Heat pump vs Furnace in Norfolk County, Massachusetts
When a heat pump makes sense
A heat pump makes sense if you want cooling as well as heating from one system. Choose a cold-climate model, since winter nights here average 21°F and a standard heat pump loses heating power in that kind of cold. Weigh that against the running cost, since gas heat here comes out at least 30% cheaper.
When a furnace makes sense
A furnace makes sense if your home already has a gas line, since gas heat here runs at least 30% cheaper than a heat pump at Massachusetts prices. It holds its output no matter how cold the night gets, which matters with winter nights here averaging 21°F and heat needed about eight months of the year. It heats only, so you would still need a separate way to cool the house in summer.
When a heat pump makes sense
A heat pump makes sense if you want cooling as well as heating from one system. Choose a cold-climate model, since winter nights here average 21°F and a standard heat pump loses heating power in that kind of cold. Weigh that against the running cost, since gas heat here comes out at least 30% cheaper.
When a furnace makes sense
A furnace makes sense if your home already has a gas line, since gas heat here runs at least 30% cheaper than a heat pump at Massachusetts prices. It holds its output no matter how cold the night gets, which matters with winter nights here averaging 21°F and heat needed about eight months of the year. It heats only, so you would still need a separate way to cool the house in 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 Norfolk County.
Gas heat runs at least 30% cheaper than a heat pump at Massachusetts prices, and most homes in Norfolk County already heat with gas.
If your home has no gas line and you also want central air, a cold-climate heat pump is still worth a look.
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 21°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 heating from one system. Choose a cold-climate model, since winter nights here average 21°F and a standard heat pump loses heating power in that kind of cold. Weigh that against the running cost, since gas heat here comes out at least 30% cheaper.
When a furnace makes sense
A furnace makes sense if your home already has a gas line, since gas heat here runs at least 30% cheaper than a heat pump at Massachusetts prices. It holds its output no matter how cold the night gets, which matters with winter nights here averaging 21°F and heat needed about eight months of the year. It heats only, so you would still need a separate way to cool the house in summer.
A Norfolk County contractor will price both against your own house, your ductwork and your panel.
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