Is your heating system showing its age? You’re not alone. Many of our Forney neighbors are thinking about replacing their old heaters right now.
Here in Dallas, we’re lucky. Our winters are usually pretty mild. But when those Texas cold snaps hit, you want a heating system that works. And works well.
At Bolton Heating & Air, customers often ask us: “Should I get a furnace or a heat pump?” It’s a great question. Both options can work well in our area, and each has its benefits.
The good news? Today’s heaters are much more efficient than the ones installed 10 years ago. This means a new system could really cut down your energy bills. Plus, your family will stay cozy all winter long.
Whether you live in Forney, Mesquite, or anywhere nearby, we want to help you choose the right system for your home. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about furnaces and heat pumps. We’ll keep it simple and focus on what matters for Dallas-area homes.
How Do These Systems Work?
Let’s start with the basics. Furnaces and heat pumps warm your home in very different ways.
Furnaces: The Traditional Choice
Think of a furnace like a big fireplace for your whole house. It creates heat by burning gas or using electricity. Most Dallas homes have gas furnaces because gas tends to cost less here. When your furnace runs, it:
- Burns natural gas to create heat
- Blows warm air through your home’s air ducts
- Sends the exhaust gases outside through a vent
Heat Pumps: The Modern Alternative
A heat pump is more like a reversible air conditioner. Instead of creating heat, it moves it from one place to another. In winter, it:
- Pulls heat from the outdoor air (yes, even cold air has some heat in it!)
- Moves this heat inside your home
- Works as an AC in summer by doing the opposite
The neat thing about heat pumps? They handle both heating and cooling. So you get two systems in one. This can be a big plus for Dallas homeowners since we use our AC so much.
For our local climate, both systems can work great. Heat pumps shine during our mild winters and handle those occasional cold days just fine. Furnaces give you that toasty warm air that some folks prefer, especially on the coldest days.
What About the Cost?
Let’s talk money. After all, this is a big investment in your home. Here’s what you need to know about the costs of each system.
Upfront Costs
Heat pumps usually cost more to buy and install. Think around $6,000 to start. Why? Because you’re getting both a heating and cooling system in one package.
Furnaces cost less upfront – usually starting around $2,100. But remember: if you need AC too, you’ll need to buy that separately.
Monthly Bills
Here’s where it gets interesting for us Dallas folks:
- Heat pumps use electricity only. They’re super efficient in mild weather, which we have plenty of.
- Gas furnaces usually cost less to run here because natural gas prices in Dallas are pretty reasonable.
- During those mild winter days (which is most of them), a heat pump might save you money.
The Long-Term View
Think about your heating system like a car. The price tag isn’t everything. You need to consider:
- How long it’ll last (furnaces typically last 15-30 years, heat pumps a bit less)
- Yearly maintenance costs (both need regular check-ups)
- Energy costs over time
- Whether you’ll need to replace your AC too
At Bolton, we can help you crunch these numbers for your specific situation. Every home is different, and we want you to make the best choice for your family’s comfort and budget.
What Works Best in Dallas Weather?
Our Dallas weather is special. One day it’s 75°F, the next day it might be 35°F. Your heating system needs to handle these ups and downs. Let’s see how each system deals with our unique climate.
Heat Pumps in Dallas
Heat pumps love our weather. Here’s why:
- Work best in temperatures above 30°F (that’s most of our winter)
- Handle our mild days perfectly
- Cool your home in summer too
- Save energy during typical Dallas winter days
But there’s a catch. During those rare freezing days, heat pumps work harder to keep up. They might need a backup heating system for extra-cold snaps.
Furnaces in Dallas
Furnaces are like that reliable truck in your driveway. They just work, no matter the weather:
- Give strong, steady heat even on the coldest days
- Work well with our existing gas lines
- Keep working when temperatures drop below freezing
- Provide that toasty warm air many people love
Keeping Your System Running Right
No matter which system you choose, it needs regular care. Think of it like going to the doctor for a check-up.
Heat Pump Maintenance
Heat pumps need attention twice a year because they work all year round:
- Spring check-up for summer cooling
- Fall check-up for winter heating
- Regular filter changes (about every 3 months)
- Outdoor unit needs to be kept clean and clear
Furnace Maintenance
Furnaces need less frequent check-ups:
- One good inspection each fall
- Regular filter changes (same as heat pumps)
- Carbon monoxide check for safety
- Burner cleaning and testing
At Bolton, we make maintenance easy. We’ll remind you when it’s time for service, and our team knows both systems inside and out. Regular maintenance helps:
- Prevent breakdowns
- Lower your energy bills
- Make your system last longer
- Keep your warranty valid
- Keep your family safe and comfortable
Making Your Final Decision
So, which system should you choose? Here’s how to think it through for your Forney home.
Choose a Heat Pump If:
- You want one system for both heating and cooling
- Your old AC needs replacing too
- You care about using less energy
- You don’t have natural gas lines
- You like steady, even heating
- You want the most efficient option for mild days
Choose a Furnace If:
- You already have gas lines
- Your AC is still working well
- You prefer lower upfront costs
- You like very warm air from your vents
- You want a system that might last longer
- You’re looking for a simpler system
A Word About Your Home
Your home’s setup matters too. Think about:
- Do you already have gas lines?
- How old is your AC?
- How well is your home insulated?
- What size system do you need?
Need Help Deciding?
At Bolton Heating & Air, we’ve helped hundreds of Dallas-area families make this choice. We know every home is different. That’s why we always:
- Look at your current system
- Check your home’s layout
- Listen to what you want
- Consider your budget
- Think about your energy bills
Ready for Your New Heating System?
Don’t wait until that first cold snap hits Forney. Call Bolton Heating & Air today for a free consultation. We’ll help you pick the perfect system for your home.
Our team will:
- Give you a clear, honest quote
- Explain all your options
- Install your system right
- Stand behind our work
- Be here when you need us
Call us at (214) 909-7615 or schedule online. Let’s get your home ready for whatever weather Texas throws our way!