Are you building a new home or ready to replace your old heating system? Choosing the right heating setup for Iowa’s freezing winters is a big decision—especially when furnaces aren’t the only option anymore. Heat pumps have started making headlines for their energy efficiency and versatility. But what’s the best choice for keeping warm in our climate?
In the latest blog from Novak Heating and Cooling, we’ll help you understand the ins and outs of heat pumps and furnaces so you can make the best decision for your home and your budget.
Should You Buy a Furnace or a Heat Pump?
Think of choosing between a furnace and a heat pump like picking the right vehicle for your lifestyle. A furnace is like a rugged 4×4 truck: dependable, powerful, and designed to handle Iowa’s coldest, toughest conditions with ease. A heat pump, on the other hand, is like a versatile crossover SUV: efficient, great for all-around performance, and capable of handling both winter and summer conditions in one go.
Both options can get you where you need to be—but which one is truly the best fit for your home? Let’s explore the benefits of each.
Benefits of Furnaces
Furnaces are a fantastic choice for handling the cold Midwest winters we see here in Cedar Rapids. A furnace is usually installed in a basement or utility room, and the unit connects to a duct system to distribute the warm air. If you already have existing ductwork, a new furnace installation is pretty straightforward.
In Cedar Rapids, the two most popular types of furnaces are:
- Gas Furnaces: Powered by natural gas or propane, these are known for their affordability and efficiency. If you already have a gas line, a natural gas furnace can be a very cost-effective choice.
- Electric Furnaces: A good alternative for homes without gas lines, an electric furnace is easier to install but may cost a bit more to operate during those extra-cold winter days.
Furnaces also offer options for various budgets. Basic low-efficiency models are lower in price, while high-efficiency models with advanced features can be a bit pricier upfront but will help lower your energy bills over time. With regular maintenance, your furnace can last 15–20 years or more.
Benefits of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are gaining traction in Cedar Rapids as a flexible, energy-efficient heating and cooling system. Unlike furnaces that generate heat, heat pumps have indoor and outdoor units and work by pulling warmth from the outdoor air —even in chilly weather—and transferring it indoors. In summer, they reverse to act as an air conditioner, moving cool air throughout your home.
There are a few main options for your heat pump installation:
- Air Source Heat Pumps: These are ideal for whole-home heating and cooling and connect to ductwork to distribute warm or cold air evenly. Air source models are popular in Cedar Rapids for their affordability and energy efficiency.
- Ductless Mini-Splits: Perfect for heating and cooling specific areas without ductwork, such as sunrooms, home offices, or finished basements. Mini-splits offer zoned comfort and flexibility, allowing you to control the temperature of individual rooms while avoiding the cost of installing new ductwork.
There are also options when it comes to energy sources: electric heat pumps and gas heat pumps. Electric heat pumps are the most popular, connecting to your home’s electrical system to be dependable, year-round heating and cooling systems. Gas heat pumps, on the other hand, use natural gas and can be a smart choice if you want to cut back on electricity use during peak times or prefer an alternative energy source.
Heat pumps do require an initial investment, but they typically pay off over time with lower energy bills due to their efficiency. With proper maintenance, a heat pump can last around 10–15 years.
Is a Heat Pump More Energy Efficient Than a Gas Furnace?
In general, yes, heat pumps are typically more energy-efficient than gas furnaces. This is because, instead of generating heat like a furnace, heat pumps move heat from one place to another, which requires less energy.
However, in extreme cold—like those below-zero Iowa nights—a gas furnace often becomes the more effective option. While you can invest in a high-efficiency or cold-climate heat pump model to keep up with the temperature, furnaces produce direct, intense heat that’s not dependent on outdoor temperatures which makes them better suited for keeping your home consistently warm when temperatures plummet.
To solve this problem, some homeowners in the Cedar Rapids area opt for a dual fuel system which combines a heat pump with a gas furnace so you can switch between the two depending on the weather. In milder temperatures, the heat pump runs efficiently to save energy. On those frigid Iowa nights, it automatically switches to the furnace, providing reliable warmth when you need it most.
Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces: The Choice is Yours
When it comes to choosing between a heat pump and a furnace, it’s crucial to consider your home’s layout, comfort needs, and budget. If you already have ductwork and a gas supply from an existing furnace, a new furnace might be the simplest solution. But if you’re looking for both heating and cooling, with the added benefit of energy savings, a heat pump could be the way to go.
No matter which system you choose, having an experienced HVAC contractor is key to a smooth installation and long-lasting performance. At Novak Heating and Cooling, our certified HVAC technicians bring specialized training to every step of the installation process, ensuring your system is perfectly sized for your home and equipped with secure thermostat wiring and all the necessary components.
As a Carrier Authorized Dealer, we can recommend the ideal heat pump or furnace for your specific needs. Whether you’re installing a new unit or replacing an existing furnace, our team handles each detail with precision so you can count on reliable comfort for years to come.
Once your system is installed, we’re here with maintenance and repair services to keep it running smoothly. Our Worry-Free HVAC maintenance plan includes priority scheduling, discounted rates, and annual maintenance from an HVAC technician to keep your HVAC system operating at peak performance and help you avoid issues like air leaks or cold spots.
Get a Free Quote for Your Furnace or Heat Pump Installation Today
Novak Heating and Cooling is proud to serve the Cedar Rapids area with expert HVAC service you can count on. Whether you’re looking to install a new furnace or heat pump, our team is dedicated to keeping you comfortable and helping you save money.
When you’re exploring your options, it’s important to compare quotes from HVAC companies to find the best value. At Novak, we make it easy with our competitive pricing and commitment to keeping costs low. Plus, we offer seasonal specials to make your heating or cooling upgrade even more affordable.
Contact us today for a free quote, and let us help you enjoy a warm winter season!