While Sacramento has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, winters can still get chilly. As a Sacramento homeowner, it’s important to pick the right HVAC system for your home. To help, we’ve compiled the most important information about getting a furnace vs. a heat pump, benefits, costs, and drawbacks.
At Fox Family Heating & Air, we can help with all of your heating and cooling needs. We can evaluate your existing setup, calculate your ideal load capacity, and discuss the options that will work best for your family.
Understanding the Sacramento Climate
Before we dive into heat pump vs. furnace efficiency, it’s important to first understand the local climate. Sacramento is known for its mild winters and hot summers, so you need an HVAC system suited to our unique climate.
Get an HVAC Unit for Sacramento’s Mild Winters
Sacramento typically has cold, wet winters. Daily lows rarely go below 31°F, while daily highs in the winter seldom top 71°F. High humidity levels can make the same temperature feel colder. To maintain your home’s comfort and prevent your HVAC system from working too hard, it’s worth considering a dehumidifier. Additionally, the HVAC unit’s capacity will need to be adjusted to accommodate humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Because the winters are fairly moderate, there are more options available for heating your home. For example, heat pumps are excellent in moderate and mild climates. Today’s cold-rated heat pumps can even work well in incredibly cold conditions, such as temperatures as low as –5°F to –15°F. Thanks to Sacramento’s mild winters, you can choose a heat pump or furnace for your home.
Review Your Current Energy Rates
While it’s essential to understand your area’s climate when considering an HVAC unit, it’s also important to consider your energy type and rates as well. The long-run cost of your HVAC unit will depend on the type of energy you use. With natural gas from PGE, the rate changes each month as the cost of natural gas fluctuates.
Thanks to California’s electrification trend, more homes are using electricity instead of natural gas. In Sacramento, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is responsible for providing energy. The cost can vary based on whether you have a fixed-rate plan. For example, fixed-rate plans charge $0.1331 to $0.2126 per kilowatt hour (kWh), depending on the time of year. With variable plans, you pay different amounts during the peak and off-peak times.
Energy costs can impact the type of HVAC system you use. They can determine whether it makes more long-term financial sense to choose a high-efficiency unit and reduce your energy consumption.
Check Out Local Incentives
Before you pick a specific HVAC unit, check out the local incentives that are available. SMUD offers a rebate worth up to $2,500 for energy-efficient heat pumps, which can greatly defray the cost of switching to an electric heat pump.
How Furnaces Work
Furnaces tend to be a fairly common option for older and larger Sacramento homes. With a natural gas furnace, heat is created using the combustion process. The combustion is used to warm up heated air that is then distributed via ductwork.
How Furnaces Create Heat
Depending on the furnace’s energy source, heat is created by either burning natural gas or using an electric heating element to warm the air. This process begins as soon as your thermostat detects the temperature falling. The thermostat triggers the furnace to kick on.
Once heat is created, the furnace’s heat exchanger is responsible for transferring the heat to the air. Any exhaust gases from burning natural gas are vented outside your home through a flue or vent pipe.
Furnace Installations: What To Expect
While there are energy-efficient furnaces available, furnaces are generally less efficient than heat pumps. In general, furnaces should be replaced once they reach 15 years old. If you need more frequent repairs or notice unusually high energy bills, you may need to replace it early. To delay furnace replacements as long as possible, it’s important to schedule routine furnace maintenance each fall.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps don’t use combustion to heat your home in the winter. Instead, they rely on refrigerants, coils, and a compressor to bring residual heat from the outdoors into your home.
How Heat Pumps Create Heat
The process begins when outdoor air is drawn over the evaporator coils. Because the refrigerant has an extremely low boiling point, it can absorb the heat. Modern heat pumps can function in incredibly cold temperatures, so these units are incredibly effective for Sacramento’s mild winters.
As the refrigerant absorbs the heat, it turns into a gas. This gas is pressurized in the compressor, turning into a superheated gas. Once it moves through the condenser coil inside your home, it releases this heat and turns back into a liquid. It then travels through the expansion valve in preparation for restarting the process.
Heat Pump Installations: What To Expect
Heat pumps have a number of distinct benefits over furnaces. When it comes to heat pump vs. furnace efficiency, heat pumps clearly come out ahead. They are particularly noted for being more efficient in mild climates, like Sacramento.
Additionally, a heat pump installation has the ability to heat and cool your home. Furnaces are only able to provide heat, so you would still need a secondary HVAC system if you want to stay cool during Sacramento’s hot summers.
Like furnaces, you need to perform heat pump maintenance to keep your system functioning at its best. Because heat pumps can heat and cool, maintenance must be performed in the spring and the fall. With proper care, you can expect your heat pump to last around 10 to 15 years.
