Our species has been innovating winter heating systems for a long time. We've burned wood, grass, leaves, animal fat and, literally, dried-out cow poop to make it through winter. Fortunately, modern technology means chopping wood or picking up after a cow is a thing of the past. We have many home heating choices, but figuring out the best option for you isn't always straightforward. Most people's choice for winter heating is between a gas or an electric system. When we talk about gas, we mean gas furnaces. For electric, the best electric system on the market is an energy-efficient heat pump. We can compare the benefits of gas furnaces vs. electric heat pumps to help you choose the best method for heating your home. 

Can You Use Gas Furnaces for Winter Heating? 

Combustion furnaces were the staple North American home heating tool for much of the 20th century. A growing transportation network and inexpensive fossil fuels led to widespread adoption of what represented cutting-edge technology at the time. Today, oil prices are no longer the cheapest game in town, but natural gas is still highly cost-effective. Your furnace can use the same fuel to power your gas oven and heat your home. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that releases some emissions, but it burns cleaner than other energy sources like coal and oil. When using a natural gas furnace to heat your household, you must carefully monitor carbon monoxide levels. Regular maintenance and practical safety measures can minimize the risk of CO2 poisoning.  A gas furnace relies on a pilot light to ignite the natural gas to produce heat. One vent carries away the dangerous emissions, while another distributes clean, warm air through the ducts in your home. The price of fossil fuels depends on the market and can fluctuate over time. Providers can supply most homes with natural gas from a convenient underground pipeline. If a supply line is unavailable, you will need a refillable tank of compressed natural gas.  Depending on your unique situation, gas furnaces can require a more considerable investment to install, but low fuel costs and energy efficiency can save you money in the long run. They often heat up to temperature faster than electric furnaces, which conserves fuel and can help keep your heating bills to a minimum.

Are Heat Pumps Good for Winter Heating?

Electric heating has never been a primary home winter heating solution for most Americans. New, high-efficiency heat pumps are changing this. Now, homeowners who live in regions with mild winter weather can get heating and cooling from a single system.  Heat pumps are the champions of versatility. By design, they transport heat rather than create it, so they function as a heating and cooling mechanism. Another name for a heat pump could be a heat transporter because it moves heat inside your home when it's cold and transfers heat outside when it's hot.  One benefit to using a heat pump is that it runs on electricity rather than fossil fuel, so you can eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If your home does not have access to natural gas, a heat pump may be the best solution. A heat pump is a cleaner energy source that does not release any dangerous emissions.  Unlike a furnace, heat pumps are outside your home and create less noise when they are running.  Though heat pumps may take longer to reach your desired temperature, they are the most efficient option. Gas furnaces lose heat and energy to exhaust, while a heat pump can convert over three times the amount of energy it consumes. The downside is that heat pumps lose efficiency the lower the temperature drops. As a result, they're not a realistic solution for everyone. However, recent innovations have made them more advanced, so they can surpass oil systems in moderate climates.

What About Electric Furnaces?

Electric furnaces are the most affordable to install, with the highest cost to operate. When comparing gas vs. electric furnaces, electric furnaces are more efficient than gas, but less so than a heat pump. Over time, they will cost more than gas and other electric alternatives. You can understand why electric furnaces are not the most popular option, but they can still be beneficial in some situations.  If you build an addition on your home, it may be wise to heat it with an electric furnace rather than extending your existing heating system. This decision can save time and money on a renovation project. In hot, dry climates where heating is rarely necessary, an electric furnace is a perfect solution. These regions experience only a few cold days each year, so the high cost of heating is more affordable.  Their simple design is easy to understand. Electric furnaces work similarly to a toaster or a hairdryer, but on a larger scale. An electrical resistance current heats a series of coils, while a blower forces the air through your home's ductwork. Electric furnaces are easy to install and do not rely on fuel to operate. They can last up to twice as long as a gas furnace and are cheaper to maintain. Considering the low upfront cost to purchase and install an electric furnace and the equipment's longevity, they can sometimes be a worthwhile investment. 

What Are the Differences Between Furnaces and Heat Pumps?

There are pros and cons to using furnaces and heat pumps. Choosing the correct heating system for your home will depend on your specific needs. Consider the differences between both options to help you make the right decision. 

Installation Methods

The simplicity and cost of installation will depend on a few different things. If you replace your current heating system with a newer model, the setup should be reasonably easy. If you switch from electric to gas or from a furnace to a heat pump, it may require more time and money to make your home compatible.  Depending on your home's location and construction, it may not have access to natural gas. Alternatively, homes connected to natural gas may not have the appropriate wiring to support an electric furnace or heat pump. These factors might make some installations more expensive than others based on which heating system you choose.  If you are willing to pay the extra cost and undergo extensive construction, you can make almost any option work for your home. The right decision will depend on your budget and personal preferences. 

