Last Updated: October 2023 | Verified for Accuracy
Deciding between a modern electric heat pump and a traditional gas furnace? This Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace Calculator helps you compare annual operating costs based on local utility rates and equipment efficiency, allowing you to make an informed investment for your home’s HVAC system.
Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace Calculator
Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace Formula
Gas Annual Cost:
(Load / (AFUE / 100)) / 100,000 × Gas Price
Heat Pump Annual Cost:
(Load / 3,412) / COP × Electricity Price
Formula Sources: U.S. Department of Energy (Furnaces), U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Variables Explained
- Annual Heating Load: The total thermal energy (BTUs) required to heat your home for one season.
- AFUE: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency; measures how efficiently a furnace converts gas to heat.
- COP: Coefficient of Performance; the ratio of heat produced per unit of electricity consumed.
- Therm: A unit of heat energy equal to 100,000 BTUs.
What is a Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace Comparison?
A heat pump vs. gas furnace comparison evaluates the operational efficiency and long-term cost-effectiveness of two primary heating technologies. While a gas furnace burns fuel to generate heat, a heat pump uses electricity to move heat from the outside air into your home.
This comparison is critical for homeowners in varying climates. In regions with mild winters, heat pumps are often vastly more efficient. In extreme cold, traditional gas furnaces may provide more consistent high-temperature output, though modern cold-climate heat pumps are narrowing this gap.
How to Calculate Savings (Example)
- Identify your total yearly heat load (e.g., 60,000,000 BTUs).
- Calculate Gas Cost: If gas is $1.10/therm and AFUE is 90%, Cost = (60M / 0.90 / 100k) * 1.10 = $733.
- Calculate HP Cost: If electricity is $0.14/kWh and COP is 3.0, Cost = (60M / 3412 / 3.0) * 0.14 = $820.
- Subtract the smaller cost from the larger to find annual savings.
Related Calculators
- Electric Baseboard vs Heat Pump Calculator
- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) Tool
- HVAC Sizing and BTUH Calculator
- Solar Payback Period Estimator
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a heat pump cheaper than a gas furnace to run? It depends on the local ratio of electricity prices to gas prices and the efficiency of the units.
Can a heat pump work in freezing temperatures? Modern cold-climate heat pumps can operate efficiently down to -15°F, though their COP decreases as the temperature drops.
What is a good COP for a heat pump? Most residential heat pumps have a COP between 2.5 and 4.0. Higher is better.
Does a gas furnace last longer? Generally, furnaces last 15-20 years, while heat pumps typically last 10-15 years because they run year-round for both cooling and heating.