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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchNeither a heat pump nor a gas furnace is automatically cheaper for every home. A heat pump transfers heat using electricity; a gas furnace generates heat by burning fuel. Which costs less depends on local gas and electricity rates, the home’s heating demand, equipment performance and installation costs. A heat pump has no on-site fuel combustion, but its full emissions depend partly on how the electricity it uses is generated.
For a useful comparison, use local installation bids and energy rates, and account for climate, cooling needs, the home’s condition and any backup heating. The guidance below is U.S.-specific.
How heat pumps and gas furnaces heat a home
A gas furnace burns fuel to produce heat. A heat pump instead moves heat between the outdoors and indoors using electricity. As the U.S. Department of Energy explains, “Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space.” DOE’s heat-pump overview describes this basic operation.
Because a heat pump moves heat rather than generating it through combustion, the amount of heat it delivers can exceed the electrical energy it consumes under suitable operating conditions. DOE says current heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by up to 75% compared with electric resistance heating. That figure is not a heat-pump-versus-gas-furnace savings estimate and should not be used to predict a household’s bill.
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- Accessories such as Linesets, thermostats, LP conversion kits, Sold Separately
- ACCESSORIES - Sold separately unless specified in this listing
- Uses the HKSC/HKSX series of heat kits; NOT the HKR series
- Uses the HKSC/HKSX series of heat kits; NOT the HKR series
Which option costs less to install and operate?
There is no universal cost winner. The installed price, energy rates, heating load, system efficiency, maintenance and equipment being replaced all affect the result. A heat pump may also provide cooling, so comparing it with a furnace alone can omit the cost of a separate air conditioner that the heat pump might replace.
Compare the full project cost
Ask contractors for itemized bids that cover equipment, labor, necessary electrical work, ductwork changes, controls and any backup heat. Compare the heat pump with the complete alternative system you would otherwise install, including cooling equipment where relevant. Subtract only incentives you have verified for your location and project; availability and eligibility can vary.
Rank #2
- Home Comfort Solution: Elevate your living with Goodman's standout HVAC products. Merge the efficiency of the Goodman 2 Ton 15.2 SEER2 Heat Pump GLZS4BA2410and the Goodman Multi-Position Air handler AMST24BU1300. This duo forms the basis of a system, promising efficient heating and cooling and precision in temperature control, all crafted to deliver sustained performance over years. Note that you will want a heat kit if you live in a cold climate.
- Efficient and Reliable Cooling: Dive into a cooling experience with Goodman's 2 Ton 15.2 SEER2 Single Stage Heat Pump GLZS4BA2410. Designed for user-friendliness, it includes service valves, gauge ports, and inspection points. Pre-charged for 15’ of tubing, it's ready to ensure your home's comfort.,Couple its enduring build with a reassuring 10-year parts warranty, and you're set for efficient and reliable cooling throughout the year.
- Upgrade Your HVAC System: Goodman's Multi-Position Air handler AMST24BU1300 represents HVAC evolution. Constructed with corrosion-resistant aluminum, it boasts grooved tubing for better heat transfer. Rigorous helium pressure tests during its making vouch for its quality. This unit is tailored for versatile, long-standing cooling and heating needs.
- Versatile with Wide Compatibility: The AC unit stands out with its factory-installed filter drier, ensuring cleaner operation. Fully charged and ready for action, its design features secure performance optimization. The Horizontal coil design streamlines airflow, fortifying its reliability and efficiency credentials.
- This system uses R-32 refrigerant.
Estimate operating and lifetime costs
Use local electricity and gas tariffs, the home’s heating demand and the proposed equipment’s performance to estimate annual energy use and cost. Include maintenance and, where relevant, the value of replacing a separate cooling system. Then compare the estimated lifetime energy savings with any upfront price premium. DOE’s federal purchasing guidance, updated in December 2024, uses this lifecycle-savings principle and notes that climate affects air-source heat-pump use; it is procurement guidance, not a homeowner price quote. Read DOE’s purchasing guidance.
Efficiency ratings alone cannot settle the bill comparison: heat-pump seasonal performance and a furnace’s AFUE rating use different methods. Neither rating incorporates your local tariffs, the home’s heating load or installation quality.
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Rank #3
- Home Comfort Solution: Elevate your living with Goodman's standout HVAC products. Merge the efficiency of the Goodman 4 Ton 15.2 SEER2 Heat Pump GLZS4BA4810 and the Goodman Multi-Position Air handler AMST48CU1300. This duo forms the basis of a system, promising efficient heating and cooling and precision in temperature control, all crafted to deliver sustained performance over years. Note that you will want a heat kit if you live in a cold climate.
- Efficient and Reliable Cooling: Dive into a cooling experience with Goodman's 4 Ton 15.2 SEER2 Single Stage Heat Pump GLZS4BA4810. Designed for user-friendliness, it includes service valves, gauge ports, and inspection points. Pre-charged for 15’ of tubing, it's ready to ensure your home's comfort.,Couple its enduring build with a reassuring 10-year parts warranty, and you're set for efficient and reliable cooling throughout the year.
- Upgrade Your HVAC System: Goodman's Multi-Position Air handler AMST48CU1300 represents HVAC evolution. Constructed with corrosion-resistant aluminum, it boasts grooved tubing for better heat transfer. Rigorous helium pressure tests during its making vouch for its quality. This unit is tailored for versatile, long-standing cooling and heating needs.
