Gas Furnace Vs. Heat Pump Vs. Radiant Heat: What You Need To Know

If you need to add heat to your home and have the flexibility to install what you want, then you have quite a few options to pick from. Three heating methods you may be deciding between is a gas furnace, a heat pump, and radiant heat. Here is what you need to know about all three systems so that you can make an informed decision.

Gas Furnace

Many homeowners are familiar with how gas furnaces operate, which makes this a frequently selected method for heating a home. A furnace will be last you about 16 to 20 years, which is quite a bit of time compared to most home appliances. It will also cost an average of $4,248 to have a furnace installed by a professional HVAC contractor. However, that cost does not include the ductwork and any associated renovation costs to add it to an existing home. Since furnaces push forced air throughout your home, it will help to combine a furnace with central air conditioning so that it uses the same ductwork for both services.

Heat Pump

A heat pump works a bit differently than a forced air gas furnace, since it does not require ductwork for it to operate. Instead, there is a unit installed in the wall of each room in your home that you want to have heat. The heat pump will create the warm air where you need it, meaning that you are not wasting energy heating rooms that you are not using. Expect to pay around $3,350 for a new heat pump to be installed in your home, and for it to last about 15 years before you need a new one.

Radiant Heat

Radiant heat is going to be one of the most comfortable forms of heat you can have in your home. That is because it uses hot water pipes underneath the floor that allow the heat to rise up from the bottom. Unlike forced air systems, you won't feel a warm burst of air flow over you, but you will find that the lower half of your body will feel comfortable while the heat is turned on. A radiant heat system will cost you about $3,684 to have installed, which is still affordable compared to other systems.

For more information on any of these heating methods, meet with a local HVAC contractor. They can help you make a final selection and perform the furnace installation.


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