Heat Pump vs Furnace

The battle between furnaces and heat pumps is hot right now. Although most Americans use natural gas furnaces for heating, the electric heat pump is beginning to catch on, especially in milder climates, due to its higher energy efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the differences between a heat pump and a forced air furnace system and what’s best for you and your home.

Heat Pump vs Furnace

Heat pumps and furnaces are very different, so it is important that know what you are buying and what exactly the benefits and drawbacks are for each.

Furnaces

A traditional furnace burns fossil fuels to heat a heat exchanger. Then, a blower draws indoor air into the furnace, where it passes over the heat exchanger, heats up, and is distributed around the home via ductwork.

Make sure you read our furnace buyer’s guide for more detailed information on all aspects of a furnace system.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump works the opposite of an air conditioner. In fact, it can be used as an air conditioner during the summer by simply reversing a valve.

Cold liquid refrigerant absorbs outdoor heat and becomes a vapor as it passes through a coil. An electric compressor then compresses the vapor, which increases the temperature. The vapor flows into the indoor air handler where it condenses back into liquid and releases heat into the home. The cold liquid flows back outside for another cycle.

Read our guide on how heat pumps work to learn more.

At What Temperature is a Heat Pump Not Effective?

Central-forced air heat pumps start losing effectiveness at around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the major downside.

That doesn’t mean that everyone living above the Mason-Dixon line is out of luck when it comes to enjoying the energy efficiency of heat pumps. Suppose you live in Minnesota. You can supplement the heat pump with a space heater, but that will cancel out the energy savings.

Heat Pump Furnace Combo

A better option for northerners is a heat pump furnace kit, also known as a dual-fuel system, because you get the best of both worlds. The furnace will provide satisfying heat on the coldest days, while the heat pump can be used during the Fall and Spring when it’s warmer. A thermostat monitors the outdoor temperature and decides when to use the heat pump vs. the furnace.

Since a heat pump can be used as an air conditioner during the summer, an added benefit is you don’t need a separate AC unit. That makes the heat pump furnace combo perfect for all four seasons.

We’re focusing on central forced air heating in this guide, but ductless mini splits can also act as heat pumps and have a lower temperature threshold. Learn more in our heat pump vs cooling-only mini splits guide.

The Bottom Line

Everyone can benefit from a heat pump as long as the costs of electricity in their area are lower than the cost of natural gas or propane. For those in cold climates, you will still need a furnace in addition to a heat pump for those subfreezing days.

If you have questions about choosing a furnace or heat pump, please contact us, and our experts will help you find the perfect solution.