When temperatures drop in Arizona, you need a reliable heating system that can work well in our desert climate. Although our winters are milder than most of the country, newcomers are often surprised by the chill of a Phoenix morning. With the dry, dusty climate (and surprising bursts of moisture), choosing the right heating system in Arizona looks a little different. Let’s review the most popular heating systems in Arizona, along with some alternative options for a warm, winter home in the desert.
Common Arizona Heating System Options
Gas Furnace
There are many ways to heat a home, but the most popular and efficient is a gas furnace, with its instant heating capabilities and frugal use of energy. It makes even the coldest temperature outside feel like it never had a chance to make it into the home. Gas furnaces work by burning natural gas to create heat, which then circulates through your ductwork to warm every room.
For Arizona homeowners, gas furnaces offer an excellent balance of power and cost-effectiveness. Modern units feature high-efficiency ratings, which means you’re using less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures throughout your home.
Split Heat Pump System
The second system is a split heat pump, which produces heat similar to a car’s heating system, especially in cold weather. The heat pump system produces great heat, but in the early mornings, you may still feel cold air. At the same time, it warms up (just like a car). A nice fix to this would be having a professional HVAC technician from Same Day Air Repair install a high-voltage heat strip kit, which will act as emergency heat, warming the home as the unit thaws and warms up.
Mini Split Heat Pump System
The third option is installing a mini split heat pump system, which allows you to have multiple spaces with instant heating or cooling, and can be turned off when not in use. This increases the efficiency of your HVAC system and electrical bill, but it is something completely different and will take some significant time to adjust to personally. These are mainly used for garages or a single office space that needs simple cooling to increase comfort. Mini splits behave like a car when producing warm air early in the morning on startup. Since there are no heat strip kits for this, you’ll just have to get used to it.
Alternative Heating Systems for Arizona Homes
Here are some other, less classical options for Arizona home heating.
Hybrid Heating Systems
A hybrid system uses both a heat pump and a gas furnace, and will automatically switch between either system based on temperature and which unit is most efficient. This intelligent approach makes the most of your energy and reduces costs during the winter. A hybrid system is an excellent solution for those who want heat.
Solar Heating
Arizona’s abundant sunshine makes solar heating an attractive option for fiscally and environmentally conscious homeowners. Solar heating systems capture the sun’s energy to warm your home directly or to heat water that circulates through radiant systems. While the initial investment can be substantial, the long-term savings and positive environmental impact make solar heating increasingly popular.
Electric Space Heaters
Electric space heaters provide supplemental heating for specific rooms without running your whole-home system. They’re portable and perfect for quickly warming up a home office, or bedroom, or for when it’s not quite cold enough to run your primary heating system. However, they’re best used as temporary solutions rather than primary heating sources. Make sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions for safety and keep all space heaters away from pets, children, furniture, and window treatments.
Heating Installation in Phoenix from Local Experts
If you’re still wondering what heating system is right for your home, we’d love to help you decide. Our technicians understand Arizona’s uniquely dusty climate and can easily recommend the perfect heating solution for your home size, budget, and comfort preferences.
Contact us today for a consultation and discover how we can keep your Arizona home warm and cozy all winter long. Even though our winters are short, we want you and your family to stay comfortable. We take great pride in installing and repairing heating systems across the Valley. Same Day Air Repair welcomes emergency repair calls; reach out to us day or night if your home is suddenly ice cold.
