
Heat pumps are an efficient option to keep your home comfortable year-round, but are they the best fit for you? It’s important to understand the pros and cons of heat pumps before purchasing one.
Excelling at energy efficiency, heat pumps transfer heat between indoor and outdoor spaces rather than generating it. This process typically uses less electricity than conventional heating methods, lowering energy bills. However, when temperatures drop below 35 degrees, heat pumps require backup heating systems, which can temporarily increase energy use.
If you’re considering a heat pump, consult with an HVAC technician. A professional can assess whether a heat pump is a good fit for your home, provide installation services, and answer additional questions you might have.
What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a type of HVAC system that can heat and cool your home. Unlike traditional heating systems, it doesn’t burn fuel to create heat. Instead, it uses a substance called refrigerant to move heat from one place to another.
A heat pump has two main parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. These are connected by copper pipes filled with refrigerant. In the winter, the system pulls heat from the air outside and moves it indoors to keep your home warm. In the summer, it does the opposite, removing heat from the inside and releasing it outside to keep your home cool.
Learn more about this HVAC system in our guide: What is a Heat Pump?
Pros of Heat Pumps | Cons of Heat Pumps |
✓ Energy Efficient | ✗ Initial Cost Investment |
✓ Low-Maintenance | ✗ Noisy Outdoor Unit |
✓ Safety | ✗ Relies on Electricity |
✓ Eco-Friendly | ✗ Extra Costs in Harsh Winter |
Pros of Heat Pumps
Energy Efficient
Heat pumps work differently from traditional heating systems; they move heat instead of generating it. In simple terms, you get a lot of warmth without a hefty energy bill. What’s even better is that this efficiency leads to significant cost savings.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can cut electricity use for heating by about 75% compared to other methods like furnaces or baseboard models.
Low-Maintenance
We all appreciate appliances that don’t demand constant attention. Heat pumps are low-maintenance compared to boilers and furnaces. They have fewer moving parts and no combustion process, so they typically require less maintenance than traditional heating systems.
That said, a little care goes a long way to keep your heat pump running smoothly. Here’s what I recommend for regular maintenance:
- Clean or replace the filters regularly: Clean them every 3 months (at the end of each season) and replace them every 6 months.
- Clear the outdoor unit: Make sure nothing is blocking airflow. I suggest clearing away debris, dirt, snow, ice, or dripping water whenever you notice it.
- Schedule professional maintenance: Have an HVAC technician inspect your system once a year.
Learn more in our guide:
Safety
Unlike traditional gas furnaces, there’s no combustion process involved in a heat pump’s operation. This means there’s no risk of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. With reduced carbon emissions, heat pumps also contribute to a cleaner environment inside your home.
Eco-Friendly
When paired with solar panels, heat pumps can harness renewable energy, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a sustainable approach to heating your home. If you want to reduce environmental impact and consume less energy, I recommend this powerful duo.
Cons of Heat Pumps
Initial Cost Investment
One drawback of heat pumps is the upfront cost. Depending on factors like your home’s size, the type of heat pump you choose, your location, and the brand, the average cost ranges from $4,200 to $7,800.
- Home size: Larger homes will need bigger or more specialized units in order to properly heat or cool because a smaller unit may struggle to distribute air evenly, run constantly, and use more energy without keeping the home comfortable.
- Type of heat pump: Solar heat pumps are the most expensive option — close to $30,000 — compared to air-source or ground-source models, which come in around $1,500.
- Geographic location: If you live in colder areas, heat pumps tend to cost more because they require higher capacity and additional installation considerations. Warmer regions receive lower costs.
- Brand: High-end brands with longer warranties and added features, such as variable speed compressors, advanced defrost systems for the outdoor unit, and smart technology for seamless home automation. These enhancements will often come with a higher price.
HVAC System Type | Average Cost (Without Installation) |
Heat Pump | $4,200 – $7,800 |
Gas Furnace | $765 – $5,395 |
Gas Boiler | $1350 – $6,250 |
Central Air Conditioner | $2,500 – $5,500 |
Extra Costs in Harsh Winter
Heat pumps work best in moderate climates, but in areas with extremely cold winters, they add some extra costs. Here’s why:
- Specialized models: In freezing temperatures, standard heat pumps struggle to keep up. You’ll need a newer, cold-climate model design. These advanced units are efficient but have a higher price.
- Increased electricity use: During harsh winters, even high-performance heat pumps draw more electricity to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This can lead to higher energy bills.
- Electrical system upgrades: The extra demand during freezing weather can exceed the capacity of standard electrical panels. If this happens, I suggest upgrading your home’s electrical system to handle the increased load. However, this is costly.
Read More: Do you have excessive dust build-up and worsening allergies? Your air ducts may need to be cleaned. Find out the 7 signs in our guide.
Noisy Outdoor Unit
While the indoor unit of the heat pump is very quiet, the outdoor unit is quite the opposite. It produces a lot of noise, especially when the system runs at full capacity. This noise comes from the compressor and fan, which work to transfer heat between the indoor and outdoor environment. This might be distracting if the unit is installed near bedrooms, for example.
To minimize the impact of the noise, I recommend placing the outdoor unit away from windows and doors. A local HVAC professional can suggest quieter models or install vibration-dampening mounts.
Relies on Electricity
Most heat pumps run on electricity, which can be an issue if your area experiences frequent power outages. If this is a concern in your area, I suggest pairing your heat pump with a generator or solar panels to ensure you’re covered when the power goes out.
FAQ About Heat Pumps
Heat pumps essentially operate similarly to conventional air conditioners. The primary distinction lies in their versatility, as a heat pump can reverse its operation, allowing it to function as a heating system when required. In essence, it is an air conditioner with the added capability to adapt and provide warmth when the situation demands.
• Air-Source Heat Pumps: They operate efficiently, providing both heating and cooling functions. ASHPs are more commonly used due to their relatively lower installation costs and ease of maintenance.
• Ground Source Heat Pumps: They utilize the stable temperature of the ground to exchange heat. While GSHPs have higher upfront costs, they offer higher energy efficiency.
• Hybrid Heat Pumps: They can switch between gas or electric heating sources. In colder weather, it utilizes gas, while in milder conditions, it transitions to the energy-efficient operation of an electric heat pump.
• Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps: They consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air-handling units. They don’t require ductwork.
• Solar Heat Pumps: They use solar panels to generate electricity that powers the heat pump, reducing reliance on the electrical grid and lowering energy costs.
• Gas furnace: Uses natural gas or propane to generate heat. Efficient in cold climates but lacks cooling capability.
• Boiler: Heats water and distributes warmth via a radiator or in-floor heating, providing good heating but no cooling.
• Central AC and Furnace: Uses a central AC for cooling and a separate furnace for heating.
Find an HVAC Technician Near You
Living in a mild climate, my heat pump is a great choice because it’s easy to maintain, affordable to run, and reliable for heating and cooling. However, if you live in a region with harsh winters, a heat pump won’t be the best choice for you.
If you’re ready to switch to a heat pump, Home Gnome can connect you with a trusted HVAC professional for worry-free installation.
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Photo Credit: FanFan61618 / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0