If your wall heater has failed, you have two main choices: a new gas wall furnace in the same spot, or a ductless mini-split that heats and cools. Here is how they compare.
A New Gas Wall Furnace
- Usually the lowest upfront cost
- Uses the existing wall opening and gas line, with new venting where needed
- Heat only, no cooling
- Heats the area around it most; far rooms stay cooler
In Lafayette we replaced a 1960s wall heater with a Williams gravity-vent wall furnace, new venting and a digital thermostat. See the project.
A Ductless Mini-Split
- Single-zone systems start at $6,500
- Heats and cools
- Electric, with no combustion in the living space
- More indoor units can extend comfort to other rooms
Bay Area Air Rules
The Bay Area Air District adopted zero-NOx standards for some gas appliances that take effect when existing equipment burns out. If you plan to stay in the home for years, pricing an electric option at the same time is worth it. Read the 2029 furnace rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mini-split more expensive than a wall heater?
Upfront, usually yes. A mini-split also adds cooling and replaces gas heat with electric heat.
Can one mini-split heat a whole small house?
In a compact, open layout it can. Closed-off bedrooms may need their own indoor units on a multi-zone system.