Heat Pump vs. Propane Furnace, both of these devices are commonly compared when you want something that can be used for heating your home. And yes, both of these can be used in cold weather, but each of them has its own pros and cons.
That is why before you should opt for either, make it a habit to check the features. There are several options on the market today, but in this article, we’re going to look at the different items that are at the top of their game. We will review their different features to make sure that you select the right one.
Heat Pump vs Propane Furnace- Comparison of 2023
Propane Gas Furnaces
Propane furnaces are considered to be a safer, more efficient, and more affordable option for heating your home. It transfers heat to the air by heating the metal heat exchanger using Propane as fuel. Even in harsh weather, it can still produce ample heat for your home.
They are indeed a great way to heat your home, and not only that, but it has a cleaner operation, which is beneficial for the environment. But is it better than a heat pump? Well, by looking at these factors, we’re about to find out.
Efficiency
Using a propane gas furnace generally gives better efficiency compared to other methods of heating. Most propane furnaces even have efficiency ratings of up to 90 percent. This means that the fuel you put in is directly dedicated to producing heat and has only minimal losses.
Safety
With a propane gas furnace, you will not only be helping yourself but also the environment. These furnaces produce very low carbon emissions compared to natural gas and oil. It’s one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels available today.
Heating Capacity
This is one of the most important factors you should look at when choosing either a heat pump or a gas furnace. When it comes to heating capacity, furnaces have the advantage compared to heat pumps.
Since gas furnaces do not rely on the air in the surroundings, it can still produce large amounts of heat, even in very harsh weather conditions.
Best Propane Gas Furnaces You Can Buy
Now that you know how beneficial propane gas furnaces can be, here are some of the best products that you can buy in the market.
1. Gravity Wall Furnace
This first product from Gravity is one of the best in the market in terms of efficiency and design. It’s equipped with several features that can make your home more comfortable during the cold winter.
With its capability to produce heat at 35,000 BTU, it can be effective to warm an average-sized room. It can operate even during power outages. You can also opt to have a blower installed for better heat circulation, although this will need a power source.
The design of this furnace comes in a sleek and minimalistic look, and it can perfectly fit in with your furniture. You can either mount it on the wall or choose to have it surface mounted. Its size can easily fit a 2 x 4 wall cavity.
It has a high-efficiency, thanks to its patented burner design that can reduce Nitrogen Oxide emissions by 50 percent. And you can always have a cleaner and environmentally friendly operation. Also, it produces minimal noise so you won’t be annoyed when using it.
This also has a Standing Pilot feature for easier and safer lighting of your furnace. Overall, it’s a great and cost-effective substitute for electric heaters.
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2. Goodman GDH81005CN Gas Furnace
This furnace is incorporated with a two-stage burner and blower motor that can run at multiple speeds. And yes, you can use it for more efficient heating and better heat circulation. Its design is specifically for downflow configurations.
The casing is constructed with heavy-gauge steel and is finished with baked enamel – making it resistant to corrosion. These furnaces have also been tested for heating and a combination of heating and cooling applications.
Although it draws its power from natural gas, you have the option of using Propane with the help of a Propane conversion kit. And it has a self-adjusting feature that automatically adjusts the furnace’s heat depending on the ambient temperature outside.
It’s a great choice for a furnace. You can be sure to save more from your bills and have that additional comfort with this investment.
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Related Comparison: Goodman vs. Lennox HVAC Systems
3. Mr. Heater Big Maxx
With a 50,000 BTU per hour heat production, this can heat your room very fast. It can also cover up to 1,250 square feet. But it’s not limited to just that, and it also has several features that make it a great choice for you!
This furnace operates on natural gas, but you can also opt to use propane gas by using a propane conversion kit. Whichever fuel you use, they can still give you a clean and environmentally friendly operation.
You have the choice of either vertically or horizontally venting it, thanks to its powered exhaust. With the spark-ignition feature, it can improve emissions, efficiency, and performance. It’s designed with durability, so you can use it for a longer period.
You’ll be sure to save more money with this heater because not only is it efficient and durable, but it also comes with an affordable price tag. It’s a great furnace if you’re looking for that cheaper alternative without compromising the quality.
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4. Rinnai EX38CP
If you want a device that is eco-friendly as well as ensures better heating efficiency, this product may be a good choice, especially because it is powered by propane gas.
Propane is known to be efficient and reliable compared to using electricity and oil. This ensures a clean burning fuel so it is safe to both your family and the environment.
This furnace produces heat at a rate of 36,500 BTU per hour, making it perfect for medium-sized houses. It can provide just the right amount of heat to keep you comfortable, and it has a quiet operation too.
Changing your room’s temperature will be very easy because of its electronic thermostat. And the cabinet of the furnace is perfectly insulated so that it’s cool to the touch. This saves your kids from getting accidental burns.
Well, it is a great value for money, and it can get the job done faster and with ease. So, look no further, because this could be the furnace for you.
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5. Goodman GMH80803BN Gas Furnace
The GMH80803BN furnace is equipped with a two-stage burner and blower motor that can run at multiple speeds. This allows for faster heat production and emission at a rate of 80,000 BTU per hour.
It features a patented design known as TuffTube for its heat exchanger. This involves a heat exchanger made with aluminized steel and an ignition system made of Silicon Nitride for added strength and reliability.
All of these have been tested for heating and combinations of heating and cooling operations. The cabinet it comes with is made of heavy-gauge insulated steel and is topped off with baked enamel. This keeps it safe from corrosion and allows you to place it in various areas in your house.
With an AFUE rating of 80 percent, this furnace is sure to utilize every drop of fuel you put in it – ensuring minimal losses compared to others. You will never go wrong with this furnace, and it’s a great buy and an investment that will prove to be worth it.