- Efficient Cooling: The AMST48CU1300 R-32 only air handler features internal factory-installed thermal expansion valves that optimize cooling, ensuring efficient operation. The unit is equipped with appropriately sized evaporator coil tubes, ensuring effective transfer and improved cooling performance. Featuring a direct-drive, 9-speed ECM blower motor, ensuring efficient airflow and enhanced comfort. The coil mounting track enables easy repositioning and flexible installation options.Flexible Installation: The Goodman AMST48CU1300 air handler can be installed in an upflow, horizontal right or horizontal left configuration.
- AHRI certified. See certificate number 215213861. This system uses R-32 refrigerant.
What changes in a cold climate?
Outdoor temperature affects a heat pump’s capacity and efficiency, so equipment selection and system design matter in colder regions. ENERGY STAR’s cold-climate criteria require a coefficient of performance (COP) of at least 1.75 at 5°F and at least 70% of heating capacity at 5°F compared with its capacity at 47°F. These are program criteria—not a promise of comfort in every house or a complete forecast of seasonal cost. See ENERGY STAR’s cold-climate criteria.
Get the sizing and backup plan right
Ask the contractor to calculate the home’s heating and cooling loads using Manual J, rather than choosing equipment by rule of thumb. Discuss how the system will meet demand during cold weather and whether backup heat is appropriate. Insulation, air leakage, ducts and electrical service can all affect what installation is practical and how the system performs. ENERGY STAR provides guidance on sizing and backup integration in its heat-pump consumer information.
Rank #4
- · Not Compatible: Two transformer systems, Conventional multi-stage systems, Dual fuel/hybrid heating, Electric baseboard heat (110-240 volts), Line voltage, Convectors, Radiant-ceiling heat, Mini split systems and 12V RV systems.
- · Easy to Install and Use: Large terminal blocks with universal sub-base, can be installed within 30 minutes, clear, easy-to-read backlight LCD display and easy controls make for a user-friendly experience.
- · Dual Power Supply: Can be powered by 24VAC power or 2 AAA batteries, No common wire (C-wire) required on most systems (only required on heat only and cool only systems).
- · Simple but Powerful Control: Easy-access front-load battery compartment, adjustable temperature differential (swing) for energy optimization and maximum system life, Support temperature
- · High Compatibility: Heat pump multi-stage systems or conventional single-stage systems, Forced air (gas, oil or electric), Electric furnace, Hot water steam or gravity radiant heat, Heat only systems, Heat pump w/o or with auxiliary or emergency heat, Millivolt conventional systems, Gas fireplaces (24V), Floor or wall furnaces, Cool only systems.(TIP: Before purchasing, check to see if this thermostat is compatible with your system.) auxiliary or emergency heat, Millivolt, Gas fireplaces (24V), Floor or wall furnaces, Cool only systems.(TIP: Before purchasing, check to see if this thermostat is compatible with your system.)
Consider a dual-fuel system
A dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas or oil furnace. The heat pump can handle conditions when it is a favorable choice, with the furnace available when operating costs or cold-weather needs favor it. The changeover point should be based on local rates and the specific equipment, not a universal temperature rule. ENERGY STAR describes this option in its heat-pump guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What do emissions comparisons include?
A gas furnace combusts fuel at the home. A heat pump has no direct on-site combustion emissions. ENERGY STAR notes that this means no direct emissions at home such as nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide from combustion. ENERGY STAR explains the indoor-air distinction.
Best Value
- · Not Compatible: Two transformer systems, Conventional multi-stage systems, Dual fuel/hybrid heating, Electric baseboard heat (110-240 volts), Line voltage, Convectors, Radiant-ceiling heat, Mini split systems and 12V RV systems.
- · Easy to Install and Use: Large terminal blocks with universal sub-base, can be installed within 30 minutes, clear, easy-to-read backlight LCD display and easy controls make for a user-friendly experience.
- · Factory Pre-set Energy-efficiency Program: 7-day, 5/1/1 easy-to-understand programming menus, flexible programming lets you sync your comfort with your schedule.
- · Simple but Powerful Control: Easy-access front-load battery compartment, adjustable temperature differential (swing) for energy optimization and maximum system life, Support temperature
- ·High Compatibility: Heat pump multi-stage systems or conventional single-stage systems, Forced air (gas, oil or electric), Electric furnace, Hot water steam or gravity radiant heat, Heat only systems, Heat pump w/o or with auxiliary or emergency heat, Millivolt conventional systems, Gas fireplaces (24V), Floor or wall furnaces, Cool only systems.(TIP: Before purchasing, check to see if this thermostat is compatible with your system.)
That does not make a grid-powered heat pump emissions-free: electricity generation also has emissions. A DOE analysis of the U.S. residential building stock, published in August 2023, reports greenhouse-gas reductions from heat-pump electrification across U.S. states, while finding that household energy-bill effects and consumer net present value vary. The result supports a broad emissions benefit in that analysis, not an identical reduction or bill outcome for every home. Read DOE’s building-stock analysis overview.
A practical way to decide
- Describe the whole project. Tell contractors whether you also need cooling, and identify existing ductwork, electrical service and any equipment that must be replaced.
- Get a load calculation. Request a Manual J calculation and a system design suited to your home and local climate.
- Request comparable, itemized bids. Compare a heat-pump installation with the full furnace-based alternative, including cooling where applicable, electrical or ductwork changes and backup heat.
- Run the local cost comparison. Use your gas and electricity rates, expected heating demand and proposed equipment performance to estimate operating costs. Include maintenance and any verified local incentives.
- Review emissions on a consistent basis. Distinguish on-site combustion from emissions associated with electricity generation; use location-specific data if you need a more precise estimate.
Choose based on the complete installed system and its expected performance in your house—not an unqualified national savings claim or a rating viewed in isolation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
