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Why Many Arizona Homes Choose Heat Pumps Over Furnaces
Comparing heat pump vs. furnace options reveals a surprising number of differences, despite both appliances serving similar functions.
Where they differ is in the mechanisms they use to heat homes and how efficiently they can do so.
They also have different prices and lifespans.
According to shipment data from the Air Conditioning, Refrigerating, and Heating Institute, shipments of heat pumps are rising well above those of furnaces.
Their data shows Americans bought approximately 32% more air-source heat pumps than furnaces in 2024.
They held a 21% lead in 2023, but furnaces no longer seem to be the preferred option for home heating.
Heat Pump vs. Furnace Options: How They Work
Perhaps the most important difference between a heat pump and a furnace is the way they heat your home.
These help explain their advantages and disadvantages.
How Furnaces Work
Furnaces use fuel, such as natural gas or electricity.
Heating it creates a process known as combustion.
That heats the air and circulates it through the home via ducts.
They provide powerful heating but no cooling.
You’ll have to pair the furnace with a separate air conditioner.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps operate according to the laws of thermodynamics.
One of its most basic laws says that heat moves from hot to cold.
The pump extracts heat from outdoor air and brings it indoors.
Then it brings warm air from inside and lets it out in the summer.
Air-source heat pumps use above-ground air.
There are also ground-source or geothermal pumps.
They transfer air from underground.
Heat pumps work as heaters and air conditioners.
This means there’s no need to buy a separate heating unit.
Do Heat Pumps Make Sense In Arizona?
It’s best to consider the climate first when choosing the best heating solution for Arizona homes.
The state has a mild climate overall.
Residents enjoy average to low temperatures.
It rarely gets below freezing, even in the winter.
This is why heat pumps work so effectively in most of Arizona.
The coils don’t freeze, so air can circulate year-round.
It all depends on where in the state you live.
The many Arizona heat pump advantages aren’t as prevalent in colder, high-elevation areas of the state, such as Flagstaff.
A furnace may be a better option in these areas.
You could even use a dual system that combines it with a pump.
Why Use a Heat Pump Instead of a Furnace?
Comparing heat pump vs. furnace benefits and drawbacks comes down to how they heat your home and how much they cost.
You should also consider underrated aspects such as maintenance.
Calm Comfort
There’s a notable difference between the speed of furnace heating vs. heat pump heating.
A furnace warms homes rapidly.
It can provide more heat than necessary in a mild climate.
Heat pumps provide more gradual, calm heating.
They don’t waste resources to get your home to your ideal temperature.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
Heat pumps don’t have to burn fuel the way furnaces do.
That’s only one way they’re better for the environment.
The energy efficiency of heat pumps is much higher than that of furnaces.
This is especially true in mild climates like Arizona.
Better efficiency helps the environment and your wallet.
According to SaveOnEnergy’s 2025 report, the average energy bill in Arizona is approximately $164.15 per month.
That’s higher than the nationwide average of $155.94 per month.
Efficiency is so important that there’s a ranking system used to define it.
Check the SEER and HSPF ratings before you choose a heat pump.
It’ll help you ensure you’re getting the most energy-efficient unit possible.
Maintenance
HVAC maintenance often goes unnoticed with dire consequences.
Heat pump coils can freeze in the winter if you don’t keep a close enough eye on them.
However, maintaining a heat pump is much less intensive.
When you have a furnace, you have to maintain two systems instead of one.
A heat pump is half the work for better and more efficient results.
Lifespan and Cost Efficiency
Heat pumps have slightly higher upfront costs.
They also have slightly shorter lifespans, averaging 10-15 years.
However, they can still save you money over time.
You won’t have to spend as much on maintenance, and they can lower your energy bills.
There are also ways to extend the lifespan of your heat pump.
These include steps such as:
- Placing and protecting the outdoor unit
- Using a smart thermostat
- Following a regular maintenance and inspection schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Run Out of Hot Water With a Heat Pump?
Yes, it is possible to run out of hot water.
It’s also slightly more likely to happen with heat pumps than with furnaces.
Remember that a heat pump’s primary function is to heat the physical space in your home.
Doing that may not leave enough heat left over to heat your water.
There are simple ways to get around this issue without sacrificing your beloved long baths.
Store extra hot water in a cylinder just in case.
Are There Tax Credits for Heat Pumps?
Yes, you can get tax credits.
It’s possible as long as you’ve installed the heat pump within the last few years.
You are still able to claim credits through the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit program.
Any home improvements made after January 1, 2023, are eligible through December 30, 2025.
The credits you earn can cover up to 30% of the costs of installing and maintaining the pump.
File Form 5695 with your taxes to claim the credits.
Get a New Heating System Today
Comparing heat pump vs. furnace pros and cons is essential to finding the right heating system for your home.
Heat pumps are the more efficient and effective option for most parts of Arizona’s mild climate.
Furnaces are better for cold, elevated regions.
Mark Daniels Air Conditioning and Heating in Mesa offers professional, polite, high-quality service on all your HVAC systems.
We promise to provide the right service on time and at a fair price.
Let us find the right systems to keep your home comfortable all year long.
Schedule an appointment for heating and air conditioning service today.
Reliable Heating Repair in Southeast Phoenix AZ
Count on Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating for fast, professional heating repair services in Southeast Phoenix. Our skilled technicians deliver dependable solutions to keep your home warm, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the season.
Call (480) 571-7219 or request service now!
