This is one of the most common questions we get: "Should I get a heat pump or stick with a furnace?" The answer depends on your home, your priorities, and your budget.

Let's break it down honestly.

The Quick Version

Heat Pump

  • ✓ Heats AND cools (one system)
  • ✓ Very efficient in mild climates
  • ✓ Lower operating costs
  • ✓ Eligible for big rebates
  • ✓ Better for environment
  • ✗ Higher upfront cost
  • ✗ Less effective below 30°F

Gas Furnace

  • ✓ Lower upfront cost
  • ✓ Works great in extreme cold
  • ✓ Faster, hotter heat
  • ✓ Proven, familiar technology
  • ✗ Heating only (need separate AC)
  • ✗ Higher operating costs
  • ✗ Uses fossil fuel

How Heat Pumps Work

Heat pumps don't generate heat—they move it. In winter, they extract heat from outdoor air and transfer it inside. In summer, they reverse the process, working like an air conditioner.

This makes them incredibly efficient. For every unit of electricity they use, they can deliver 2-4 units of heat. That's 200-400% efficiency, compared to a gas furnace's 95% maximum.

The catch? As outdoor temperatures drop, there's less heat available to extract. Most heat pumps lose efficiency below 30-40°F and may need backup heat in extreme cold.

Why Heat Pumps Make Sense in the Pacific Northwest

Our climate is nearly ideal for heat pumps. Consider:

  • Mild winters: We rarely see temperatures below freezing for extended periods. Heat pumps operate in their efficiency sweet spot most of the heating season.
  • Summers are warming: Heat domes are becoming common. A heat pump gives you cooling without buying a separate AC system.
  • Electricity is relatively cheap: Washington has some of the lowest electricity rates in the country, thanks to hydropower.
  • Generous rebates: Between utility rebates and federal tax credits, you can often offset 20-30% of installation costs.

When a Furnace Still Makes Sense

Heat pumps aren't right for everyone. A furnace might be better if:

  • You already have a working furnace that's relatively new. If your furnace is under 10 years old and working well, replacing it just for efficiency gains may not pencil out.
  • You're on natural gas with low rates. In some areas, gas is cheap enough that the efficiency advantage of heat pumps doesn't translate to savings.
  • Your home has inadequate insulation. Heat pumps produce gentler heat than furnaces. In a drafty, poorly insulated home, you might not feel as comfortable.
  • You live in a cold microclimate. If you're at elevation or in a particularly cold area where temperatures regularly drop below 25°F, a furnace (or dual-fuel system) may be more reliable.

Cost Comparison

Let's talk money:

Upfront Costs

  • Gas furnace: $3,000-$6,000 installed (heating only)
  • Furnace + AC: $6,000-$12,000 installed
  • Heat pump: $4,000-$8,000 installed (heating AND cooling)

When you factor in that a heat pump replaces both your furnace AND AC, the upfront cost is often comparable or even lower.

Operating Costs

This varies based on local energy prices, but in most of Western Washington, heat pumps cost 20-40% less to operate than gas furnaces. The savings add up over the system's 15-20 year lifespan.

Rebates and Incentives

This is where heat pumps really shine:

  • Federal tax credit: Up to 30% of installation cost (through 2032)
  • Utility rebates: Varies by provider, but often $500-$2,000
  • Inflation Reduction Act: Additional rebates for income-qualified households

We can help you navigate the rebate process and maximize your savings.

The Dual-Fuel Option

Can't decide? A dual-fuel system gives you both: a heat pump paired with a gas furnace backup. The heat pump handles mild weather (most efficient), while the furnace kicks in during extreme cold.

This is a great option if you:

  • Want heat pump efficiency but worry about extreme cold snaps
  • Already have a gas furnace you want to keep as backup
  • Live in a colder microclimate

Our Honest Take

For most Pacific Northwest homes, a heat pump makes sense—especially with current rebates. You get efficient heating, built-in cooling for summer heat domes, and lower operating costs. But the best choice depends on your specific situation. We're happy to evaluate your home and give you an honest recommendation.

Questions to Ask Yourself

  1. Do I need cooling? If yes, heat pump is often the most cost-effective path to heating AND cooling.
  2. How old is my current system? If it's failing anyway, this is the perfect time to consider your options.
  3. What are my energy priorities? Want to reduce fossil fuel use? Heat pump. Want lowest upfront cost? Maybe furnace.
  4. How long will I stay in this home? Heat pumps take a few years to pay back their higher cost through energy savings.

Ready to Decide?

We don't push one technology over another—we recommend what makes sense for your specific situation. Give us a call for a free consultation. We'll evaluate your home, discuss your priorities, and give you honest options.