𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝘃𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗲: 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗜𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺?

Choosing a heating system is a big financial decision. You likely hear two names: the furnace and the heat pump. Both keep your home warm, but they work differently and cost different amounts.

Here is how they compare.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸

A furnace creates heat. It burns fuel to make hot air. This air feels very hot when it comes out of your vents.

A heat pump moves heat. It does not burn anything. It uses electricity to move heat from the outside air into your home. In summer, it reverses this process to cool your home.

Moving heat is more efficient than creating it. A heat pump can be 300% to 400% efficient. A furnace is limited by how much fuel it burns.

𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀

Heat pumps usually cost more to install upfront. In the US, expect to pay $4,000 to $10,000. In Canada, it is $5,000 to $12,000.

However, a heat pump provides both heating and cooling. A furnace requires a separate air conditioner. Buying both a furnace and an AC can cost $7,000 to $13,000.

You can also use rebates to lower the cost:

  • US: Tax credits can cover 30% of the cost up to $2,000.
  • Canada: Grants can provide up to $5,000.

𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀

Your local utility rates decide your monthly bill.

  • Moderate climates: Heat pumps are often cheaper. You can save $200 to $600 per season compared to a gas furnace.
  • Cold climates: Gas furnaces are often cheaper during extreme freezes. Heat pump efficiency drops when temperatures fall below -10°C.

If you live in a very cold area, consider a dual-fuel system. This uses a heat pump for mild days and a gas furnace for the coldest nights.

𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

  • Furnaces: Usually last 15 years or more. They have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance.
  • Heat pumps: Usually last 10 to 15 years. They work all year long, so they experience more wear.

Summary

Choose a heat pump if you want one system for both heating and cooling or if you live in a moderate climate. Choose a furnace if you live in a very cold region and want the lowest cost during deep winter.

Source: https://dev.to/minihomehub_74471977c649a/heat-pump-vs-furnace-which-is-cheaper-long-term-4c5m