Heat Pump vs Traditional HVAC

Practical differences you will actually notice

• Supply air temperature: gas heat feels hotter at the vent, heat pump heat feels milder but runs longer
• Equipment count: a heat pump is one outdoor unit doing both jobs, which simplifies service
• Winter cost: highly dependent on local electric and gas rates and on backup heat configuration
• Maintenance: a heat pump needs twice yearly service, a furnace and AC pair also needs two visits
• Safety: gas equipment adds combustion safety considerations that a heat pump does not have

Where each one wins

A heat pump usually wins when there is no gas service, when both heating and cooling equipment are being replaced at once, or when the mechanical space is tight.

Gas heat usually wins when a serviceable gas furnace is already in place, when the homeowner strongly prefers hot supply air, or when the electrical service would need upgrading to support electric backup heat.