The Facts About Home Heating Options From Brandon Shelton

The Facts About Home Heating Options From Brandon Shelton

Whether you live in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, Roanoke, Virginia or somewhere in between, it can be hard to know which heating system is the right fit for your home. Heat pumps, gas furnaces or ductless mini-splits all provide warmth and comfort, but they all function and perform differently.

Hall Propane HVAC expert Brandon Shelton is here to separate fact from fiction, exploring costs, comfort and long-term value for each so you can make the smartest choice for your heating needs.

What You’ll Pay Now & Later

When comparing systems, Brandon encourages homeowners to look beyond the upfront price tag. Heat pumps are usually less expensive to install, while gas furnaces cost more due to the necessary gas lines and venting. But when it comes to operating costs, gas is often the choice. This is thanks to regional utility rates making furnaces more affordable to run than all-electric heat pumps. Electric utility rates almost always go up, never down, while propane rates fluctuate due to supply and demand.

“Installation makes a difference when looking at costs, especially when it comes to running gas lines and ductwork. But when you factor in natural gas and propane rates, you’ll definitely make your money back over the life of the furnace,” said Brandon.

Efficiency vs. Comfort: Striking the Right Balance

Efficiency matters, but Brandon reminds homeowners that comfort plays a huge role in long-term value. Heat pumps run efficiently and steadily, but their airflow can feel cold at times.

Hall Propane sells and installs gas furnaces that provide that classic “warm blast” of heat that keeps homes feeling cozy no matter how chilly it gets outside. In many cases, Brandon says the comfort difference alone can justify choosing a furnace over a heat pump.

hvac mini-splits

Small Spaces, Big Comfort: When to Choose a Mini-Split

Mini-splits are a great solution for spaces that need their own temperature control, like sunrooms, workshops or even finished basements. Brandon sees them as a smart add-on, not a primary heat source. While they’re efficient and flexible, they can struggle to keep an entire home comfortable during colder months.

The Bottom Line: What’s the Best Heating System for Your Home?

When Brandon looks at the full picture, installation, performance, lifespan and operating costs, gas furnaces usually come out on top. Heat pumps may win on installation cost and electrical efficiency, but furnaces provide higher heat output, lower operating costs and longer equipment life. Combine that longevity with affordable gas rates, and Brandon believes a furnace offers the best blend of comfort and long-term savings. In colder climates, gas really shines, as heat pumps use emergency heat strips to take over when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. While a heat pump is efficient, heat strips are not and are very costly to operate.

“My opinion on the best long-term value is a gas furnace. Not only do they only run half the year, as opposed to heat pumps that run year-round, they just produce more heat. So they have an advantage in longevity and performance,” said Brandon.