Choosing a heating system can feel overwhelming: quick heat when the temperature plunges, or better efficiency year-round? If you worry about being left in the cold during a polar blast or simply want to shrink your electric bills, this article is for you.
We’ll explain how each system works, what to expect on the coldest nights, and which option usually makes sense for New England homes. Read on for a clear comparison of electric furnaces vs heat pumps in New England and the key factors that should guide your decision.
Heat Pump vs Furnace: An Overview of Both Systems
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump system moves heat instead of creating it: in winter, it pulls warmth from the outside air (even cold air has heat) and brings it inside, and in summer, it reverses to cool your home. That movement-of-heat approach makes it very efficient across seasons, so many homeowners see lower monthly bills and smoother indoor temperatures year-round.
Modern cold-climate models continue to work effectively at lower temperatures than older units. Overall, they’re a versatile option if you want heating and cooling in one system with better efficiency over time.
What is a Furnace?
A furnace generates heat directly by burning oil or gas, or with electric resistance, then quickly pushes warm air through ducts to heat rooms. Because it creates heat rather than moving it, a furnace delivers high output during the coldest nights and feels immediately reliable when temperatures plunge.
The downside is higher ongoing fuel costs (and emissions if you burn oil or gas), plus the logistics of fuel deliveries or regular venting inspections. A furnace is a straightforward choice for homeowners prioritizing raw heating power on the coldest days.
Key Differences
Energy Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
Heat Pumps:
✔️ Move heat, don’t make it: They transfer heat using electricity, which usually gives you more heating output per kWh than electric-resistance systems.
✔️ Efficiency metrics: Look for HSPF (seasonal heating) and COP (instantaneous efficiency); both show heat pumps deliver multiple units of heat for each unit of electricity.
✔️ Lower energy use for the same comfort: Because they move heat, heat pumps typically consume less energy overall to heat your home, which usually translates into lower electric bills compared with burning fuel on-site.
✔️ Better for the environment: Heat pumps produce no on-site combustion, so they cut CO₂ and local pollutants; their environmental advantage grows as the electricity grid gets cleaner.
⚠️ Higher upfront cost can occur, but rebates and lower monthly bills often make up the difference over several years.
Furnaces:
✔️ Create heat directly by burning fuel (oil/gas) or using electric resistance, so output is immediate and intense in extreme cold.
✔️ Efficiency metric: AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). A higher AFUE means more of the fuel’s energy becomes usable heat.
⚠️ Often lower initial equipment cost than some heat-pump installations.
❌ Higher ongoing fuel consumption and costs: Furnaces generally use more energy (fuel) to deliver the same indoor comfort level.
❌ Greater on-site environmental impact: These systems emit CO₂ and other pollutants, making them worse for local air quality and greenhouse-gas totals than electric heat-pump systems (especially as the grid gets cleaner).
Climate Suitability: Which System Performs Better in New England?
Heat Pumps in New England Winters
Pros:
✔️ Cold-climate models can perform in very low temperatures. Many maintain a strong capacity around 5°F and continue operating to about −13°F or −15°F.
✔️ They are highly efficient on most winter days and during the shoulder seasons, which typically lowers energy use and monthly bills.
✔️ Heat pumps provide year-round comfort, offering heating and cooling with steady, even temperatures and zoning flexibility.
Cons:
❌ The initial installation cost can be higher than traditional HVAC systems.
❌ Heat pumps depend on electricity, so during power outages, a backup source or generator may be necessary.
❌ Air-source heat pumps require outdoor space for the exterior unit.
Furnaces in New England Winters
Pros:
✔️ Extremely reliable in very cold conditions, providing steady, powerful heat.
✔️ No need for supplemental systems, as furnaces generate their own heat.
Cons:
❌ Consumes more fuel, leading to higher operating costs in the long run.
❌ Less environmentally friendly due to higher natural gas, oil, or propane emissions.
❌ Overkill for milder days, making them less efficient outside peak cold.
Operational Costs: Heat Pump vs Gas Furnace
| Feature | Heat Pump | Gas Furnace |
| Energy Efficiency | ✅ Uses 60–70% less energy than traditional systems | ❌ Only ~80–90% of fuel converted into heat |
| Initial Installation Cost | 💰 Higher upfront cost, but long-term savings on bills | 💵 Lower upfront cost, but higher fuel expenses long-term |
| Operating Costs | 💸 Save up to 50% on heating bills compared to electric resistance | 📈 20–30% higher monthly heating costs |
| Maintenance | 🛠️ Minimal upkeep needed | 🔧 Regular maintenance required |
Environmental Impact
Heat Pump Environmental Benefits
Pros:
✔️ Heat pumps have a much lower carbon footprint because they do not burn fossil fuels.
✔️ They use renewable energy from the air, ground, or water to heat and cool your home.
Furnace Environmental Considerations
Cons:
❌ Furnaces burn natural gas or oil, releasing CO₂ and other pollutants.
❌ They produce higher emissions that contribute to climate change.
Which System is Right for Your Home?
Heat Pump: Best for Moderate Winters
In a gas furnace vs. heat pump scenario in New England, heat pumps are a top choice for homes with moderate winter temperatures. They are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and provide year-round comfort for both heating and cooling.
Furnace: Best for Extreme Cold
When winters are extremely cold, furnaces can provide the high-output heat that some homes require. Although reliable, a traditional furnace may not offer the same energy savings or environmental benefits as a heat pump.
FAQs About Heat Pumps and Furnaces in New England
Can a heat pump effectively heat my home during a New England winter?
Yes! A heat pump can keep your home comfortable during most New England winters. Their efficiency is highest on typical winter days, though in extreme cold you may need a supplemental heating source.
Which is cheaper to install, a heat pump or a furnace?
Generally, a furnace costs less to install upfront. However, a heat pump provides long-term savings by using electricity more efficiently and reducing monthly energy bills, especially in moderate winters.
Will a heat pump save me money on my energy bills?
Absolutely! Heat pumps are highly efficient and can lower heating costs significantly compared to traditional furnaces. When comparing heat pumps to gas furnaces in New England, many homeowners see noticeable savings over the course of the winter season.
Is a gas furnace better than an electric furnace in New England?
Gas furnaces tend to be more efficient than electric furnaces in very cold conditions, but electric furnaces are easier to install and require less maintenance. Choosing between them depends on your climate, home setup, and energy preferences.
How long do heat pumps and furnaces last?
Both systems can last many years with proper maintenance. Longevity depends on usage, system quality, and regular upkeep, so it’s important to schedule seasonal inspections and follow manufacturer recommendations.
Upgrade Your Home with Year-Round Comfort!
Enjoy efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer. Let Bergeron Mechanical Systems help you choose and install the perfect heat pump for your New England home.