Heating Efficiency

The annual fuel utilization efficiency rating measures your heating system's efficiency. The higher the AFUE rating, the more energy your system will convert into heat. You'll notice a difference when your energy bill comes in the mail.  The most efficient system is the heat pump, which transfers three to six times more energy than alternative heating technologies. In ideal conditions, heat pumps can earn an AFUE rating of well over 100%.  Historically, heat pumps became less efficient in cold temperatures, which made them unsuitable for cold climates. However, recent innovations have made them twice as efficient as gas systems at temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit.  If you would prefer to install a furnace, there are some high-efficiency options to consider. The average electric furnace has an AFUE of 95 to 100%, while gas options range from 80 to 95%, depending on the model. Gas furnaces lose some energy during the combustion and ventilation process. Though gas furnaces are technically less efficient, fossil fuels are more affordable, making gas furnaces a more economical choice. 

Operating Costs

Conserving energy can also help you save money. A heating system's efficiency and its operating costs go hand in hand. The more energy it takes to create heat, the more costly that heat will become. Let's consider heat pump vs. furnace operating costs.  Currently, natural gas is more affordable than electricity. However, heat pumps are exceptionally efficient, creating higher cost savings than gas alternatives over time. A heat pump's operating costs are lower than gas and electric furnaces. Electric furnaces lack the extreme efficiency that makes electric power worthwhile. When comparing the operating costs of furnaces alone, gas models are the better deal. Heating your home with natural gas instead of an electric furnace is much more affordable at today's market prices. 

Air Quality and Comfort

Heat pumps, gas and electric furnaces each produce heat using a different method. For that reason, the air quality and comfort level vary between each model and depend on your preference.  Gas furnaces have a reputation for producing a warm airflow, creating comforting warmth on crisp winter mornings. However, since the hot air lacks moisture, it can be drying, irritating the skin and sinuses. Some people use humidifiers to rehydrate the air. The air circulated by heat pumps may not feel as warm and toasty, but it heats your home while maintaining the natural humidity in the air. Electric furnaces produce mild heat but maintain a steady temperature for consistent comfort. You should always feel comfortable in your home, but it's also crucial to maintain healthy air quality. Heat pumps and electric furnaces rely on electricity, which promotes cleaner air compared to gas alternatives. Gas furnaces release harmful greenhouse gases. They also create carbon monoxide, which can lead to severe health conditions without proper ventilation. If you choose a gas furnace, follow the necessary precautions to keep your air clean and safe. 

Maintenance Needs

A reliable heating system is essential during the cold season. All heating methods require regular maintenance and repairs to continue running smoothly.  Heat pumps serve a dual purpose as a heater in the winter and an air conditioner in the summer. Because they run year-round, a heat pump requires more maintenance than a gas furnace. Gas furnaces have fewer parts than heat pumps, so they malfunction less and repairs are often more affordable. However, during combustion, small particles can collect on the burner, which requires regular cleaning. An electric furnace's straightforward design makes it the easiest to maintain. Since owners typically use these sparingly, electric furnaces only need minor upkeep and repairs throughout their long lifespan. 

Should You Get a Dual-Fuel Heat Pump?

If you experience frigid winters, you can benefit from getting a dual-fuel heat pump. A dual-fuel system combines a gas furnace and heat pump, so you can experience the best of both worlds. This system runs on gas and heat for optimal efficiency and versatility. When the weather is mild, the heat pump will operate at its prime. As the temperature drops, a dual-fuel system will automatically switch over to the gas furnace to heat your home to your comfort level.  Dual-fuel systems are ideal for homes in regions with colder climates. Though installing two systems at once requires an investment, this heating method can help you save the most money over time. A dual-fuel heat pump works year-round to keep you comfortable for maximum efficiency. 

Heat Pump vs. Furnace — Which Is the Answer to Winter Heating?

OK, here's the long and short of it — climate is the most significant factor when determining which heating system is right for you.  Here are the options to consider, depending on the climate where you live. 

• Hot: If you live somewhere hot, you can narrow your choices to an electric furnace or heat pump. Heat pumps are ideal in hot climates for providing crisp, cooling air in the summer. For those few chilly days during the winter season, you can switch over to heating while maintaining efficiency. If you already have air conditioning but want to add a heating unit, an electric furnace is an excellent choice for warming your home sparingly during a cold snap.
• Temperate: A heat pump might be your best option if you live in a milder region without access to natural gas. Because heat pumps perform well in median conditions, they can be an excellent alternative to expensive propane. Though a gas furnace could also get the job done, a heat pump's energy efficiency will save you money on your energy costs. Plus, it can cool your home in the summer.
• Cold: If you live in a region with easy access to natural gas deposits and experience frigid winter conditions, you may opt for a natural gas furnace. Locally produced natural gas can be reasonably inexpensive, and a furnace can handle any low-temperature weather. You could also consider a dual-fuel system if you experience milder weather in the summer months. An energy-efficient heat pump will alternate with a gas furnace to help lower your heating costs. 

Shop Heating Products Online With Ingrams Water & Air

Once you have figured out the ideal heating system for your home, you can find everything you need online. Shopping online allows you to compare heat pumps vs. electric heat and all the other heating solutions.  No matter what you choose, we offer the lowest prices, so you get the most from your investment. Tell us all about your winter heating experiences and how you make it through those long cold nights by leaving a comment below.