Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which Heating System Is Right for You?

When it comes to keeping your Tacoma home warm and comfortable, choosing the right heating system can make all the difference in efficiency, performance, and overall comfort. Two of the most common options for homeowners are heat pumps and furnaces. Both systems have their advantages, and the best choice often depends on your climate, energy costs, and household needs.

If you’re unsure which system is right for you, this guide courtesy of Resicon will help you understand how each works, compare their pros and cons, and make an informed decision for your home.

How Each Heating System Works

Furnaces and heat pumps both work to warm a home but they do so through entirely different means. Let’s review how each works:

How a Furnace Works

A furnace generates heat by burning fuel—typically natural gas, propane, or oil—or by using electricity. The system heats air in a heat exchanger and distributes it throughout your home via ductwork.

Furnaces are powerful and designed to provide reliable warmth even in the coldest climates.

How a Heat Pump Works

A heat pump, on the other hand, doesn’t create heat. Instead, it moves heat from one place to another using electricity.

In the winter, it extracts heat from the outside air (or the ground, in the case of geothermal systems) and transfers it indoors. In the summer, it works in reverse, acting as an air conditioner by moving heat out of your Tacoma home.

This ability to both heat and cool makes heat pumps an increasingly popular choice for year-round comfort.

Comparing Furnace and Heat Pump Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest differences between furnaces and heat pumps lies in how they use energy.

A heat pump is generally more energy-efficient because it transfers heat rather than generating it. For every unit of electricity used, it can produce up to three units of heat, making it significantly more efficient than electric resistance heating or even high-efficiency gas furnaces in mild climates.

However, in the colder regions of Tacoma where temperatures can drop below freezing, heat pumps may lose efficiency. When the outdoor air becomes too cold, the system must work harder—or rely on supplemental heating—to maintain indoor comfort. To avoid this, a cold-climate heat pump can be installed so you can enjoy the efficiency of a heat pump through any weather.

Furnaces, especially modern high-efficiency models, can reach annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 90% or higher. This means that 90% of the energy in the fuel is converted directly into heat. In extremely cold climates, this can make furnaces the more reliable and cost-effective option.

Installation and Operating Costs of Furnaces and Heat Pumps

When comparing installation costs, furnaces tend to be less expensive upfront, particularly if you already have a compatible duct system and a natural gas line in place.

Heat pumps, while often more expensive to install initially, can save you money over time through lower monthly energy bills—especially in moderate climates where they can operate efficiently year-round. Additionally, since a heat pump also serves as your air conditioner, you’ll only need one system for both heating and cooling. That dual functionality can offset some of the upfront investment.

Incentives and Rebates for New Furnaces or Heat Pumps

It’s also worth noting that Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) federal tax credits (available until the end of this year!), Washington State rebates, and local utility rebates—like those for Puget Sound Energy or Tacoma Public Utilities customers—may further reduce the cost of installing a high-efficiency heat pump, making it an even more attractive long-term investment.

Maintenance and Longevity: Furnace vs. Heat Pump

Both furnaces and heat pumps require regular maintenance to stay efficient and reliable. However, because a heat pump operates year-round—providing both heating and cooling—it typically experiences more wear and tear than a furnace, which is used only during the colder months.

A furnace can often last 15 to 20 years with proper care, while a heat pump generally lasts around 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance, including filter changes, coil cleaning, and professional inspections, can help extend the life of either system.

If longevity is a key factor for you, a furnace may have a slight advantage. But if you’re looking for an all-in-one system that keeps your Tacoma home comfortable year-round, a heat pump can be an excellent option.

Furnace vs. Heat Pump Comfort and Performance

When it comes to comfort, furnaces and heat pumps deliver heat differently. Furnaces produce short bursts of very warm air, quickly raising the indoor temperature. This can make your Tacoma home feel toasty fast, but it may also create noticeable temperature swings as the system cycles on and off.

Heat pumps deliver a more consistent, gentle warmth by running longer, lower-powered heating cycles. While the air coming from the vents may not feel as hot as that from a furnace, the overall comfort can feel more even and steady.

In winter, however, some Tacoma homeowners find that air-source heat pumps struggle to provide sufficient warmth without backup heating. Many opt for dual-fuel systems, which pair a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles heating on milder days, while the furnace takes over when temperatures drop too low for efficient heat pump operation. This hybrid setup provides the best of both worlds—efficiency and reliability.

Environmental Impact of Furnaces and Heat Pumps

For environmentally conscious Tacoma homeowners, a heat pump is typically the greener choice. Because it uses electricity rather than burning fossil fuels, it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions—especially when powered by renewable energy sources.

High-efficiency furnaces, while much cleaner than older models, still rely on natural gas or other fuels that contribute to carbon emissions. That said, they remain an important option in areas where electricity is expensive or generated primarily from non-renewable sources.

If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, a heat pump offers a clear advantage in sustainability and long-term environmental impact.

When to Choose a Furnace

A furnace is likely the better choice if you:

• Live in a region with long, harsh winters and freezing temperatures
• Have access to affordable natural gas or propane
• Prefer powerful, fast heating
• Want a system with a longer lifespan and potentially lower maintenance costs

When to Choose a Heat Pump

A heat pump may be the right solution if you:

• Live in a region with mild or moderate winters
• Want one system that handles both heating and cooling
• Prefer steady, even heating
• Are focused on energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact
• Qualify for tax credits or rebates that lower the installation cost

Making the Right Heating System Choice for Your Home

The decision between a furnace and a heat pump ultimately comes down to energy prices, comfort preferences, and the cold-weather efficiency of the model you select. In some cases, a dual-fuel system that combines both can offer the ideal balance of efficiency and performance.

If you’re unsure which system is best for your Tacoma home, the experts at Resicon can help you assess your options. Our team can evaluate your existing setup, explain the benefits of each system, and recommend the right solution for your heating and cooling needs.

Schedule Your Heating Consultation Today

Don’t wait until the temperature drops to think about your Tacoma home’s comfort.

Whether you’re considering a new heat pump, upgrading your furnace, or exploring a hybrid solution, Resicon is here to help you make an informed choice. Contact us today by calling 253-527-7827 or request service online to schedule a consultation and discover the best heating system for your home and budget.