Need a New Heating System? Consider a Heat Pump

If it’s time to replace your old furnace, don’t move forward thinking a new furnace is the only option. This may be the go-to choice for most North American homeowners, but heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular. Still, the question remains: Is a heat pump your ideal heating system? Explore several convincing reasons to try a heat pump, how it is distinct from a traditional furnace and whether a heat pump is the best choice for your home comfort needs.

How Are Heat Pumps Different Than Furnaces?

The underlying technology between a heat pump and a traditional furnace is essentially different. Furnaces burn combustible materials like natural gas, oil or propane to generate heat. On the other hand, heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant to move heat. This key difference influences the equipment’s efficiency, environmental impact and versatility.

Modern condensing furnaces feature high AFUE ratings, which is understandably appealing. But an AFUE rating only relates to the furnace’s ability to convert fuel to heat—it doesn’t account for the full energy footprint involved in the extraction, refining and transportation of said fuel.

In comparison, a heat pump’s efficiency is measured by its heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). While it’s difficult to compare these numbers at first glance, be aware that heat pumps frequently offer stronger performance than furnaces.

Top Reasons to Install a Heat Pump

Here’s why more and more homeowners are exploring a heat pump for their year-round heating and cooling needs.

1. Lower Energy Bills

The operating cost is the first thing that comes to mind when contemplating a new home appliance. Furnaces can be quite efficient, but they max out at about 98% efficiency. On the other hand, heat pumps are capable of providing three times the heat energy than the electrical energy consumed during the process. In other words, heat pumps can be three times as efficient under the best operating conditions. This cost-efficient performance leads to more manageable utility bills.

2. Eco-Friendly Heating

Your household’s environmental footprint could be more reduced with a heat pump. While electric furnaces are available, traditional gas-fired furnaces run on natural gas or oil, the production and distribution of which harms the planet. A heat pump operates without burning fuel, reducing your home’s environmental impact, particularly if you also have solar panels to generate environmentally friendly electricity from the sun.

3. Heating and Cooling Versatility

One of the most innovative features of a heat pump is its dual heating and cooling functionality. It’s an effective heating system in the winter and doubles as your air conditioner during the summer. Thanks to a simple built-in switch, the heat pump changes its operation and pulls out warm air from your home, much like a standard AC unit. This dual-purpose solution is highly desireable to many homeowners.

4. Quiet Operation

Heat pumps run with less noise than traditional furnaces as they don’t have to burn fuel to generate heat. No combustion means less noise, resulting in a calmer living space.

5. Easy Transition

If your home already has ductwork, transitioning to a heat pump is quick and straightforward. The air handler will end up where your furnace is currently located, and the outdoor unit replaces your air conditioner. It’s .

Are Heat Pumps Right for Everyone?

While heat pumps are innovative and energy efficient, they may not suit every situation. Heating efficiency drops in extreme cold, making heat pumps less suitable in regions with colder winters. At the same time, advancements in cold-climate technology are making heat pumps more consistently effective in colder climates, so be on the lookout for models designed to continue working in these kinds of climates.

It’s also worth pointing out that the up-front cost of investing in a high-quality heat pump is often higher than a forced-air furnace. However, it also means you won’t have to buy an air conditioner. If both systems are starting to show their age, you may actually save money up front by swapping them with a heat pump. Plus, you’ll recoup any investment cost through lower energy bills over time.

If your home lacks the required ductwork, adding it increases your up-front costs. But furnaces need ductwork too, so this doesn’t necessarily lean toward selecting a furnace over a heat pump. In fact, ductless heat pumps are available for older homes and additions where ductwork isn’t present.

Lastly, a heat pump’s efficiency benefits decrease if you live in an area with higher than average electricity costs. You can offset this by adding solar panels, which generate electricity from the sun to power your heat pump and many other electrical systems.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Still not sure if a heat pump is the right choice for you? Consult Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and our Experts can help you decide if a heat pump suits your heating and cooling needs. Then, whether you opt for a heat pump or a traditional furnace, we can set up your new system above and beyond your expectations. Contact us today to request a free installation estimate.

Save Money on Your Home Comfort System

View our Rebate Center to see which home comfort system rebates are currently active in your area.

© 2025 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.