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Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are just as efficient as gas furnaces. These are very safe to use and also not harmful to the environment, so you can keep your home warm. The best part about heat pumps is that they can be set-up with an AC system, so you can both cool and heat your home depending on your preferences.
Although heat pumps are at a slight disadvantage when it comes to heating capacity at challenging climates, they can also produce adequate heating. Here is a look at some of the factors to look for in heat pumps.
Efficiency
A heat pump provides a very efficient pathway to household heating. And unlike furnaces, these are rated using Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). Some heat pumps even go as high as a 9 HSPF rating and SEER ratings reaching 16.
Safety
Using heat pumps are considered very safe since there is no fuel combustion involved. There is also minimal risk of fire accidents. Some are also designed with highly insulated casing to avoid getting accidental burns when getting in contact with its surface.
Heating Capacity
Heat pumps have a slight disadvantage when it comes to heating capacities compared to gas furnaces. Since they use the air in the surroundings to produce its heat, harsh weather can bring down its heating capacity.
But if you live in a place that only has moderate winters, then heat pumps will provide with just enough heat.
Best Heat Pumps in the Market
There are tons of heat pumps in the market, and if you want to buy the best, then check these out.
6. Pioneer Mini Split Heat Pump
This heat pump gives you four operations all in one purchase. It provides you air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and dehumidification. The unit comes with a wall-mount, ductless indoor section, and a heat pump outdoor section.
Built for maximum efficiency, its heat pump can produce heat at a rate of 9000 up to 36,000 BTU per hour. It’s perfect for medium-sized houses. And its AC unit can also cool your rooms just as fast. Now, you’ll have something for hot days and cold nights.
It comes with a remote control that’s in sync with the heat pump and the AC unit. The AC also comes pre-charged with an R410A refrigerant that’s chlorine-free and safe for the environment and your family.
All the systems involved have been tested for safety and have been approved by Edison Testing Laboratories. It’s an all in one investment, and very affordable too!
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7. Pioneer Ceiling Cassette Split Ductless Inverter
This one comes in a complete set, including an indoor and outdoor unit and an airflow panel. Its airflow panel fully rotates at 360 degrees for maximum coverage of the surroundings.
Unlike other mini-split units that are wall-mounted, this one can be mounted on your ceiling to ensure a non-bulky appearance. The unit operates with maximum efficiency of 18,000 BTU per hour, just enough to cover medium-sized living spaces.
It also has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 20 and an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 13. And these are on par with other highly efficient heat pumps in the market.
You can easily adjust your room temperature using its wireless remote for either cooling or heating modes. There are also other modes you can choose from, like the Fan-only mode and the Dry mode. It comes complete with a programmable timer too!
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8. Goodman 3 Ton 14 Seer Heat Pump System
Another item that can offer you an all in one deal comes from Goodman. It comes complete with both an indoor and an outdoor unit. Now, you’ll never have to worry about the season since it can fend off heat and cold at the same time.
The unit’s size is ideal for any medium-sized home. It also comes in a compact design, so it won’t take up too much space. The materials used for its construction is highly durable. Its cabinet is fully coated with high-quality paint that has passed the 500-hour salt spray test. This unit can stand the wear and tear of any weather.
With a SEER rating of 14, this heat pump offers a very high efficiency, which will allow you to cut down on utilization costs. Not only that, but it also has a very quiet operation and is easier to install, thanks to its very accessible gauge ports and service valve. It’s without a doubt one of the best deals you can get!
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9. Daikin Ductless Mini-Split Inverter Heat Pump System
For both your heating and cooling needs, this is another unit you should consider. It comes complete with an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The features it comes with are top-notch, and so are its efficiency and durability.
The unit is designed as discretely as possible to help it blend in seamlessly to your home’s design. To avoid the bulkiness of most heat pump systems, this unit can be wall-mounted to save space, and also it helps to evenly distribute either warmth or coldness. It also operates quietly for more convenient use.
Other additional features include a wireless control system where you can adjust your room’s temperature easily, a turbo mode to hasten up the cooling or heating process, and auto-swing to evenly spread the warmth or coldness.
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10. Daikin Ductless Mini-Split Inverter Heat Pump System
Another great unit from Daikin is this AC heat pump system because it has all the features you’ll need for any season. This unit can both cool and heat your room easily.
With a SEER rating of 17 and an HSPF rating of 9, it’s both highly efficient and a great cost saver. It also produces energy at a rate of 24,000 BTU per hour so it can cover more area. With the help of its variable-speed compressor, it can further maintain your desired room condition, thereby minimizing energy consumption.
To get rid of the usual bulky appearance of heat pump systems, this unit can be mounted on your wall, so it won’t take up too much space. And since it’s wall-mounted, it will be able to evenly emit warmth or coldness in all directions. It also operates very quietly.
Other than that, it comes with great additional features like auto-swing and turbo mode to get faster heating or cooling.
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Heat Pump vs. Propane Furnace – Which Is Better?
Well, both heat pumps and propane furnaces are great choices. They can offer top-notch efficiencies and have a very durable design. And while propane furnaces have greater heat capacities, heat pumps can also produce sufficient heat and even provide air cooling at the same time.
They are also fairly affordable and are great energy savers. It’s a tie if you look at all their features. If you’re looking for a way to heat your home efficiently and easily, go with either depending on your needs.
Conclusion
For heat pump vs. propane furnace, it all comes down to your requirements when deciding which is better for you. The size of your house and its location are big factors too. So whether you choose a heat pump or furnace, any of the units presented above may be a great choice.