Should I replace my furnace with another furnace or switch to a heat pump?

Both are valid in Northern Utah, and the right choice depends on the home and how you use energy. A gas furnace delivers strong, steady heat through a long cold winter and is the regional standard, while a cold-climate heat pump is efficient and also provides cooling, and a dual-fuel system combines the two. At higher elevations with serious winter lows, a dual-fuel setup or a cold-rated heat pump with good backup often makes the most sense.

What is a dual-fuel heating system?

A dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace and switches between them based on temperature. The heat pump handles milder weather efficiently, and once it falls below its balance point, the system switches to the furnace for reliable heat in deep cold. This captures heat-pump efficiency in shoulder seasons and furnace performance on the coldest Northern Utah nights.

How do I make sure the new system is the right size?

Correct sizing comes from a Manual J load calculation, which measures the home's square footage, insulation, windows, and orientation and accounts for elevation, rather than matching the old unit's capacity. A system sized too large short-cycles and wears out early, while one too small cannot keep up in deep cold. The equipment is then matched with a Manual S selection and checked against the home's ductwork so it can deliver its rated performance.

Privacy Policy