HVAC Split System Gas Furnace + AC vs. Heat Pump: What's Best for Your Home

If your home is set-up with HVAC ductwork and you’re considering upgrading its heating and cooling system, you’ll generally have two options: a split system gas furnace with a central air conditioner unit or a heat pump. 

Both systems have their own unique benefits, but they operate quite differently. Here we’re going to explore their differences so you can make an informed decision about which system might be best for your home.

When comparing an HVAC split system with a heat pump system, it helps to understand the mechanisms involved so you can weigh their benefits and make the choice that’s most suitable for your home’s environment and your lifestyle.

HVAC Split System with Gas Furnace and AC

A gas furnace with an AC unit has both indoor and outdoor parts. This arrangement has been the standard in US homes for decades and is probably a system you’re very familiar with. Basically, this system consists of:

• An Outdoor Unit: Contains the AC condenser for cooling.
• Indoor Units: Consists of a gas furnace for heating and an air handler. The air handler plays a crucial role in circulating air throughout the home.
• Evaporator Coil: Sometimes included indoors, crucial for the cooling process.

Although it’s been around for a while, this system remains popular thanks to several key benefits:

1. Efficient Heating: Gas furnaces provide powerful heating, making them ideal for colder climates where temperatures drop significantly.
2. Cost-Effective Cooling: The AC condenser efficiently cools the home during warmer months.
3. Flexibility in Fuel Sources: Can be beneficial in areas where natural gas is more economical than electricity.
4. Longevity: Gas furnaces often have a longer lifespan compared to heat pumps.

Heat Pump System

While the gas furnace and AC unit combination remains popular, there is another option that is gaining traction around the world. A heat pump is mostly an outdoor unit and while you’ll need two separate units (a furnace and an air conditioning unit) with a traditional split HVAC system, with a heat pump, you only need one. This unit includes: 

• Single Outdoor Unit: A heat pump condenser which can both heat and cool a home.
• Indoor Air Handler: Still necessary for circulating air, but no separate furnace is required.

Heat pumps are gaining in popularity and there are several benefits to consider when deciding which HVAC system to choose. A heat pump is:

1. Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are generally more energy-efficient, especially in moderate climates, as they transfer heat rather than generate it.
2. Cost-Effective for Mild Climates: Ideal in areas where winters are mild, reducing the need for intense heating.
3. Space-Saving: Eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling units, saving space.
4. Eco-Friendly: Since it runs on electricity, it can be a greener option, especially if paired with renewable energy sources.

Key Differences and Considerations

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Now that you have a good idea of what each system looks like and how they work, let’s look at some of the major differences between the systems. 

• Climate Suitability: Gas furnaces still perform better for cold climates, while heat pumps are more efficient in moderate climates.
• Installation and Maintenance Costs: Heat pumps might have lower installation and maintenance costs, but gas furnaces are more durable. 
• Energy Source Availability: Availability and cost of natural gas vs. electricity in your area can be a deciding factor.
• Environmental Impact: Heat pumps are generally more environmentally friendly, especially if the electricity comes from renewable sources.
• Space and Setup Requirements: Consider the space available and the suitability of your home for ductwork and other installation requirements. Heat pumps are typically able to fit into areas that HVAC split systems cannot.

HVAC Split System vs. Heat Pump: The Winner Is Up to You

The choice between an HVAC Split System with a gas furnace and AC versus a heat pump depends on your individual needs, climate conditions, energy costs, and environmental considerations. As you can see, a gas furnace system will offer robust heating and is ideal for colder regions. On the other end of the spectrum, a heat pump provides efficient, eco-friendly heating and cooling for milder climates. With these facts in mind, you can make an informed decision that best suits your home comfort needs.