Heat pumps have been gaining popularity over the last couple of decades as a cleaner electricity-driven alternative to natural gas- or propane furnaces, one that doubles as an air conditioning unit for space-saving versatility.
According to the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, 23 million homes in the U.S. now have a heat pump, and they have been outselling gas-fueled units since 2020.
These next-wave HVAC appliances work the same way as traditional air conditioners in summer by pushing ambient heat inside a home outside to produce cooling; in winter the process is simply reversed as it finds enough warm outdoor air to pull inside for heating. Its carbon footprint is smaller, shrinking even more when it’s powered by electricity from renewable sources such as solar or wind.
While heat pumps have many advantages and are touted from some corners as “the future” of heating and cooling, they do have drawbacks as well as advantages that should be looked at before making any purchasing decisions.
Pros
Higher efficiency
Heat pumps don’t generate warmth, instead shifting hot air where it is or isn’t needed. Operating costs are lower as a result so you can recoup savings more quickly after the initial investment. Your electrical use likely will increase if you’re replacing a conventional furnace, but the fuel savings will compensate. Rewiring America, a nonprofit advocating for home electrification, estimates homeowners replacing an inefficient fossil-fuel driven system will save close to $1,000 a year.
Lower emissions and safety risk
Since there’s no combustion involved there’s no gas line or pilot light to worry about, no direct internal or external emissions to lower air quality or enter the atmosphere.
More even heating and cooling
Heat pumps deliver a steady stream of warmer air rather than blasting hot air intermittently, creating a more comfortable environment overall.
Cons
High installation expense
This varies based on the size of the home and the amount of heating capacity needed, but according to Rewiring America the median price for a whole-home heat pump system for a 1,500-2,500 square foot home is nearly $20,000, rising to $25,000 for larger houses. The state’s Efficiency Arizona rebate program offers up to $8,000 for qualifying residents replacing a gas heater with a heat pump, and local utility providers may have other incentives.
Less effective in the coldest temperatures
Early heat pumps weren’t very effective for heating in sub-freezing temperatures, but technological advancements have changed that and most do well except in very cold climates with extended sub-zero cold snaps. An electrical strip can be added to provide extra heat when the outside temperature dips below a certain level, but these can spike your electric bill.
Savings depend on volatile fuel costs
The amount of money you save with a heat pump will largely depend on how expensive electricity is compared to natural gas, so you’ll need to consider whether the tradeoff will be advantageous compared to your current utility expenses.
