Your heating system is a central part of your home’s safety and security, so it’s important to invest in a quality system you’re confident in. Heat pumps continue to rise in popularity due to their efficient, cost-effective, and comfortable heating and cooling solutions. But, how do heat pumps compare to furnaces? Can they really keep a home warm during the coldest months? In this article, we compare the upfront costs, efficiency, maintenance requirements, and lifetimes of heat pumps and furnaces to help you better understand your options when browsing for your next heating system (that you’ll likely spend a couple of decades with!).
Key takeaways
Heat pumps are typically more energy efficient than furnaces and are capable of both heating and cooling, whereas furnaces can only heat a home.
Furnaces tend to last slightly longer than heat pumps, but proper maintenance can help extend your heat pump’s lifespan.
The upfront cost to install any heating system is largely dependent on factors like a home’s existing heating infrastructure, the layout and insulation of a home, and the rebates and incentives that the equipment qualifies for.
Both heat pumps and furnaces should be serviced annually and maintained with clean air filters and vents.
The most cost-effective way to heat your home with heat pumps is to pair them with emission-free solar energy – sign up to receive free quotes from qualified, pre-vetted installers on the EnergySage Marketplace!
What’s in this article?
Heat pumps vs. furnaces at a glance Heat pumpsFurnaces Upfront costs$3,500 - $20,000$2,000 - $24,000 Operating costsLowerHigher Energy efficiencyMore efficientLess efficient Maintenance (professional)Once per heating season, twice per year to cover cooling season as wellOnce per heating season Lifespan15 - 25 years20 years
How much do heat pumps and furnaces cost?
When considering the cost of heat pumps compared to furnaces, it’s important to consider both the upfront costs and the maintenance costs associated with each technology.
Upfront costs
The upfront costs of both heat pumps and furnaces depend on a number of factors specific to your individual home. Things like ductwork, the layout and insulation of your home, the local climate, the make and model of the heating equipment, and available rebate and incentive programs all influence the total cost of installing a new heating system. For example, a ducted heat pump system can be more expensive than ductless, single-zone mini-splits and it will be cheaper for homes with direct access to natural gas to install a gas furnace than those that don’t. Also, a heat pump model that qualifies for federal or local rebates may be more affordable than a furnace that doesn’t.
With so many contributing factors, an apples-to-apples cost comparison is difficult. Ductless mini splits tend to be more affordable than furnaces, while ducted air source heat pump systems can be more expensive to install (although, they may end up costing less than a furnace and air conditioner combined). The bottom line is that your cost can vary widely depending on your home’s size and existing system including ductwork, gas lines, and electrical lines.
Sample upfront costs: heat pumps vs. furnace HVAC system/equipmentApproximate price range to installDetails Central/ducted air source heat pumps Between $12,000 and $20,000If you already have ductwork, these may be a good option Ductless air source heat pumps (aka mini splits)Between $3,500 and $6,000 per indoor unit installedIf you don’t have ductwork already, these may be a good option Gas furnaceBetween $2,000 and $11,000If you already have natural gas lines run to and through your home, this can be a more affordable option Electric furnaceBetween $2,000 and $13,200Not as common, but it’s available as an option
Operating costs
Heat pumps run on electricity while furnaces are powered by electricity, oil, or gas. While electric heating systems can be powered by emission-free solar energy, oil and gas furnaces burn fossil fuels. Either way, all sources of energy are subject to turbulent markets with rates that vary from state to state. Gas furnaces may benefit from lower rates one season, but the next year natural gas prices could skyrocket. Although energy rates are a consideration when choosing your next heating system, the efficiency of the system is probably a better indicator of operational costs.
September 2022 average U.S. energy rates by region RegionElectricity price per kWhUtility gas price per therm Northeast$0.215$1.776 Midwest$0.157$1.577 South$0.156$1.948 West$0.173$1.834 Pacific $0.19$1.965
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
On average, electric furnaces use 10,000 to 50,000 watts (10 to 50 kilowatts) of electricity while air source heat pumps use between 1,000 and 7,500 watts of electricity in cold weather.
Heat pumps provide annual savings of $500 to $900, on average. The tables below will give you an idea of what it will cost to heat a home in a couple different states this coming year using different types of heating systems, but it’s important to remember that this varies significantly depending on your local climate, utility costs, and the efficiency of your unit.
Heat pumps vs. furnaces: annual heating operating costs HVAC system/equipmentAverage winter heating cost in MaineAverage winter heating cost in Oregon Air source heat pump$1,436$1,304 Propane furnace$4,819$2,897 Gas furnace$3,015$1,107 Electric furnace $4,207$2,293
Sources: Efficiency Maine and Avista
How energy efficient are they?
Heat pumps are one of the most efficient heating systems available and use significantly less energy than furnaces because, unlike furnaces, they don’t actually generate heat. Instead, they transfer heat from one place to another. This is especially advantageous when you compare them to electric furnaces; according to the Department of Energy, air source heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by 50 percent. Not only does this process require less energy, but it also avoids the use of fossil fuels – so, all things being equal, heat pumps are more energy efficient than furnaces.
However, the performance of a heat pump system is also dependent on a number of factors, like proper installation and local climate. The colder it gets, the harder heat pumps have to work. However, due to impressive advancements in heat pump technology, cold climate-certified heat pumps are able to maintain efficiency and keep your home warm in temperatures well below zero. Even still, there are some instances when furnaces become the more efficient option in extremely cold climates.
How much maintenance do they require?
Maintenance for a furnace is similar to that of a heat pump: HVAC experts recommend both systems be serviced at least once a year by a professional in addition to regular at-home maintenance. Furnaces and heat pumps alike should have clean air filters, clean vents, and clutter-free spaces around the units in order to perform optimally. Uniquely, gas furnaces require a clear exhaust flue to the outside to prevent harmful fumes from entering your home and causing serious health risks. Additionally, heat pumps serve as a heating and cooling system, whereas furnaces can only generate heat. Due to the increased use of heat pumps, maintenance costs may be higher and more frequent than for a furnace alone.
Cleaning and changing filters
You should also make sure you are regularly cleaning your filters in a heat pump – usually every one to two months depending on usage. For a furnace, you’ll usually need to change its filter every three months or so but it may be slightly more or less depending on the size of your filter.
How long do they last?
Currently, the lifetime of a furnace tends to be a bit longer than that of a heat pump. It’s generally accepted that furnaces last about 20 years, whereas heat pumps are useful for around 15 years. However, some heat pump experts claim that the best quality heat pumps can continue heating and cooling your home for between 20 to 25 years when well-maintained. Overall, a furnace will probably outlast a heat pump by two to five years.
Keep warm with solar energy
Unlike furnaces that burn natural gas or oil, you can power heat pumps with solar panels to save even more money and shrink your carbon footprint. The EnergySage Marketplace provides qualified quote comparisons from local installers to help you find a solar system that fits both your energy and budget needs. Sign up to receive free quotes from qualified, pre-vetted installers so you can start the process of going solar today!
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