Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Short answer: A heat pump is cheaper to run when your seasonal electricity cost per unit of delivered heat is lower than your gas cost after the furnace’s AFUE efficiency is included. A gas furnace can cost less where natural gas is inexpensive, winter temperatures are extreme, or the home needs more peak heating capacity. Heat pumps have no on-site combustion and usually cut greenhouse-gas emissions as the electric grid gets cleaner, but their total emissions still depend on regional power generation.
Neither nameplate efficiency nor fuel price alone decides the result. Heating load, local tariffs, equipment sizing, duct condition, weatherization, maintenance, cooling savings and installation quality can outweigh the difference between technologies. A dual-fuel system uses both: the heat pump serves milder weather and a gas furnace takes over when outdoor conditions or energy prices make it the better choice.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How the two systems deliver heat
Heat pump
An air-source heat pump moves heat rather than creating it by burning fuel. In heating mode, refrigerant absorbs ambient heat outdoors, the compressor raises its temperature, and the indoor coil releases that heat into the home. The same equipment reverses operation in summer to provide air conditioning. Because electricity runs a compressor and fans instead of producing heat directly, a heat pump can deliver more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes. Its seasonal performance is represented by measures such as HSPF2 and a seasonal coefficient of performance (COP).
Outdoor temperature affects capacity and efficiency. As the air gets colder, there is less heat available outside and the compressor works harder. The exact low-temperature output, operating limit and need for supplemental heat vary by model. Cold-climate models are designed and tested for stronger performance at low temperatures, but a contractor still has to match the equipment to the building’s design heating load.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Gas furnace
A gas furnace burns natural gas in a heat exchanger. A blower distributes the warmed air through ducts, while combustion gases leave through a flue or vent. Annual fuel-utilization efficiency (AFUE) expresses the percentage of the fuel’s energy delivered as useful heat over a year. A 95% AFUE furnace therefore delivers about 95 units of heat for every 100 units of gas energy under the test method; the rest is lost through combustion and venting.
A furnace’s output is comparatively stable during a cold snap, provided the gas supply, venting, electrical service and blower are functioning. It does not provide cooling, so a separate air conditioner is normally required.
Operating cost: compare delivered heat, not fuel prices
The useful comparison is the cost of delivered heat. For a heat pump, a practical approximation is:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
annual heating cost ≈ electricity price ÷ seasonal COP × annual heat load
For a furnace:
annual heating cost ≈ gas price ÷ AFUE × annual heat load
Use consistent energy units, include fixed charges separately, and use a seasonal rather than a peak or laboratory efficiency. Cooling costs and savings should also be counted because a heat pump can replace both a furnace and an air conditioner.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Published federal-facility examples
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) illustrates why a single national answer is misleading. In a northern-region example, a 95% AFUE ENERGY STAR furnace uses 523 therms annually and has an estimated annual energy cost of $503. An 80% furnace in the same example costs $597 annually. The calculation uses an average natural-gas price of $0.961 per therm at federal facilities in July 2024 and a 21-year lifecycle assumption. These are modeling inputs, not a household utility quote.
FEMP’s air-source heat-pump example assumes 11 cents per kilowatt-hour and a 15-year average life. An ENERGY STAR system rated SEER2/HSPF2 15.2/7.8 uses 10,743 kWh per year and costs $1,183 annually in that scenario. A best-available example rated 24/11 costs $774 annually. Those results reflect a particular regional federal-facility load and tariff; a home with different weather, insulation, duct losses or rates can have a very different bill.
Build a local comparison
- Obtain the home’s annual heating load from utility history, an energy audit or a properly performed Manual J calculation. Do not substitute the furnace’s input rating for the building load.
- Record the full electricity rate, including time-of-use periods, delivery charges and fixed fees that change with consumption. Record the gas commodity and delivery rates in the same way.
- Use the heat pump’s published seasonal efficiency for your climate and the furnace’s AFUE. For a heat pump, use delivered heat or seasonal COP data rather than dividing by a cooling-only SEER2 number.
- Estimate cold-weather supplemental heat, defrost operation and any resistance backup. A heat pump that needs frequent expensive resistance heat can erase an apparent fuel-price advantage.
- Add cooling costs, maintenance, expected replacements, rebates, electrical work, venting changes and financing. Treat fixed utility charges separately because they often remain after a fuel switch.
The DOE Office of Policy reported in 2024 that peer-reviewed national-laboratory analysis found the right heat pump would reduce energy bills for more than 90% of assessed U.S. households. “Right” depends on the home and equipment match; the finding is not a guarantee for every rate territory or installation.
