Heating Options

Furnace Maintenance Service in Tucson, AZ

Exploring the Differences Between Furnaces vs Heat Pumps

You have a few different options for home heating systems in Southern Arizona. Because Tucson and the surrounding areas don’t get extremely cold winters, you may not need to invest in a large, high-powered, or expensive heating system. The most common heating options used in this area are furnaces and heat pumps. However, it’s still important to consider the regional weather, the size and layout of your home, and your personal preferences for comfort to make sure you choose the system that’s right for you. Temco AC Repair & Replacement offers expert furnace repair and replacement as well as furnace maintenance services in Tucson, AZ. We can also provide guidance throughout the process of making the choice between a furnace and a heat pump.

Your Home Heating System Options in Arizona

Southern Arizona homes typically rely on central heating systems or HVAC systems. These consist of an air conditioner and a furnace that is connected through a central unit that heats or cools air and blows it through a system of ducts so that it exits through vents in each room or area of your home.

What is a Furnace?

A furnace is a heating system that warms air and distributes it throughout the home using a blower fan, ductwork, and vents. It generates heat through electricity or by burning fuel like propane, natural gas, or oil. Once the air is heated, a blower fan pushes it through the air ducts, where it comes out through vents in each room of the home. It works through a complex system of parts and elements:

A thermostat detects a drop in the home’s temperature and signals the furnace to turn on
The furnace burners ignite and heat air as it passes through a heat exchanger
A blower fan then pushes this warm air through the home’s ductwork
The hot air comes out through vents in each room of the home
Exhaust fumes are safely vented outside the home

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a more versatile, energy-efficient home heating and cooling option. It transfers heat from one area of the home to another using electricity. In the winter, the pump pulls heat from outside air or the ground and transfers it inside. The process is more environmentally friendly and can result in lower heating costs. Here’s a closer look at how heat pumps work:

The heat pump uses a refrigeration cycle, much like your home refrigerator, to move heat from one place to another
In the winter, a refrigerant with a very low boiling point flows through the outdoor coil of the heat pump
Even if the air outside is freezing, it absorbs enough heat to create a vapor
The vaporized refrigerant is sent to a compressor, which squeezes the air, causing the molecules to move faster and closer together
This increases the temperature of the vapor
The hot vapor then flows to an indoor coil and releases heat into the indoor air to warm your home
The refrigerant cools back down and turns back into a liquid, and then returns to the outdoor coil to repeat the cycle

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Furnaces vs Heat Pumps

Furnaces are ideal for cold climates. They are reliable and provide powerful heat. Heat pumps are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly and can significantly lower heating costs in warmer climates like Southern Arizona. Let’s look at the pros and cons of furnaces vs heat pumps:

Furnaces

Pros: Furnaces excel in cold weather and generate heat reliably and effectively even in freezing or below zero outdoor temperatures. They can heat a home relatively quickly as well. Installation is typically cheaper and less complex than heat pump installation.

Cons: Furnaces are typically more expensive to operate than heat pumps. They only offer heating capabilities and require a separate air conditioning unit for cooling. The fuel they use contributes to global warming and pollution. They may also cause very dry indoor air.

Heat Pumps

Pros: Heat pumps are incredibly energy efficient. They require less energy to operate than furnaces, especially in mild winter climates like that of Southern Arizona. They are dual-purpose and offer both heating and cooling, so you don’t need a separate AC unit. Your energy bills may be reduced using a heat pump, so they have lower overall operating costs.

Cons: Heat pumps are less effective in extremely cold environments and have a higher upfront installation cost than furnaces. The air generated from a heat pump may be less hot than the air from a furnace.

Get Expert Advice on What Type of Heating System is Right for Your Home

If you’re not sure what type of heating system is right for your home, Temco AC Repair & Replacement can help. We offer heating maintenance services in Tucson, AZ as well as heating system installations and repairs. We can help you weigh the pros and cons of furnaces vs heat pumps to determine which is best for your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Call us now at (520) 622-2909 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about heating system installation in Tucson, AZ.