Which Heating System is Best in Denver Colorado?

The right heating system improves the quality of life in your home and is a great way to make those long cold winters bearable.  Two of the most common choices for homes are a gas furnace and a heat pump system.  Each system has its pros and cons, as such the following article will help you weigh your options and discern which one is right for you.

How Does a Gas Furnace Work?

A gas furnace starts with natural gas or propane being ignited in the burner. The furnace heats up cold air and filters out any fuel or chemicals that could be harmful. After heating and filtering, the gas furnace sends the heated air into the ductwork and distributes it throughout the home. As the hot air is sent into a room, the cold air is drawn away through the return duct system completing the cycle.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

The major difference between a gas furnace and a heat pump is that a heat pump does not heat the air, it only transfers it. This heating system keeps your home warm by moving hot air into your house while sending the cold air out. Even if the temperature is cold outside it still is capable of absorbing only hot air. A heat pump can also serve as a way to cool things down in the summer because of its ability to send hot air out of the house.

Heat Pumps vs. Gas Furnaces: Pros and Cons

Gas furnaces have their place and so do heat pumps. Each offers unique advantages and disadvantages. When evaluating which one is right for your home in Denver, Colorado, consider the following factors.

1. Heat Output

A heating system’s output is a very important thing to consider when looking for comfort. While heat pumps certainly can keep your home at a comfortable temperature, your home will be nowhere near as warm as it could be with a gas furnace. During the colder parts of winter heat pumps struggle to keep up unless it uses extra energy to turn on backup heating. Because a gas furnace provides its own continuous heat source, you won’t run into that issue.

2. Energy Efficiency

Due to gas prices being much lower in Denver than in other places, gas furnaces hold the edge over heat pumps when it comes to energy efficiency. Since a heat pump relies on a backup energy system to keep you warm in colder temperatures, you may use more electricity with a heat pump.

3. Cost of Operation

A gas furnace is more affordable to operate in Denver due to lower gas prices, but because a heating pump doubles as an air conditioner, the combined heating and cooling costs may actually be lower with a heat pump.

4. Size

Depending on the size of your home it may be preferable to get the much smaller heat pump. Since furnaces are usually installed indoors and they take up a lot of square footage, you might not have the room necessary to accommodate one. Gas furnaces also require additional safety clearance in order to fulfill fire safety measures.

5. Home Layout

Your home layout is a factor when choosing your heating system. Some homes simply don’t have the space required to install a gas furnace or heating pump indoors. Generally, people have furnace rooms that have an open space dedicated to this sort of thing but depending on whether or not you have a basement or extra rooms this may not be ideal.

6. Lifespan

On average a gas furnace generally lasts longer than a heat pump. This may make heat pumps look less desirable at a first glance but you have to remember that heat pumps work year-round keeping your home both hot and cold, whereas a gas furnace only runs for half a year. Regardless of which one you decide on in order to maximize each of their lifespans, you should schedule routine check-ups from a professional to make sure everything is in working order.

Which System is Best for Denver Homes?

When it comes to the right heating system for your home, both gas furnaces and heat pumps have pros and cons. Which one you choose mainly depends on your preferences along with whether or not you have an air conditioning unit, the space required for a gas furnace, or want the higher heat output provided by a gas furnace. When you take Denver’s lower gas prices into consideration the gas furnace has a lot of advantages specific to the area that you can’t get with a heat pump.

Looking for a Great Heating and Cooling Company?

ABE Heating and Cooling offer great products with iron-clad warranties and superior installation services, all at manageable prices suitable for any budget. We are located in Brighton, Colorado, and serve the entire Denver Metro Area, and if you would like to learn more about high-efficiency furnaces please contact us today to discuss the possibilities.