Cold-weather capacity and comfort
What changes in a cold snap
Heat-pump capacity and efficiency decline as outdoor temperature falls, and the outdoor coil periodically enters a defrost cycle. During defrost, the system temporarily reverses operation to melt ice, which can produce cool air or a brief auxiliary-heat call indoors. Controls and a properly sized backup source limit comfort swings. Ask for the model’s rated heating capacity at the design outdoor temperature, not only its maximum output at mild conditions.
A gas furnace generally maintains its rated output across a wider outdoor-temperature range. That can be valuable in regions with long periods below a heat pump’s economic balance point or in homes with a high design load. Furnace capacity is not automatically better: an oversized unit cycles frequently, distributes heat unevenly and can have lower real-world efficiency.
Backup options
- Electric resistance backup: simple and common, but each unit of electricity produces roughly one unit of heat, so operating cost can be high during severe weather.
- Gas backup: a furnace supplies high-temperature heat and can use existing ducts. This is the basis of a dual-fuel system.
- Improved envelope: air sealing, insulation and duct repairs reduce the required capacity and the hours backup heat runs.
Cold-climate heat pumps can be a sound primary system when their low-temperature capacity, controls and backup strategy are documented for the home’s design conditions. A contractor should show the expected balance point and what happens below it.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Dual-fuel systems: when combining both makes sense
A dual-fuel, or hybrid, system pairs an air-source heat pump with a gas furnace and controls the changeover. The heat pump handles milder weather, when it is efficient and can provide cooling. The furnace takes over at a chosen outdoor temperature, when the heat pump’s capacity, efficiency or operating cost is less favorable.
How the switchover is selected
The changeover temperature can be based on equipment capacity, a fixed outdoor-temperature setting, or live energy prices in systems that support economic controls. The correct setting is not universal. It should reflect the heat pump’s measured performance, gas and electricity rates, expected resistance backup and comfort priorities. A contractor can calculate the economic balance point and a separate capacity balance point; they do not have to be the same.
Advantages and trade-offs
- Provides a high-capacity heat source for the coldest periods.
- Allows efficient heat-pump operation and electric cooling through much of the year.
- Retains combustion emissions, gas service charges and furnace maintenance.
- Costs more to install and control than a single-source system.
- Requires compatible controls, clear airflow design and reliable service for two heating appliances.
Dual fuel is most compelling where winter gas is relatively cheap, extreme cold is common, electrical capacity is limited, or the homeowner wants a heat pump without relying on electric resistance at the lowest temperatures.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Reliability, maintenance and expected life
Service life is an assumption, not a warranty
DOE planning assumptions use an average residential air-source heat-pump life of 15 years. FEMP’s furnace lifecycle example uses 21 years. Actual life depends on run hours, coastal or dusty conditions, corrosion, maintenance, parts availability, installation quality and whether the system is operated outside its intended range. These figures should be used for planning total cost, not as promised replacement dates.
What tends to fail
Heat pumps have compressors, outdoor fan motors, reversing valves, sensors, control boards and refrigerant circuits. A refrigerant leak, blocked coil or failed defrost control can reduce heating capacity before the system stops completely. Furnaces have burners, ignition components, flame sensors, heat exchangers, blowers and limit controls. A cracked heat exchanger is a safety issue requiring professional evaluation, not a do-it-yourself repair.
Neither technology is inherently maintenance-free. A well-installed, accessible system with standard replacement parts can be more dependable than a higher-efficiency system that is poorly commissioned or difficult to service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Maintenance checklist
- Replace or clean filters on the schedule required by the equipment and household dust load; a blocked filter restricts airflow and raises operating stress.
- Keep the outdoor heat-pump coil clear of leaves, snow and stored objects. Do not block the required service clearance.
- Have a technician verify refrigerant charge, airflow, electrical connections, condensate drainage, defrost operation and safety controls.
- For furnaces, inspect burners, venting, combustion air, ignition and the heat exchanger; install carbon-monoxide alarms as required by local code.
- Inspect ducts for leakage, insulation gaps and balancing problems. Distribution losses can overwhelm a small nameplate-efficiency advantage.
Sizing and installation determine real-world performance
ENERGY STAR recommends a Manual J load calculation before equipment is selected. The calculation accounts for floor area, insulation, windows, infiltration, orientation and local design temperatures. Selecting a replacement solely by matching the old furnace’s input rating can produce an oversized heat pump or furnace.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Why oversizing hurts
An oversized furnace reaches its thermostat target quickly, then shuts off. Frequent cycling wastes startup energy, increases wear and can create temperature swings. An oversized heat pump may cycle rather than modulate steadily, reducing seasonal efficiency and dehumidification performance. Undersizing can force resistance backup, leave rooms cold and keep the system running at maximum output.
