• Heat pumps are highly efficient because they transfer heat rather than generate it. They do this by extracting heat from the outside air, even in colder temperatures. This means they use less energy compared to an electric baseboard, furnace or boiler.

• A dual fuel system combines the efficiency of a heat pump with the reliability of a furnace or boiler for extreme cold.

• Heat Pumps: They require regular maintenance (e.g., cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, etc.), but in general, they have lower ongoing operational costs than furnaces. Furnaces tend to require more frequent maintenance (e.g., checking burners, cleaning vents, ensuring proper gas flow) and can be more expensive to repair when issues arise.

• Dual Fuel (Fuel + Heat Pumps): The beauty of a dual fuel system ensures you're only using fuel when the heat pump isn't as efficient enough (in extremely cold temperatures), likely lowering your overall heating costs

• Today’s technologically advanced heat pumps provide more consistent, even heat, compared to a furnace or boiler that might have fluctuations between cycles. This leads to better comfort in your home.

• Since heat pumps don’t burn any fuel, it will improve the overall air quality in your home.

Many Minnesotan electric cooperatives (such as CLP, NIEC, IMEC and LREC) offer significant rebates — up to $1,000 — for installing energy-efficient systems like heat pumps. This helps offset some of the initial installation costs.

The federal government also provides tax credits for heat pumps, typically $2,000.

Incentives are typically much higher for heat pumps compared to new gas systems, which might not have any discounts at all.