Heat Pump vs Gas Furnace: Which one is better?

There can be advantages to installing a heat pump vs gas furnace. Heat pumps provide heating and cooling. Under the right conditions, heat pumps are more energy efficient and cheaper to operate than furnaces. Under the wrong conditions, however, heat pumps are less efficient heaters than gas furnaces.

The most critical determination is whether your climate conditions can support a heat pump or require a gas furnace. Other factors to consider are the many related costs, including the equipment, installation, repair, and operation costs. The fuel sources, maintenance requirements, life expectancies, and unit performance are also important considerations. After considering everything, you’ll know whether a heat pump or gas furnace is better for your home.

* The CoP (coefficient of performance) measures how many heat units can be produced for each unit of energy consumed under ideal conditions. Efficiency can be over 300% because heat pumps use energy to transfer heat.

Heat pumps and gas furnaces differ in installation cost and scope, heat and energy efficiency, maintenance, performance, and lifespan.

The magnitude and cost of heat pump vs gas furnace installation depend on the current set-up and compatibility. Furnace installation is more comprehensive and expensive if a gas line needs to be connected, while heat pump installation is more comprehensive and expensive if the house is not wired for supplemental heating.

Installing an air-source heat pump might be slightly cheaper than a gas furnace if ductwork exists, but the size and complexity of the heat pump determine the final cost. Ground-source heat pump installation is very costly, requiring drilling and extensive labor.

Heat pumps are powered by electricity and can be up to 300% efficient, meaning they need only one unit of electricity to move three units of heat. Some new furnaces are up to 98% efficient, indicating only 2% of the fuel isn’t generating heat.

Once installed, the weather largely determines the heat pump and furnace efficiency. Heat pumps are more efficient and cost-effective than furnaces in regions with mild winters (40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit). On the other hand, furnaces are more efficient and cost-effective than heat pumps in areas with cold winters and temperatures below 32 degrees. Natural gas is a cheaper fuel than electricity and provides warmer heat.

Furnaces require less maintenance than heat pumps because they are only used for part of the year. Furnace maintenance consists of filter changes at least four times a year and cleaning the flame sensor as needed. A heat pump requires constant removal of leaves, weeds, snow, and ice around the unit to maintain good airflow, filter changes once a month, and occasional coil cleaning. Annual inspections and tune-ups by professionals are recommended for furnaces and heat pumps. Professionals charge $75 to $200 for one to two hours of work.

Repair costs for heat pumps and furnaces are similar. According to HomeAdvisor, heat pump repairs cost an average of $389. Furnace repairs cost an average of $310. However, furnaces are less likely to require repairs than heat pumps because they have fewer mechanical parts to break.

Gas furnaces generate heat, whereas heat pumps transfer heat. Gas furnaces are better for cold regions because their heat is warmer and not affected by outdoor temperatures.

Heat pumps struggle to transfer heat when the temperature drops below freezing. Installation of a supplemental heating system will provide additional warmth when needed, but auxiliary systems use a lot of energy and are costly to run.

Heat pumps are preferable in temperate regions where gas furnace heat might be too warm. Furnaces also have the disadvantage of producing dry air that dries out the skin, whereas heat pumps circulate naturally humid air. The ability to provide cooling in the summer is another advantage of heat pumps.

When it comes to operational noise, heat pumps are noisier than furnaces. Clicking and knocking sounds are regularly produced by the compressor and air handler. Furnaces make a whooshing sound when the burners initially fire up. Still, the noise typically goes unnoticed since furnaces are often located in basements or other places away from the living areas.

How long HVAC systems last depends on various factors. Gas furnaces have longer lifespans than heat pumps, about 20 years. Heat pump lifespan is akin to air conditioners, about 15 years.

The equipment, installation, repairs, and operating expenses must be considered to compare heat pump vs gas furnace costs. Costs are further determined by the unit’s capacity, type, brand, and efficiency. Labor, permits, ductwork installation, tax credits, rebates, and the climate are additional factors impacting the total cost.

Your region’s climate is essential when determining whether a gas furnace vs heat pump is better for heating your home. Heat pumps transfer heat from the air outside your house, so the outside temperature matters. Gas furnaces generate heat from fuel; the heat’s temperature isn’t impacted by the temperature outside.

Heat pumps are best in regions with winters averaging around 40 - 60 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s climate zone map, these regions comprise zones 1 - 3. Heat pumps are more energy efficient and cheaper to use in locations with mild to moderate climates. Electric rates are another important consideration since heat pumps are powered by electricity.

Gas furnaces are best in regions with cold winters and temperatures below freezing. These regions comprise climate zones 4 - 7. Furnaces aren’t impacted by outside temperatures when generating heat. Furnaces produce hotter heat and heat houses more quickly than heat pumps. Natural gas is a cheaper energy source than electricity.