Best Heating Systems for Oregon Homes in 2025
We all have opinions about the best heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for our Portland, homes.
You might opt to pay more upfront for high-efficiency equipment that lowers energy bills and lasts longer. Or, you might decide to switch from a gas furnace to an electric heat pump.
At Sun Glow Home Services, we can help you navigate the heating system landscape and find the perfect choice. As we head into 2025, it is a great time to consider which heating equipment will work best in your home to keep you warm and cozy.
As you mull over the pros and cons of each heating system, consider factors such as energy efficiency, performance, and longevity.
When you partner with Sun Glow Home Services for heating system assistance, you will work with experts who can assess your needs, recommend the best solutions, and guide you through the installation process.
Choosing the Right Heating System in Multnomah County
How do you find the best heating system for your Oregon home? Here are a few ideas to keep in mind when considering a heating system:
- Outdoor Temps: Heat pumps may be your best option for our relatively mild winters in the greater Portland area. A boiler, geothermal system, or gas furnace may be better solutions in consistently colder weather.
You can also consider pairing a furnace with an energy-thrifty heat pump to create a dual-fuel heating system. The heat pump would operate during consistently mild weather, with the furnace kicking in when temperatures drop into the 30s and below.
- Home Size: A high-efficiency gas furnace can heat a larger home in any climate. A geothermal heat pump is another ideal choice for a larger home.
A ductless mini split is a good solution if you plan on heating a few rooms in a small house, such as a vacation cottage. You can also install a ductless system in a particular room of your home to supplement your central heating and cooling system.
- Energy Efficiency: Gas furnaces that carry the ENERGY STAR® logo are up to 15 percent more efficient than standard models and can save $80 in annual energy costs. Heat pumps use even less energy than gas furnaces and save money on heating costs.
- Cost: Factor in the purchase, maintenance, and operating costs before deciding on a system. Our pros at Sun Glow Home Services can help you make sense of the numbers. Federal tax credits can assist you with the cost of equipment.
Installing a high-efficiency HVAC unit can earn you a 30 percent tax credit. The maximum credit is $2,000 for heat pumps and $600 for gas furnaces and boilers. There is no maximum dollar amount for qualifying geothermal systems.
A Look at Heating Systems
Should you buy another furnace or change it up and buy a heat pump next year? Is geothermal a realistic choice? Here’s a glance at heating systems and their benefits:
Gas Furnaces
Gas furnaces are reliable and efficient. They heat your home quickly, using ductwork to distribute the warm air they produce. When installed correctly and maintained, furnaces can last up to 20 years or more. They are perfect for colder climates.
Our recommendation: One of the best options for 2025 is the top-of-the-line Infinity® 98 furnace, with an impressive annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 98.5 percent. Experience superior humidity controls, sound performance, comfort, and cost savings with an Infinity furnace.
Browse Carrier’s high-efficiency, mid-efficiency, and standard furnaces through our products link.
Heat Pumps
Furnaces burn fuel to produce heat. An electric heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air and moves it indoors to heat your Portland, home. Most modern heat pumps can capture ample heat from the outdoors despite the winter temperatures.
A reversing valve inside the equipment enables your heat pump to work like an air conditioner during the hotter months. The valve changes the direction of the refrigerant inside the unit, allowing it to extract heat inside your home and send it outdoors.
Electric heat pumps are highly efficient and can save you money in heating costs.
Our recommendation: One of our favorites is the Infinity 24 heat pump with Greenspeed intelligence. With top efficiency ratings and premier humidity controls capable of removing up to 400% more moisture than standard systems, the Infinity 24 offers quiet comfort for you to enjoy year-round.
Browse our online Carrier heat pump selection to see which options are best for your Portland home.
Ductless Mini Splits
Ductless mini splits are perfect for vacation homes without ductwork or for adding heating to a specific area in your home. They’re also a perfect solution for charming historic homes built without air ducts.
Like a standard heat pump, they transfer heat from indoors to outdoors in the summer and from outside to inside in the winter.
A ductless mini split houses a compressor and condenser coils outdoors. The outdoor unit connects to an indoor unit with refrigerant-filled tubes. The indoor unit has a fan and an evaporator coil.
A major difference between a heat pump and a ductless system is the number of indoor air handling units you can install. A standard air-source heat pump uses a central air handler that relies on ductwork to circulate conditioned air to different parts of your Portland home. A multi-zone ductless system can handle multiple indoor units mounted in different areas of your home.
Each handler blows hot or cool air into the surrounding room and has a temperature control. Through HVAC zoning, you can set various temperatures throughout your home, gaining convenience, precise temperature control, and energy efficiency.
Browse our online Carrier ductless mini splits to find the perfect choice for your home.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal systems use the Earth’s constant underground temperature to heat and cool your home. They work in the hottest and coldest temperatures because they transfer heat through pipes underground rather than the air.
Geothermal systems are highly efficient and last years longer than conventional heating systems. They are more expensive than air-source heat pumps but cost less to operate and maintain. Installing geothermal takes longer and is more complex than other HVAC systems.
Interested in geothermal? Ask our team at Sun Glow Home Services about a free consultation. We will assess your property and heating needs and recommend the best solution.
Call the Heating Experts Today!
Ready for a new heating system in 2025? Let Sun Glow Home Services show you the options available and recommend the best choice for your Portland, home. Call us at 971-225-7416 or request service online.