Bend Heating and Cooling
Frequently Asked Questions
Author: Bill Hoelzer / Read Time: Eight Minutes
We’ve answered thousands of questions about Bend heating and cooling since we started back in 2007. You’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below.
If you have questions about heating or cooling for your home, please give us a call at 541.330.8767, or schedule a free estimate online:
What are my options for home heating and cooling in Central Oregon?
Two most common options for heating and cooling are (1) a heat pump; or (2) a furnace and an air conditioner. For a deeper dive, jump into one of our articles:
Install a Heat Pump
Heat pumps operate up to four times more efficiently than ENERGY STAR certified gas furnaces, even with the relatively cold winter temperatures that we get here in Central Oregon. Heat pumps achieve such high efficiency by transferring heat from one location to another, rather than generating heat directly.
In the summer, a heat pump can be used to transfer heat from inside a home to the outside, effectively cooling the home. In the winter, a heat pump can be used to transfer heat from the outside air into the home, providing heating.
Jump to one of our resource pages for heat pumps and ductless heat pumps in Bend, Oregon, or check out one of our articles for more:
Install a Gas Furnace and Central Air Conditioner
Most people are familiar with how furnaces and central air conditioners work.
If you prioritize upfront cost above all else, then a furnace and central air conditioner may be the best choice for you. However, if you're willing to invest a bit more upfront, an energy efficient heat pump may be the better option. Not only will it cost less to operate over time, it will also provide more consistent heating and cooling throughout your home.
Should I replace my AC and furnace together?
Heating and cooling systems are complicated. If either your AC or furnace is on its last legs, the first step is to give us a call at 541.330.8767. We’ll inspect your equipment and make a recommendation that fits your home and budget.
That said, here are a few considerations for when it makes sense to replace an AC and furnace together:
Age: If your AC and furnace are both more than 10 years old and starting to break down, it may be more cost-effective to replace them both at the same time.
Efficiency: If your current AC and furnace are less efficient than newer models, you may see significant savings on your energy bills by upgrading to newer, more energy-efficient units.
Performance: If your current AC and furnace are not keeping up with your cooling and heating needs, it may be time to upgrade to units that can better handle the load.
Matching: The furnace and air conditioner work together, so replacing them at the same time ensures that they will be compatible and perform at optimal level.
Cost: If you are considering replacing either the furnace or air conditioner, it might be more cost effective to replace them together, as there will be less labor cost and many of the parts need to be accessed in any case.
On the other hand, if your AC and furnace are still in good working condition and you don't expect to need replacements for a while, there may be no need to replace them both at the same time.
Schedule an appointment to learn more about how to improve the indoor air quality at your home in Central Oregon:
What is the best brand of heating and cooling system?
We get this question all the time. The first thing to say is that brands matter, but the quality of your installation and maintenance over time are even more important to how well your heating and cooling system operates.
Even the best systems will operate less efficiently and fail prematurely without proper installation and regular service.
Here at GreenSavers, we pride ourselves on the quality of our installations and service. Unlike other HVAC contractors, we assess other features of your home - like the level of air sealing and insulation - that have a huge impact on how well your heating and cooling system will operate. Every heating and cooling system comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Here are the brands of heating and and cooling systems that tend to work best for our clients in Central Oregon:
Heat Pump: Mitsubishi (Mitsubishi vs. Daikin vs. Fujitsu vs. LG)
Furnace: Lennox (Introduction to Lennox Furnaces)
Air Conditioner: Lennox (All About Lennox Air Conditioners)
How much does it cost to install a new heating and cooling system in Bend, Oregon?
The cost of installing a new heating and cooling system in Bend, Oregon can vary widely depending on a few factors, including the type of system, the size of your home, and the complexity of the installation.
Here are some general cost estimates for a few common types of systems:
A high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner (split system) can cost between $8,000 to $15,000 installed, depending on the size of your home.
A heat pump system can cost between $8,000 to $20,000 installed, depending on the size of your home and the type of heat pump.
A ductless mini-split heat pump can cost between $5,000 to $15,000 installed, depending on the size of your home, the number of indoor units, and the type of heat pump.
You’ll notice that these are relatively large ranges. For a detailed breakdown of the costs, cash incentives, and tax credits for your home, please give us a call at 541.330.8767, or schedule a free estimate online.
It is also important to note that the cost of installation is only one of the costs to consider. You’ll also want to consider the longevity of the system as well as the operating costs and maintenance costs. As a general rule, when you pay more upfront for a higher quality system, you’ll save more over time on the other costs that come with any heating and cooling system.
Can I buy a heating and cooling system myself?
Yes, you can buy a heating and cooling system yourself. Many home improvement stores and online retailers sell HVAC systems, allowing you to purchase and take the equipment home for installation.
Buying a system yourself may save you some cost on the equipment, but please know that proper sizing and installation are crucial for the system to perform efficiently for its expected lifespan.
Unless you have a background in the heating and cooling industry with specialized skills and tools, we strongly discourage you from buying and installing a system yourself. Improper installation of an HVAC system can cause poor performance (high energy bills with hot and cold spots) and even safety hazards.
Because of all the issues caused by improper sizing, storage, and delivery of the equipment, we do not install heating and cooling systems purchased from a third-party. That’s the only way we can offer a satisfaction guarantee for every GreenSavers project.
What is the average life expectancy of a Bend heating and cooling system?
The average life expectancy of a heating and cooling system can vary depending on the type of system, the level of maintenance, and the quality of the equipment. Here are estimates for common systems:
Heat pump: 15-20 years
Ductless heat pump: 15-20 years
Gas furnace: 10-15 years
Air conditioner: 10-15 years
Please note that these are only rough estimates, and the actual lifespan of heating and cooling systems can vary widely. Plus, it’s not always so black and white - working or not working. As an HVAC system ages, it doesn’t perform as well, especially without regular service and maintenance.
Even if the system has not reached the end of its life, it’s a good idea to contact a Bend HVAC contractor if the system is becoming less efficient, costly to operate, and not providing you with the temperature you want.
Learn More About Heating and Cooling
Start by visiting our heating and cooling resource pages for homeowners in Portland or Bend, Oregon. You can also keep reading our latest blog articles about energy efficient heating and cooling.
