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Should I Install a Furnace or Heat Pump in Florida?

With average winter temperatures between the 40s and 60s, Jacksonville families are rarely exposed to periods of extreme cold. However, when cold snaps happen, you need a high-quality heating system.

Which heating system should you install in your Florida home: a heat pump or a furnace? The experts at United Air Temp discuss how each works in the Florida climate to help you make the most informed decision about your home comfort.

How Do Furnaces Work?

Electric furnace installed in a basement.

There are several different types of furnaces available, with gas and electric furnaces being the most commonly installed in Florida homes:

  • Gas furnaces rely on natural gas or propane to generate heat, warming air and circulating it throughout your home using a blower and ductwork.
  • Electric furnaces use electricity to ignite heating elements, using ductwork to distribute warm air throughout your space.

Furnaces can be an effective heating option for Florida families seeking a fast, efficient way to heat their homes.

However, due to their powerful heating capabilities, these systems are typically installed in climates where harsh winters are the norm and may not be the best solution for Jacksonville families.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Heat pump installed outside a white stucco home

Heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another through the refrigeration cycle:

While in heating mode, the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air — even during cold weather — and transfers it indoors. This is achieved by circulating refrigerant through a system of coils and a compressor. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside, compresses it to increase the temperature, and releases the heat inside the home.

In cooling mode, this process gets reversed as the heat pump extracts heat from indoors and releases it outside, effectively cooling the indoor space.

This efficient, dual-purpose system makes heat pumps a versatile and energy-saving option for Florida families.

What Makes Heat Pumps the Ideal System in Florida?

Choosing to install a heat pump rather than a furnace in your Florida home could be the better option for several reasons:

Cost

Compared to a furnace, heat pumps require a higher upfront investment, with most systems costing between $2,500 to $10,000.

However, with plenty of rebates and tax incentives offering up to 30% of the installation cost, a new heat pump could be less expensive.

A heat pump is also less expensive than installing central air conditioning and heating systems together, which is the case for any split system.

Energy Efficiency

Because they transfer heat via a refrigeration cycle rather than generating it, heat pumps are far more energy-efficient than furnaces.

That means lower costs for your heating and cooling needs for year-round savings no matter the season.

Heating & Cooling Capability

Unlike furnaces, heat pumps provide heating when it’s cold and cooling when it’s hot. With temperatures hitting the 80s and 90s from April to October, Jacksonville families will find a heat pump much better suited to their year-round comfort needs.

System Lifespan

Because they offer both heating and cooling capabilities, heat pumps typically have a shorter lifespan compared to furnaces.

On average, a heat pump lasts 10 to 15 years, compared to a furnace’s 15 to 20-year lifespan. However, with proper heat pump maintenance, your heat pump could last much longer.

Air Quality

While furnaces supply strong heat, they can also dry out your air. Heat pumps don’t have that problem, so you’ll have naturally better air quality with an air-source unit.

UAT Can Help You Choose the Best HVAC System for Your Needs

Heat pumps are a great option for the local climate; however, if you want a furnace, an electric furnace is the most energy-efficient and cost-effective option since electricity is more affordable than gas in Jacksonville.

Whether you need a heat pump or a furnace installation, United Air Temp can help. With financing options and familiarity with the local climate, our team will ensure your home is equipped with the best HVAC solution it needs to remain comfortable.

Schedule a heating installation in Jacksonville, FL, by contacting our team today.

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