While furnaces and heat pumps both warm up indoor air, they differ in heating capabilities, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, use of space, and cost. That’s what makes the age-old heat pump vs. furnace debate so engaging.

When comparing gas vs. electric heat, the difference in energy efficiency between gas furnaces and heat pump systems is complicated. From a strictly scientific basis, highly-efficient heat pumps are technically more energy efficient in that they can transfer more energy than they use. 

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Here’s where it gets complicated. High efficiency heat pumps in warmer climates typically use less source energy on average compared to gas furnaces. In colder climates, 95% efficient gas furnaces fare better than ENERGY STAR® heat pumps. And, due to the relatively lower cost of natural gas versus electricity, lifetime operating costs should be considered as well.

There are several safety considerations when comparing gas vs. electric heat. Gas furnaces pose a higher risk of gas explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning compared to electric heat pumps. However, gas furnaces typically have safety features such as automatic shut-off valves and pressure regulators to prevent explosions, while electric heat pumps have safety features such as automatic shut-off switches and refrigerant leak detectors. It is important to have a qualified technician regularly maintain and inspect both types of systems to ensure their safety and efficiency.

f you live in an area where oil furnaces are common, the oil furnace vs. heat pump debate is similar to the gas furnace/heat pump comparison.

With oil furnaces, you’ll need to take into consideration the cost of installation – a heat pump requires both an outdoor unit and an air handler. You’ll also want to consider the cost of heating oil versus the cost of electricity. In milder climates, high efficiency heat pumps can be a very good and effective option. In colder climates, and oil furnace may be able to provide reliable comfort even when temperatures drop well below freezing.

With an oil furnace, you’ll need to be sure you don’t run out of oil, while a heat pump will continue to operate as long as you are not experiencing a power outage.

When all considerations still leave you sitting on the fence, your decision may just come down to what type of heating you are most comfortable with.

When making the electric furnace heating vs. heat pump comparison, the biggest similarity between the two types of electric heaters is they both use electricity to heat your home. And, both are more prevalent in southern states where winters are milder and heating needs take a back seat to cooling.

Electric furnaces use electric coils to generate heat, while heat pumps use electricity to move heating energy from outside to inside. Heat pump systems, especially in colder climates, often will often have a backup heat source for more extreme weather – ironically, electric resistance heating coils in the air handler unit (fan coil) are common.

Electric furnaces are considered to be 100% energy efficient, but bear in mind they can actually cost almost 2.5 times more than a typical electric heat pump to output the same amount of heat.1

And, a heat pump system provides cooling as well as heating. An electric furnace will need help during the summer months with central air conditioning or other sources of cooling comfort.

Keep in mind, most of our discussion points about heat pumps are targeted towards air-source, split-system, forced-air heat pumps, the most common type of heat pump used in the U.S. If you are interested in geothermal or ground-source heat pumps, you’ll find many of the same benefits. They can achieve much higher energy efficiencies than air-source models, but also typically come with a higher initial cost for a first-time installation. Ductless split-system heat pumps are yet another option, but are more commonly used in commercial buildings in the U.S., or for home additions or adding comfort to older homes with no ductwork.

The main difference between a mini split system and central air conditioner is the way they deliver cool air into your home. 

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An air conditioner uses a network of ducts to distribute cool air throughout your home. The ducts are typically installed in the walls, ceilings, or floors, and the cool air is delivered through registers or vents. Central air conditioners are typically installed as a part of a forced-air heating system, which means that the same ductwork is used to distribute warm air during the heating season. In contrast, a mini-split system does not use ducts to deliver cool air. Instead, it consists of one or more indoor units that are mounted on the wall or ceiling of each room or zone in your home. These indoor units are connected to an outdoor unit via a conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, and condensate drain. Each indoor unit has its own thermostat, which allows for individual temperature control in each room. 

Another difference between a mini split and an air conditioner is that a mini split is typically more energy-efficient. Since ductwork can be a source of energy loss, a mini split can avoid this issue and deliver cool air directly to the room where it is needed. Additionally, mini splits typically have inverter-driven compressors, which can adjust the cooling output to match the needs of each room, resulting in less energy waste. 

Overall, the decision between a central air conditioner and a mini split depends on various factors, including the size of your home, your cooling needs, and your budget. If you have a larger home or need to cool multiple rooms or zones, a central air conditioner may be a more practical choice. However, if your home currently doesn’t have ductwork, a mini split system could be a good option since the cost to install ductwork in a pre-existing home can be very expensive. Also, if you want personalized temperature control and energy efficiency, a ductless system may be the better option.