Though Phoenix is known for its oppressive summer heat, winter can see a dip in temperatures sufficient to chill even northerners, and mandates some form of residential heating for basic comfort levels. That said, few Phoenix homeowners feel like shelling out several thousands of dollars for high-end heating solutions, and justifiably so. You can probably save just as much money, over a year's time, but putting that extra money toward replacement windows, better insulation, or any number of eco-friendly home improvements. At the same time, you'll still need a unit with adequate heating capacity, up-to-date safety features, and one that is generally reliable.
Phoenix Gas Furnaces
For these practical reasons alone, it may be time to think about a new gas furnace. Regardless of your manufacturer of choice, you'll probably find a more energy-efficient unit anyway, as basic standards and technologies have risen considerably over the last five, 10, and 20 years. When searching for a gas furnace in Phoenix, it's a good idea to seek out a professional contractor first. A little local knowledge of how different furnaces perform in the unique climate of the American Southwest can along way toward finding a furnace that you can depend on without spending an arm and a leg. Plus, you may have trouble finding the information you need from manufacturers' or even consumer reports that are rarely tailored for heating performance in Phoenix.
The Cost of Phoenix Gas Furnace Repair and Installation
While the national average for gas furnace installation runs just more than $5,000, unless you have a larger home, chances are you won't need to spend quite this much. At the same time, just to show you how much the state of the local economy plays into home improvement decisions, a rough average of $3,500 for a new gas furnace is the same in Phoenix as it is in Detroit, where homeowners may be forced to sacrifice a high-end, energy-efficient installation to manage the initial cost. At the same time, labor costs may vary in a place like Phoenix where some contractors may attempt to charge premium rates to unsuspecting homeowners.
Gas furnace repairs in Phoenix can be an even trickier situation. On the one hand, older units tend to break down often and can be woefully outdated, but, at the same time, if you only run your furnace one or two months a year, a repair may extend the life of your furnace several more years. The exact cost and nature of the repair, the year and model of your unit, and your current financial situation can influence this decision, which is often far from clear. Again, talking to a local Phoenix contractor can help.
Alternative Home Heating in Phoenix, AZ
Just as swamp coolers in Phoenix provide unique and energy-efficient cooling, there are region-specific solutions to alternative home heating in Phoenix. Heat pumps, for examples, can serve as both home heating and air conditioning. In fact, though they are often referred to as alternatives, heat pumps are almost as popular as gas furnaces in Phoenix. Geothermal heat pumps which use the constant temperature of the Earth, and solar panels which use the sun, are also great alternatives for homeowners who have the financial resources for the initial installation and wish to eliminate utility bills.
Phoenix HVAC Contractors
Despite the lesser needs of residential heating for Phoenix homes, you can still find plenty of contractors. HVAC contractors work year round to install, repair, and maintain your home's comfort level. This is far from universally true, but it's possible that the same contractor who takes a look at your air conditioning in the spring can look at your furnace or heat pump in the fall. ServiceMagic, through our rigorous 10-step screening process, will put you in touch with only reliable, competent contractors. To take full advantage of our service, be sure to check out our online ratings and reviews section to see what other Phoenix homeowners had to say about specific contractors before making a final hiring decision.

Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 600 articles on both regional and national topics within the home improvement industry.