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

• Gas is sometimes sold at a lower rate to electricity, which is a heat pump’s power source. However, heat pumps require less energy overall to run.

• Propane and oil are generally sold at much higher rates, compared to electricity.

• Heat pumps 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.

• 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 North Itasca and Cooperative Light & Power) offer significant rebates and incentives 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.

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