With the cost of gas and fuel steadily increasing throughout Ventura County and the West San Fernando Valley, homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their heating costs. One option that is commonly considered is to switch from a gas furnace system to an electric heat pump when it’s time for a replacement.
But is it worth it to convert your home’s heating system from a gas furnace to a heat pump? Our experts have put together the following guide to help you weigh the pros and cons of switching and preview the conversion process so you can make informed decisions.
Benefits of Switching From a Gas Furnace to an Electric Heat Pump
Here are a few ways converting from gas heat to electric heat could benefit you and your home:
- Better energy efficiency: Heat pumps use less energy, which decreases energy bills.
- Flexible heating and cooling: Because electric heat pumps can cool a home with just the flip of a switch, you won’t have to worry about maintaining both a heating and an air conditioning unit.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Heat pumps don’t release harmful greenhouse gasses, so a heat pump is a good option for homeowners who want to go green.
- Better indoor air quality: Pollutants released when a gas furnace is turned on can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms and cause respiratory problems. Heat pumps don’t release pollutants.
Gas Heat vs. Heat Pumps
Here’s a closer look at the differences between gas heat and heat pumps:
- Heat generated: Furnaces produce a dry heat, which can heat a home quickly; heat pumps pull heat from outdoors, so they may take longer to heat up a home.
- Installation/operating costs: Heat pump units are generally more expensive than furnaces at the time of purchase, but homeowners save more on yearly operating costs with a heat pump than with a furnace.
- Size: Furnaces take up a lot of room because of the extra space needed on each side for safety reasons; heat pumps are more compact, with the outdoor component typically needing only 24 inches of clearance on each side.
What To Expect During the Conversion Process
If you decide to replace your gas furnace with a heat pump, you can expect the conversion to take about one to two days. The following steps of the conversion process must be performed by an expert technician:
- Disconnect the gas line
- Remove the old gas furnace
- Modify the electrical system or outlets so you can run your new heat pump (as needed)
- Modify the ductwork (as needed)
- Expertly install the new heat pump so it functions efficiently
Southern California’s Top-Rated Choice for Heating Replacement
Aladdin Air Conditioning & Heating is honored to be known as the HVAC services provider that West San Fernando Valley homeowners can trust for quality heat pump installation. Our NATE-certified technicians have the knowledge and tools to provide an expert installation that ensures you’ll get the most out of your system.
Contact Aladdin AC today to schedule a heat pump installation.
Ventura County San Fernando Valley
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