be an excellent option.
While having both a furnace and a heat pump may not be necessary for everyone (especially if you don’t experience extreme cold during winter months), there are some cases in which this combination may be ideal for providing energy-efficient comfort throughout all four seasons.
Before making any decisions about what type of heating system is right for you – make sure that you consider all the pros and cons associated with owning both types as well as how they would perform in your particular climate conditions before making any final decisions about what type(s) should be installed in your home.
Heat pumps are more energy efficient than traditional heating systems and require less maintenance over time due to their all-in-one design.
Meanwhile, gas furnaces can produce heat more quickly than heat pumps. They are also more effective during extremely cold weather.
Let Us Help You Find the Right Heating Solution
We only want the best for our clients here at BelRed. If you’re having trouble choosing the right HVAC equipment for your home, we would be more than happy to assist you in your search!
Whether you need a new heat pump or air conditioner, our experts can guide you in finding the best HVAC system for you and your loved ones. They are trained in the latest methodologies and techniques, making sure clients are provided with accurate and effective services.
We also offer heat pump repair and furnace installation services for your convenience and safety. If you wish to learn more about our products, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact Us at (855) 345-6161
We look forward to serving you!
