Furnace vs. Heat Pump: Which Is Better for a Texas Winter?

Winters in Texas are typically mild, with average highs around 59 degrees F here in Longview. Still, local families need a way to keep the winter chill at bay, and that starts with installing the right heating equipment in their homes. Two systems commonly installed in Texas homes include furnaces and heat pumps, but which is right for your home?

In this blog post, the comfort specialists at Napps Cooling, Heating & Plumbing explore the differences, benefits, and factors to consider for each when making this important decision.

Differences Between Heat Pumps & Furnaces

A furnace is a heating system that typically burns either natural gas or uses electricity to produce heat. This heat is then distributed through a series of ducts throughout your home. Furnaces are widely known for their ability to provide steady, reliable heat during the coldest days of the year.

Alternatively, heat pumps work by transferring heat rather than generating it. During the winter, they draw warmth either from the outside air or the ground, bringing it inside via a refrigeration cycle. One of the unique aspects of a heat pump is that it can also act as an air conditioner, cooling your home during the long, hot Longview summers by reversing the heat transfer process.

Benefits of Furnaces

Furnaces have been a traditional heating option for homes across Texas for many years, offering several unique advantages, including:

• Consistent heat: Furnaces provide steady, warm air, keeping your home comfortable even during extreme cold snaps.
• Powerful heating: Furnaces can quickly heat large spaces, making them ideal during particularly frigid temperatures.
• Fuel availability: In many regions, natural gas or oil is readily available and can make operating a furnace cost-effective.
• Long lifespan: Furnaces tend to have a longer operational lifespan compared to heat pumps, making them a wise long-term investment.

Benefits of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have become increasingly popular in Longview’s milder winter climate, providing many unique benefits, such as:

• Energy efficiency: Heat pumps consume less energy since they transfer heat rather than generate it, making them highly efficient.
• Dual functionality: Heat pumps serve both heating and cooling needs, eliminating the need for separate systems.
• Operating costs: Due to their energy efficiency, heat pumps can be more affordable to run than furnaces in moderate climates like Longview’s.
• Environmentally friendly: Heat pumps have a lower carbon footprint compared to systems that burn fossil fuels, making them a greener option.

Which Is Right for Your Home?

Deciding between a furnace and a heat pump for your Texas home depends on several factors. If you’re particularly averse to cold weather, a furnace may be the better option due to its ability to provide powerful, consistent heating. However, milder climates like Longview’s tend to benefit most from a heat pump as they offer greater energy efficiency and year-round climate control at a lower cost.

You’ll also want to consider upfront costs, energy efficiency, and long-term savings. Furnaces may have a higher installation cost but provide reliable heating over a longer lifespan. Heat pumps may cost less to operate but could struggle during extreme cold snaps like those seen during the winter of 2021, meaning you may need a backup heat source.

Schedule Expert Heating Services in Longview, TX

Whether you’re leaning toward a furnace or a heat pump, having a professional assess your home’s heating needs is essential. At Napps Cooling, Heating & Plumbing, we provide expert heating services for Longview homes, offering installation, maintenance, and repair for both furnaces and heat pumps.

Contact us today to schedule a heating consultation and ensure your home stays warm and cozy all winter long!