Heat Pump vs. Furnace Cost Calculator

How to use this calculator

Enter your system size in tons (a 3-ton system is typical for a mid-sized U.S. home) and choose your climate. Cold-climate heat pumps use more advanced compressors to keep working efficiently well below freezing, and cost more than a standard heat pump.

How this is calculated

Each option uses a national installed-cost range per ton of capacity: a standard or cold-climate heat pump, and a furnace paired with a central air conditioner. The calculator multiplies your system size by each rate range to get the two installed-cost ranges, then shows the difference. Both assume a ducted system that reuses your existing ductwork; ductless mini-splits and new ductwork cost more.

What this doesn't include

This compares upfront installed cost only, not ongoing running cost. Heat pumps are significantly more efficient than furnaces at converting energy into heat, but they run on electricity, while furnaces run on gas — so which one costs less to operate depends on your local electricity and gas prices, which vary too much to estimate nationally. ENERGY STAR publishes guidance for comparing systems in your climate.

Estimate only, based on published 2026 national price ranges. The federal Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (up to $2,000 for a qualifying heat pump) expired for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, and is not included here. Some states, utilities, and manufacturers still offer their own rebates — check locally.