Heat pump vs Furnace in Plymouth County, Massachusetts
When a heat pump makes sense
A heat pump makes sense if you want cooling as well as heat from one system, or if you don't have natural gas running to your house. Choose a cold-climate model, since standard heat pumps lose heating power in the cold, and your winter nights here average 23°F. You will pay more to run it than gas, but you gain air conditioning for summer.
When a furnace makes sense
If your home already has a gas line, a furnace is the cheaper way to heat it. Gas costs at least 30% less than a heat pump here at Massachusetts prices, and with about 8 months of heating a year in Plymouth County, that difference adds up. A furnace only heats, so you would still need a separate air conditioner for summer.
When a heat pump makes sense
A heat pump makes sense if you want cooling as well as heat from one system, or if you don't have natural gas running to your house. Choose a cold-climate model, since standard heat pumps lose heating power in the cold, and your winter nights here average 23°F. You will pay more to run it than gas, but you gain air conditioning for summer.
When a furnace makes sense
If your home already has a gas line, a furnace is the cheaper way to heat it. Gas costs at least 30% less than a heat pump here at Massachusetts prices, and with about 8 months of heating a year in Plymouth County, that difference adds up. A furnace only heats, so you would still need a separate air conditioner for summer.
Heat pump
- Runs on
- Electricity
- What it does
- Heats and cools
- Tax credit
- No federal tax credit since the end of 2025
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy · Internal Revenue Code
Furnace
- Runs on
- Natural gas
- What it does
- Heats only
- Tax credit
- No federal tax credit since the end of 2025
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy · Internal Revenue Code
Furnace wins in Plymouth County.
Gas heat costs at least 30% less than a heat pump at Massachusetts prices, and with 8 months of heating a year here, that adds up.
If your home doesn't have a gas line to it, a cold-climate heat pump is worth a look since it can also cover your cooling.
Find a contractor| Compared on | Heat pump | Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to run here | Costs more to run | At least 30% less to run |
| What it does | Heats and cools | Heats only |
| Homes in New England that heat with one | 1.7% | 54.8% |
| Handles a 23°F night | Standard models lose heating power in the cold; cold-climate models are built for it | Yes |
Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy, NOAA
When a heat pump makes sense
A heat pump makes sense if you want cooling as well as heat from one system, or if you don't have natural gas running to your house. Choose a cold-climate model, since standard heat pumps lose heating power in the cold, and your winter nights here average 23°F. You will pay more to run it than gas, but you gain air conditioning for summer.
When a furnace makes sense
If your home already has a gas line, a furnace is the cheaper way to heat it. Gas costs at least 30% less than a heat pump here at Massachusetts prices, and with about 8 months of heating a year in Plymouth County, that difference adds up. A furnace only heats, so you would still need a separate air conditioner for summer.
A Plymouth County contractor will price both against your own house, your ductwork and your panel.
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