Furnace vs. Heat Pump: A Side-by-Side Comparison
For a more detailed look at furnace vs. a heat pump’s benefits and drawbacks, check out some of the key features offered by both HVAC systems.
| Feature | Furnace | Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | Natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity | Electricity |
| Efficiency | Sometimes | Extremely efficient |
| Operating Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Lifespan | 15 to 20 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Cooling Function | No | Yes |
| Maintenance | Once before heating season | Once before heating season and once before cooling season |
| Environmental Impact | Not as eco-friendly | Eco-friendly due to excellent energy efficiency |
Cost Comparison for Sacramento Homeowners
The best heating system in Sacramento will vary, depending on your family’s needs and budget. Whether you get a gas furnace or an electric heat pump, you’ll need to consider the upfront costs, the cost of energy, available incentives, and similar factors.
Upfront Installation Costs
A furnace installation typically costs between $2,822 and $6,882 upfront. Meanwhile, you’ll generally have to spend between $4,245 and $7,937 for a heat pump installation. Because of this, furnaces tend to have lower upfront costs.
Utility Costs
The cost of natural gas tends to be cheaper than electricity in California. In particular, PGE’s electricity rates are significantly higher than its natural gas rates. For Sacramento residents, there is a slight break on electricity prices because the city uses SMUD instead of PGE for electricity.
While natural gas may be less expensive for now, it may not be an option for long. As a part of California’s Clean Energy Transition Plan, the state is pushing for 100% clean energy by 2045. The state is working to phase out natural gas, so this heat source may not be an option forever.
SMUD and PGE Incentives
Different incentives can impact the upfront costs of your HVAC system. SMUD has a $2,500 rebate for high-efficiency heat pumps. Meanwhile, PGE offers the Golden State Rebate for energy-efficient options, although this program is temporarily paused.
Long-Term ROI and Energy Savings
When you invest in a heat pump, you end up spending less to heat your home over time. Even though the cost to install a heat pump in Sacramento is normally higher, you can recoup this investment in the long run. Additionally, local incentives and the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit can also defray your heat pump installation costs.
Comfort & Performance in Sacramento’s Climate
When researching your next HVAC installation in Sacramento, it’s important to consider the comfort and performance. Typically, a heat pump will work best in a mild winter. While there are cold-rated heat pumps that can handle temperatures below freezing, heat pumps tend to perform better when temperatures are above freezing. Because Sacramento rarely experiences freezing temperatures, heat pumps tend to be the best option.
However, there are still scenarios where furnaces make sense. If you live in a colder area in the foothills, furnaces can help your home maintain a more comfortable temperature.
Additionally, furnaces may be more effective for larger homes. Furnaces are able to create large volumes of high heat, making them an excellent choice for bigger buildings.
For the best of both worlds, you can consider installing a dual fuel system. This type of hybrid system relies on a furnace and a heat pump, so it can switch between systems for the best energy efficiency and comfort.
Environmental Impact & Energy Efficiency
When considering a gas furnace vs an electric heat pump installation for your home, it’s also important to look at the overall energy efficiency. As a part of California’s Clean Energy Transition Plan, the state is strongly pushing toward carbon reduction and electrification.
While its main goal is to achieve 100% clean energy by 2045, California is working toward this plan in stages. By 2035, the state wants to achieve 90% clean energy. By 2030, California plans on having six million heat pumps in local homes.
As a homeowner, it’s important to keep these factors in mind when deciding between a furnace vs. a heat pump. Eventually, gas furnaces will be pushed out through regulatory changes and clean energy goals. By getting an electric heat pump, you can enjoy a greener, future-proof heating solution.
Maintenance & Longevity Considerations
Besides looking at heat pump vs. furnace efficiency, it’s also important to compare maintenance requirements and longevity. Each unit has different repair and maintenance needs, so these need to be factored into your overall costs.
Common Furnace Issues
To keep your furnace functioning at its best, you’ll need to change the air filters every 30 to 90 days. You’ll also need to schedule routine maintenance each fall to ensure your furnace is ready for winter.
During each maintenance inspection, our HVAC technician will check for common furnace problems, such as ignition and burner issues. We’ll see if your furnace has a faulty ignitor, pilot light malfunctions, or gas supply line issues. Because incomplete combustion and other problems can lead to carbon monoxide leaks and fires, it’s essential to repair these issues right away.
Meanwhile, burners can get dirty over time as dirt and grime build up. An HVAC technician can clean the burner of debris, clear the crossover channels, and vacuum out any dirt.
Heat Pump Maintenance Requirements
Like a furnace, a heat pump also requires regular maintenance. Because heat pumps are used for cooling as well, they need to be maintained in the spring and the fall.
Throughout the year, there are a few important tasks you need to do to keep your heat pump functioning at its best. You should change or clean the air filter every 30 to 90 days. Periodically, remove weeds and debris from around the outdoor unit so that they don’t get into your system.
During your routine maintenance appointment, the HVAC technician will clean your evaporator and condenser coils. Then, they’ll check the refrigerant levels. If your levels are low, they can recharge the refrigerant and look for any signs of leaks.
Expected Service Frequency
You’ll need to have your heat pump serviced twice a year because heat pumps are used for both heating and cooling. Furnaces only require servicing during the fall.
