If you live in Utah, you know that winter is really a question of efficiency versus power. Heat pumps work great for efficient heating throughout much of the season. But furnaces absolutely kick out more heat and will recover faster if you get one of those days (or weeks) of below-zero weather.
So which one should you choose? Let’s find out.
Key Takeaways
- Heat pumps operate very efficiently through most Utah winter weather but will struggle on days where temperatures stay below freezing for days on end
- Gas furnaces put out more heat and recover from setbacks faster than heat pumps
- Dual-fuel (aka hybrid heating) systems can give you the best of both worlds
Understanding Utah’s Winter Weather
First, let’s talk about Utah winter weather. Though we have microclimates all over the state, most of Utah experiences:
- Prolonged periods of subfreezing temperatures
- Rapid temperature changes
- Winter inversions that leave cold air trapped in the valley
You want a system that will keep you comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you while keeping your energy bills under control.
Heat Pumps: Efficient Heating Year Round
Heat pumps do not create heat, they move heat from outdoors into your home. This gives them a tremendous boost in efficiency for much of the heating season.
Ideal Heat Pump Conditions
- Mild temperatures (think 20°F–40°F)
- Well-insulated homes with good air sealing
- People who want lower monthly energy bills
- When you need both cooling and heating
Fortunately for Utahns, today's cold-climate heat pumps can operate comfortably at temperatures well below freezing. Many systems will still operate down to 0°F or lower.
Advantages of Heat Pumps
- Super efficient (usually 2–4× more efficient than electric resistance heating)
- Cost less to operate in many situations
- Heat AND cool your home
- Keeps temperatures more consistent with variable-speed technology
Disadvantages of Heat Pumps
- Lose heating ability at extremely cold temperatures
- May require supplemental “backup heat” (electric or gas)
- More expensive to install
Furnaces: Reliable Heating Power
A furnace creates heat by burning gas (either natural gas or propane) or by running electricity through a heating element. Gas furnaces are by far the most common type of furnace in Utah.
Ideal Furnace Conditions
- Any subzero temperatures or long cold stretches
- Homes that already use natural gas
- When you need to heat your home fast
Advantages of Furnaces
- Put out a ton of heat, no matter what
- Faster warm-up and recovery from setback temperatures
- Less expensive to install (generally)
- Long lifetime expectancy (15–25 years is normal)
Disadvantages of Furnaces
- Operate less efficiently than heat pumps
- Can’t cool your home (requires separate AC system)
- Cost more to operate if gas prices rise
Heat Pump vs Furnace: How Does Utah Weather Factor In?
Central Utah (Salt Lake Valley, Ogden, Provo)
- Very frequent inversions and cold nights
- Recommendation: Hybrid system or high-efficiency furnace
Higher Elevation / Mountain Regions
- Colder temps and thinner air
- Recommendation: Furnace or dual-fuel system
Southern Utah (St. George, Cedar City)
- Mild winters
- Recommendation: Heat Pump
Dual-Fuel System / Hybrid Heating Explained
Dual-fuel systems are really just what they sound like: a heat pump combined with a gas furnace.
How it Works:
The heat pump operates as temperatures rise above moderate weather. The furnace kicks on automatically during extremely cold weather.
Why it Works Well in Utah
Not only will a dual-fuel system save you energy compared to a furnace alone, it will also provide reliable backup heat during Utah’s occasional cold snaps. Many homeowners find this to be the ideal middle ground for climate control in Utah.
Heat Pump vs Furnace Cost Comparison
Upfront Costs
Heat Pump: typically higher installation price Furnace: typically lower installation price (if replacing existing system)
Running Costs
This really depends on your local utility rates for electricity and natural gas as well as how well your home is insulated. However, a good rule of thumb is that heat pumps are less expensive to run when the temperature is mild. Furnaces are sometimes less expensive if you experience a lot of deep cold.
Efficiency & Heating Power
Heat pumps are rated using a metric called COP or coefficient of performance. This is the ratio of heat output compared to electrical input. A heat pump can put 2–4 units of heat for every unit of electricity it consumes.
Furnaces are rated AFUE or annual fuel utilization efficiency. The percentage of fuel that is converted to heat for your home. Furnaces typically range from 80–98% efficient.
Maintenance Requirements and Lifespan
Heat Pump
- Should be professionally serviced every year to clean the coils, check refrigerant levels and inspect electrical components.
- The average lifespan of a heat pump is 10–15 years, though premium models can last up to ~18 years.
Furnace
- Should also be inspected annually, though this is more focused on the combustion system and safety features.
- The average furnace will last between 15–25 years.
When Should You Choose a Heat Pump?
If you live in Southern Utah – our winters are pretty mild and heat pumps can function as efficient all-in-one heating and cooling systems.
When you want to save on energy bills and prioritize efficiency over heating power.
When you don’t mind paying a little more upfront to save on monthly energy costs.
When should you choose a Furnace?
If you live in Northern Utah – We get a lot of extreme below-zero days up here.
When you care more about raw heating power and don’t mind higher energy bills in the winter.
If you have cheap natural gas.
When should you choose a Hybrid System?
If you want the best of both worlds.
If you live in areas of Utah that get both mild weather and harsh cold fronts.
Who doesn’t?
Final Thoughts: Heat Pump vs Furnace
Heat pumps are the clear winner for efficiency. But furnaces provide plenty of heat when you need it most. And with a dual-fuel system you can have both.
If you want the most efficient solution for your Utah home, we recommend a dual-fuel system. Not only will you save energy compared to a furnace alone, but you’ll have that extra peace of mind of knowing you have plenty of heat during cold snaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do heat pumps do in Utah winters?
A: They’re great for most of the winter but will require supplemental heat if you get a stretch of days where temperatures don’t rise above freezing.
Q2: Which will cost me less money to run, a heat pump or furnace?
A: Depends on how much electricity and gas cost in your area. If electricity is cheap, go with a heat pump. If gas heats are cheap, go with a furnace.
Heat pumps can be less expensive if you experience mild winters. Furnaces can be cheaper if you have a lot of really cold days.
Q3: Is a hybrid system worth the extra cost?
A: Yes. Hybrid systems allow you to take advantage of the most efficient heating method based on the outdoor temperature. This makes them ideal for Utah.
Q4: Will a heat pump work if it’s below freezing outside?
A: Yes! Heat pumps made for cold climates are designed to operate when it’s below freezing. They will just lose efficiency as the temperature drops.
Q5: Which has a longer lifespan?
A: Furnaces. Expect your furnace to last about 15-25 years. Heat pumps are a little shorter, averaging about 10-15 years. However, heat pumps cool your home in the summer while furnaces do not.
