Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which Is Better for Ohio Winters?

As winter approaches in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, homeowners are faced with an important decision: What is the best heating system for their home? The two most common choices are heat pumps and furnaces, each offering unique benefits depending on Ohio’s cold climate and seasonal temperature shifts.

At Hardin Bros HVAC, we specialize in heat pump and furnace installations, helping homeowners choose the most efficient, cost-effective, and reliable heating system for their needs. This guide will compare heat pumps and furnaces, discussing their efficiency, costs, and performance during Ohio’s winter months.

Understanding the Basics: Heat Pump vs. Furnace

Before comparing performance, it’s essential to understand how these systems work.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a versatile system that provides both heating and cooling. Instead of generating heat, it transfers heat from one place to another:

• • In winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and moves it inside to warm your home.
  • In summer, the process reverses, removing heat from your home to keep it cool.

Because heat pumps don’t burn fuel, they are often more energy-efficient in moderate temperatures.

What Is a Furnace?

A furnace generates heat by burning fuel (natural gas, propane, or oil) or using electricity. The heat is then distributed through ductwork to warm your home. Furnaces are specifically designed for heating only, requiring a separate system for cooling in the summer.

Heat Pump Performance in Ohio Winters

Efficiency of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are highly efficient in mild to moderate winter temperatures, using 30-40% less energy than a traditional furnace. Their efficiency is measured by:

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) – Measures cooling efficiency.
• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) – Measures heating efficiency.

A heat pump with an HSPF rating of 8-10 is considered highly efficient, reducing heating costs during Ohio’s milder fall and early winter months.

Challenges of Heat Pumps in Cold Weather

Heat pumps become less efficient in extreme cold (below 30°F) because they rely on extracting heat from the air. When temperatures drop:

• • The system has to work harder to find enough heat, leading to higher electricity usage.
  • Many heat pumps switch to electric resistance backup heating, which is less efficient and can increase energy bills.

Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps

Pros:

• • Energy-efficient in mild winter temperatures
  • Provides both heating and cooling, eliminating the need for a separate air conditioner
  • Environmentally friendly, as it does not burn fossil fuels
  • Lower operational costs in spring, fall, and moderate winter temperatures

Cons:

• • Less effective in extreme cold, requiring supplemental heating
  • Higher upfront cost compared to a furnace
  • Can increase electricity bills in freezing temperatures

Furnace Performance in Ohio Winters

Efficiency of Furnaces

Furnaces are built for cold climates, making them ideal for Ohio’s winter temperatures. Their efficiency is measured by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), which indicates how much fuel is converted into usable heat:

• • Older furnaces: 65-75% AFUE (wastes 25-35% of fuel)
  • Modern high-efficiency furnaces: 90-98% AFUE (very little energy waste)

Why Furnaces Are Better for Cold Climates

Furnaces remain highly efficient in freezing temperatures, ensuring consistent, reliable heat even when it drops into the single digits or below zero. Natural gas furnaces are particularly cost-effective, as gas is cheaper than electricity for heating in Ohio.

Pros and Cons of Furnaces

Pros:

• • Provides strong, reliable heat even in extreme cold
  • Lower upfront cost compared to heat pumps
  • Natural gas furnaces offer lower operational costs than electric heating
  • Longer lifespan (typically 15-20 years)

Cons:

• • Requires a separate cooling system for summer
  • Higher operational costs in mild weather when heat isn’t needed as often
  • Burning fossil fuels produces greenhouse gas emissions

Cost Comparison: Heat Pump vs. Furnace

Operational Costs

• • Heat Pump: More affordable during mild weather, but costs more in extreme cold when backup heating is needed.
  • Furnace: More cost-effective in freezing temperatures, especially if using natural gas instead of electricity.

Hybrid Systems: The Best of Both Worlds

For Ohio homeowners looking for efficiency and performance, a hybrid heating system (also called a dual-fuel system) can be the best solution.

How a Hybrid System Works:

• • Uses a heat pump as the primary heating source in mild temperatures.
  • Automatically switches to a gas furnace when temperatures drop below freezing, ensuring optimal efficiency.

Benefits of a Hybrid System:

• • Lower energy bills, as the system chooses the most efficient heating source for the conditions
  • Year-round comfort, providing efficient cooling in the summer
  • Best balance of cost and performance, reducing reliance on electric resistance heating in cold weather

Which Heating System Is Best for Ohio Winters?

Heat Pump: Best for homeowners who want a year-round system, especially in milder climates. However, it may require supplemental heating in freezing temperatures.

Furnace: Best for homeowners looking for consistent and powerful heat, particularly in cold Ohio winters. A separate air conditioner is needed for cooling.

Hybrid System: The most efficient and flexible choice, automatically switching between a heat pump and furnace for the best energy savings and performance.

Choosing the Right Heating System for Your Cleveland Home

With Cleveland’s unpredictable winters, selecting the right heating system is essential. At Hardin Bros HVAC, we install and service heat pumps, furnaces, and hybrid systems, helping homeowners find the most efficient and cost-effective solution.

Schedule a consultation today to explore your heating options and ensure your home stays warm all winter long.

Call us at (216) 855-4511 or fill out our online estimate request form to get started.