Outside of routine maintenance, you’ll also have to schedule repairs when parts malfunction. Often, heat pumps involve more frequent repairs. This is primarily due to the fact that heat pumps are also cooling systems, so they are used significantly more often. The higher usage leads to more wear and more frequent repairs.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
In terms of maintenance costs, heat pumps and furnaces are very similar. If you are a part of our membership plan, you automatically get a free fall and spring tune-up. As a result, you’ll pay the same to get a furnace tune-up once a year or a heat pump tune-up twice a year.
The cost of typical heat pump and furnace repairs can vary greatly, depending on the type of repair you need, labor costs, and other factors.
Longevity
As a general rule, furnaces last longer than heat pumps. Many furnaces will last for 15 to 20 years. In comparison, heat pumps normally last 10 to 15 years.
However, it’s essential to note that there are a lot of factors that can impact a unit’s longevity. More frequent usage can cause it to break down earlier. Similarly, consistent maintenance and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of your HVAC unit.
Which System Is Best for Your Home?
If you’re looking for a heat pump installation near me, we can help. One of our HVAC technicians can help you evaluate the advantages of a gas furnace vs. an electric heat pump. We’ll walk you through the overall costs, rebate options, and efficiency benefits.
When To Choose a Heat Pump
Sacramento’s mild climate is ideal for heat pumps. For most homeowners, a heat pump will be the best option. They offer an exceptionally high energy efficiency and often come with rebates.
Heat pumps are also a good choice if your home typically runs on electricity. Many furnaces use natural gas, and installing new natural gas lines can be expensive. If you don’t have an existing gas line, your best option is to buy an electric furnace or heat pump.
When To Choose a Furnace
While heat pumps are the best choice for energy efficiency in a mild climate, there are situations where a furnace may make sense for your family’s needs. If you already have gas lines set up, then you don’t have to worry about the cost to install them.
Furnaces may also make sense if you have older ductwork. Often, ductwork becomes damaged and develops leaks as it starts to age. A furnace provides powerful, reliable heat. As a result, you can avoid letting ductwork issues impact your home’s comfort.
Finally, furnaces may be a good choice if you have a limited budget. While furnaces cost more to operate and have fewer rebate options, they generally have a more affordable upfront price. If you are experiencing a budget crunch, a furnace makes sense.
When a Hybrid Setup Makes Sense
Alternatively, there are times when a hybrid system is the right decision. These systems cost the most upfront, but they provide all of the benefits of furnace and heat pump systems. However, the upfront cost is higher, so they aren’t ideal for every situation.
Hybrid systems are effective if you live in an area that has extremely cold winters. This allows you to switch to the furnace when you need a powerful heat source. Then, you can take advantage of the heat pump’s energy efficiency during milder days. Heat pumps lose their efficiency as temperatures get colder, so furnaces are the more cost-effective, comfortable option on the coldest days of the year.
Additionally, hybrid systems are a good solution if you are concerned about frequent power outages. They allow you to switch to gas heat during an outage, so your family isn’t left shivering.
Besides the upfront costs of installing a dual system, it’s wise to remember the gas line requirement as well. If you don’t have existing gas lines, getting a hybrid system may be too costly for your home’s current heating needs and budget.
Professional Installation & Consultation in Sacramento
When you reach out to Fox Family Heating & Air, we can discuss the cost to install a heat pump in Sacramento and compare it to the cost of a furnace. Initially, we’ll perform a proper load calculation (Manual J). This calculation involves using your home’s climate, insulation, windows, and similar factors to determine the exact heating capacity it needs. By getting a professional calculator, you can reduce wear on your HVAC system, avoid expensive repairs, and increase your system’s longevity.
At Fox Family Heating & Air, we have served as the area’s trusted Sacramento HVAC experts since 2015. Local residents turn to us for a few important reasons.
- Transparent Estimates: Before we begin any project, we conduct a full evaluation. Then, we’ll give you a detailed, transparent estimate of the costs. We know that budgeting for home services can be challenging, which is why we’re committed to no hidden fees and upfront pricing.
- Certified Technicians: All of our technicians are fully licensed and certified, ensuring better peace of mind.
- Money-Back Guarantee: If you’re not completely happy with your results, you can take advantage of our money-back guarantee.
- Local Expertise: Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for providing trusted advice and in-depth HVAC expertise. Sacramento homeowners rely on us to deliver superior heating and cooling services.
- Convenient Membership Plan: To make budgeting for maintenance, repairs, and installations a little easier, we offer a convenient membership plan. It includes two tune-ups per year, priority repair services, and exclusive promotions.
Learn More About the Top HVAC Options for Sacramento Homes
If you’re looking for the best heating system in Sacramento, our team can help. After evaluating your home’s heating needs, we can review the benefits and drawbacks of a furnace vs. a heat pump.
Once you’ve decided on the best HVAC system for your needs, we’ll schedule your appointment and show up ready to work on the big day. With our certified technicians and fully stocked trucks, we can ensure a fast, seamless experience for local homeowners. From flexible financing plans to customer education, we do everything possible to achieve high-quality results on every project.
Give us a call today to schedule your HVAC installation in Sacramento.
