Heat Pump vs Gas Furnace
A heat pump heats and cools and is far more efficient; a gas furnace costs less upfront and excels in deep cold. Which is cheaper for you comes down to local energy prices — calculate it below.
Side-by-side comparison
When each wins
Choose a heat pump if you also want cooling, have moderate electricity prices, or want to use rebates and cut emissions. Choose (or keep) a gas furnace if gas is very cheap where you live and you face extreme cold — or pair both as a hybrid system.
FAQ
Is a heat pump cheaper than a gas furnace?
It depends on your local electricity-to-gas price ratio and climate. Where electricity is relatively cheap and gas expensive, a heat pump usually wins. Where gas is very cheap, a furnace can cost less to run — but the heat pump still replaces your AC. Run the numbers above.
Can I keep my gas furnace as backup?
Yes — a "dual-fuel" or hybrid system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace, using the heat pump in mild weather and the furnace on the coldest days. It's a popular setup in cold climates.
Is a heat pump better than a furnace?
It depends on your priorities: a heat pump adds cooling, runs far more efficiently, and emits nothing on-site, while a gas furnace delivers strong, cheap heat in deep cold where gas is inexpensive. Many cold-climate homes choose a dual-fuel system to get both.
⚠️ Estimates only — running costs depend on your local rates. Not a substitute for a professional assessment.