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Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which System Requires More Repairs?
Is it time to heat your home more efficiently and at a lower cost? If your current furnace or heat pump is, well, not heating your home, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of options for repairing them. As you look into getting it serviced, you’ll likely find yourself comparing heat pumps and furnaces and wondering which system works better for your home. Each system has its own set of benefits and components that may need a bit more repairs than you think, making it important to know which one is right for you. We’ll take a look at each option now.
The Many Types of Furnaces
Natural gas furnaces lead the pack as the most common heating choice in America. These systems burn natural gas to generate heat, offering a reliable and generally cost-effective solution where gas lines are available. They heat homes quickly and work well even in extremely cold climates. The best part? Natural gas prices often stay lower than other fuel types, keeping your winter bills manageable.
Oil furnaces still heat many homes, especially in the Northeast. They’re powerful heaters that produce very hot air, typically warmer than what gas furnaces put out. While oil prices can fluctuate more than natural gas, these furnaces prove particularly useful in areas without natural gas lines. You’ll need an oil storage tank on your property, but the heat output is impressive.
Electric furnaces are a straightforward heating solution. With no fuel to burn, they use electric heating elements to warm your air. They cost less to buy and install since they don’t need fuel lines or ventilation systems. However, they often cost more to run than gas or oil furnaces. The trade-off? They’re typically safer and require less maintenance since there’s no combustion involved.
Propane furnaces work similarly to natural gas models but use propane stored in a tank on your property. They’re perfect for homes off the natural gas grid that want the benefits of gas heating. Propane delivers excellent heat output and efficiency, though fuel costs can run higher than natural gas.
Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Operation
Single-stage furnaces work at full blast whenever they’re running — think of them as an “all or nothing” heating system. Two-stage furnaces offer more flexibility. They can run at full power during cold snaps or at a lower setting (usually around 65% capacity) on milder days. This versatility helps maintain steadier temperatures and can reduce your fuel bills.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Heat Pump and Furnace?
The costs of fixing these heating systems can vary significantly. A heat pump system may cost more to install and fix initially because it serves as both a heating and cooling system. You’re essentially getting an air conditioner and heater in one unit. This dual-purpose functionality means there’s a bit more to consider during repairs.
Gas furnaces may cost less, but you’ll need to factor in the expenses of gas lines. You won’t need to deal with a separate air conditioner, but dealing with gas isn’t something to take lightly. This means that professionals need to take extra care, which can increase repair costs. When comparing costs, remember to consider the complete picture, including any necessary modifications to your home’s infrastructure.
How Lifespan Plays a Role in Repairs
When properly maintained, a gas furnace typically lasts 15-20 years. They’re relatively simple machines with fewer moving parts, which can mean fewer potential failure points. Heat pumps generally last 10-15 years since they run year-round. However, their shorter lifespan is offset by their dual functionality. It’s a bit of a wash, but both of these units will likely demand repairs around the same time period, so you don’t need to worry much about these issues.
Common Repairs and Their Complexity
Heat pumps and furnaces face different challenges. Heat pump repairs often involve the refrigeration system, making them more complex. Common heat pump issues include refrigerant leaks, reversing valve failures, and compressor problems. These usually need a professional HVAC technician with specialized tools and certifications to handle refrigerants.
Furnace repairs tend to focus on combustion components for gas and oil units. Typical issues include faulty ignitors, flame sensors, or heat exchangers. While some repairs, like changing a flame sensor, might be straightforward, others, like replacing a cracked heat exchanger, require significant labor and expertise.
Electric furnaces typically need the simplest repairs, since they don’t have complex combustion systems. Most issues involve thermostats, heating elements, or blower motors, which are all relatively straightforward fixes for a qualified technician.
Difficulty Level of Repairs
Heat pump repairs often rank higher on the complexity scale. Their dual-function design means more components that could need attention. Plus, working with refrigerant systems requires special certifications and equipment. Even seemingly simple problems might need extensive diagnosis, since issues in cooling mode can affect heating performance and vice versa.
Furnace repairs vary in difficulty based on the fuel type. Gas furnace repairs need careful attention to gas connections and safety systems. Oil furnaces require knowledge of oil burner systems and proper combustion testing. Electric furnaces usually present the least challenging repairs, though high-voltage electrical work always demands professional care.
Both systems need specialized diagnostic tools, but heat pump repairs often require more expensive equipment to properly test refrigerant pressures and electrical components. Either way, you want to work with a pro if you want to maintain energy-efficient operation and keep your heating system in check.
Need a Furnace or Heat Pump Repaired? No Matter What You Choose, Make Sure It’s With Made Simple Heating & Air
It needs to be said that heat pumps and furnaces are both fantastic choices for any homeowner. Sure, there are some differences here and there, but you don’t need to feel too much regret going for either choice. They both can effectively warm your home; they just happen to have a few different repair needs.
Learn more about the differences with Made Simple Heating & Air, Santa Clara, California’s leading furnace and heat pump company. If you’ve got an electric heat pump, air source heat pump, natural gas furnace, or any other heating system, we’ve got your back. Pick the perfect system for your home and get it installed right, or give us a call for service on both heating and cooling systems of all types. Explore your options today!