Replacing Your Gas Furnace With an Electric Heat Pump

Replacing Your Gas Furnace With an Electric Heat Pump
Have you been considering a gas furnace replacement? Specifically, have you considered replacing your gas furnace with a heat pump? You may wonder how you can make the switch and what benefits you can expect to realize along the way. We'll break down all the considerations for making the change and how the two systems stack up against one another. Your home and wallet could benefit from installing a new heat pump, especially regarding energy costs and safety. Learn more about what factors you'll need to consider before swapping out your gas furnace and why you should install a new electric heat pump to warm and cool your home.

Can a Heat Pump Replace a Gas Furnace?

Yes! You can benefit from replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump. The process is relatively straightforward because the systems often use the same air ducts. Consider the following factors before making the switch.
  • Electrical hookup: Your current setup may not be conducive to a heat pump if your furnace doesn't need electricity. Ensure you have the proper hookup for the new system and check your local codes and requirements.
  • Ongoing maintenance: Regular maintenance is critical for maintaining efficiency and extending any heating and cooling system's life. You'll need to have a professional clean and service your heat pump at least once a year.
  • Air conditioning: If you have a gas furnace, you likely also have an air conditioner. A heat pump can heat and cool your home with one system, making it a particularly convenient choice.

Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace

Here's how a heat pump stacks up against a gas furnace.
  • Generating heat: While a gas furnace heats your home by burning gas, a heat pump uses a different method. It draws and absorbs the heat from outside and transfers it inside.
  • Size: Your house's square footage will dictate the system size you'll need. Furnaces can take up a lot of room because they require clearance on all sides for safety reasons. Heat pumps are more compact. While indoor units do not need additional space, outdoor units need about 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
  • Efficiency: Heat pumps are so efficient because they can transfer more energy than they use. However, furnaces may be the more energy-efficient option in colder climates.
  • Installation costs: A gas furnace is typically more expensive to install than a heat pump.
  • Operating costs: While costs will depend on your system's efficiency and the climate you live in, furnaces tend to cost more to operate than heat pumps because they require a lot of fuel.
  • Maintenance and life span: You can save on installation and operating costs by choosing a heat pump, but this system's life span tends to be slightly shorter than a gas furnace.

5 Reasons to Replace Your Furnace With a Heat Pump

Using an electric heat pump instead of your furnace has many benefits. Consider all the reasons to go with a heat pump.

1. One System for Heating and Cooling

One of the most significant benefits of installing a heat pump is that you need only one system for your heating and cooling needs. If you need to replace your AC unit and gas furnace around the same time, you can swap them out for a single electric pump, saving you time and installation costs. Plus, you won't have to maintain two separate systems.

2. Environmental Benefits

Environmental friendliness is another reason to replace your gas furnace with a heat pump. Since they do not use gas or oil and they run on electricity, pumps do not produce many of the harmful byproducts that come with burning fuel.

3. Energy Efficiency

Heat pumps are also more energy-efficient systems than furnaces and air conditioning units. You can enjoy reduced utility costs and increased comfort. During the summer months, a heat pump can control humidity. And in the winter, it can warm up your home more quickly than other options.

4. Safety

Because they do not create heat through burning, heat pumps are generally safer than gas furnaces. Some of the dangers associated with a gas furnace include:
  • Delayed ignition
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Combustion problems
  • Gas leaks
  • Fire hazards
  • Exhaust leaks
Having a heat pump means you don't have to worry about these issues worsening the air quality in your home or business.

5. Fluctuating Gas Prices

United States gas prices have hit record highs in 2022. Because of these fluctuating costs, those with gas furnaces may be worried about heating their homes during the colder months. Installing a heat pump means less stress about the oil and gas market because you will only have to pay for electricity.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Furnace With a Heat Pump?

The cost to replace an oil furnace with a heat pump can vary. On average, installing an air-source system can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. However, a few key factors contribute to heat pump installation costs.
  • Size and capacity: Higher-capacity pumps are more expensive. It's crucial to choose a correctly sized option for your space.
  • System type: The type of heat pump you choose will impact the price. Geothermal and split models tend to be more costly than air-source systems.
  • Labor: Specific models will require more complicated installation processes that mean a higher cost of labor.
  • Efficiency: Your system's efficiency will determine your energy savings over time.
  • Permits: Local permits and fees can contribute to your overall expenses. Depending on where you live, these may include dumping fees or building permits.
  • Ducts: If your existing ductwork isn't compatible with your new heat pump, you'll need to install a new system.
As long as the system has proper maintenance and operation, a heat pump will also save energy costs over time.

Contact Us to Learn More

From saving costs to maintaining a safer environment, replacing your gas furnace with a heating pump can benefit you and your home. If you're looking for high-quality HVAC products that will make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient, turn to Ingrams. We offer competitive pricing with outstanding warranty support. Are you interested in learning more about our heat pump systems? Contact Ingrams Water and Air Equipment today!
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