Every central system here needs to cool. The question is how it heats. There are two main choices: a heat pump or a gas furnace (paired with an AC).
How a heat pump works
A heat pump is an AC that can run in reverse. In summer it moves heat out of your house. In winter it pulls heat from the outside air and moves it in. Even on a 40-degree day, there's heat in the air to grab.
When it gets really cold, or when the heat pump needs help, backup electric heat strips kick in. That's what "emergency heat" or "aux heat" on your thermostat means.
How a gas furnace works
A furnace burns natural gas or propane to make heat. The air coming out of the vents feels hotter than heat pump air. The AC handles cooling separately.
How they compare here
- Our winters are mild. Heat pumps work best when it's not bitterly cold, and most South Louisiana winter days fit that.
- Gas availability. If your house doesn't have gas, adding it just for heat usually doesn't make sense. A heat pump is the natural choice.
- Feel. Furnace air feels hotter. Heat pump air feels warm, and it heats more steadily.
- Running cost. It depends on your gas and electric rates and how your home is built. We'll go over it for your house.
- Safety. Gas furnaces need their flue and venting checked. We once found a flue pipe pulled apart in a New Orleans attic, venting exhaust into the house. Heat pumps don't burn anything.
Which is right for you?
If you already have gas and like the feel of furnace heat, a furnace can make sense. If you don't have gas, or you want one system that does both jobs, a heat pump is usually the way to go here. Either way, we'll walk you through it at a free estimate.
Already have one? Get it checked before winter. See our Beat the Cold tune-up special.