Installation items to price
- Electrical-panel capacity, disconnects, wiring and possible service upgrades for the heat pump.
- Refrigerant-line length, condensate management, pad or brackets and outdoor noise considerations.
- Duct repairs, return-air sizing, registers and balancing.
- Removal or modification of gas venting, combustion-air openings and condensate drains.
- Thermostat and control compatibility, especially for dual-fuel changeover and backup heat.
- Air sealing, insulation and weatherization completed before final sizing.
Get written documentation of the Manual J result, selected model numbers, rated output at design temperature, backup-heat strategy, commissioning measurements and warranty terms. A high-efficiency label cannot compensate for inadequate airflow or leaky ducts.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Emissions and indoor air quality
Heat pump emissions
A heat pump has no on-site combustion. ENERGY STAR notes that this means no direct indoor emissions such as nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide from burning fuel. Electricity generation still creates indirect emissions, and refrigerant leakage has climate implications that depend on the refrigerant and containment.
To estimate electricity-related greenhouse-gas emissions, use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s eGRID regional generation, emissions-rate and resource-mix data. Multiply annual heat-pump electricity use by the applicable regional emissions factor, then compare that result with the furnace’s gas combustion emissions and upstream fuel impacts. A cleaner grid lowers heat-pump emissions over time; a carbon-intensive grid narrows the advantage.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsGas furnace emissions
Combustion produces carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides at the appliance, and a malfunctioning or improperly vented furnace can expose occupants to carbon monoxide. Proper venting and maintenance reduce safety risks but do not eliminate on-site combustion emissions. The DOE’s 2023 furnace-efficiency rule announcement estimated that requiring 95% AFUE furnaces beginning in late 2028 would save $1.5 billion in annual utility bills, $24.8 billion over 30 years and 332 million metric tons of carbon emissions over 30 years. Those are national regulatory estimates, not a prediction for an individual installation.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Total cost over the system’s life
Compare more than the purchase quote. A heat-pump project may include electrical upgrades, refrigerant work, duct changes and weatherization. A furnace project may include a separate air conditioner, chimney or venting modifications and future gas-service charges. Include incentives only when you qualify and confirm whether they apply to equipment, labor or both.
| Cost factor | Heat pump | Gas furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Primary energy | Electricity; seasonal efficiency and grid emissions vary by region | Natural gas; cost depends on gas tariff and AFUE |
| Cooling | Built in for most air-source systems | Requires separate air-conditioning equipment |
| Cold-weather backup | Resistance heat, gas furnace or other supplemental source may be needed | Usually the primary high-capacity heat source |
| Planning life used by DOE/FEMP examples | 15-year average assumption | 21-year lifecycle assumption in the cited furnace example |
| Installation scope | Outdoor unit, refrigerant circuit, electrical work, controls and possible duct/weatherization work | Combustion appliance, gas connection, venting, electrical controls and possible separate air conditioner |
Use discounted or inflation-adjusted cash-flow assumptions only if you can state them clearly. A short payback calculated with today’s fuel prices can change when tariffs, weather, maintenance or replacement timing changes.
Decision guide by home and climate
Choose a heat pump when
- Your seasonal electricity cost and the proposed heat pump’s COP produce a lower delivered-heat cost than local gas at the furnace’s AFUE.
- You want one system for heating and cooling and your electrical service can support it.
- You value eliminating on-site combustion and your regional grid has relatively low emissions or is becoming cleaner.
- The home can be weatherized and the duct system can deliver the required airflow.
Choose a gas furnace when
- Natural gas is inexpensive relative to electricity and the local heating load is high.
- Extended severe cold makes a heat pump’s capacity or resistance-backup cost unattractive.
- The home already has suitable gas infrastructure and you plan to retain separate air conditioning.
- A reliable local service network and rapid high-temperature recovery are priorities.
Choose dual fuel when
- You want heat-pump cooling and shoulder-season efficiency but need gas capacity during the coldest weather.
- Electricity and gas prices vary enough that an economic changeover can save money.
- You accept the higher installation complexity and ongoing maintenance of two heating sources.
A practical buying and commissioning checklist
- Collect 12 to 24 months of gas and electricity bills, including actual usage and rate schedules.
- Arrange an energy audit or Manual J calculation and repair major envelope and duct problems first.
- Request at least two proposals that list model numbers, heating capacity at your design temperature, seasonal ratings, backup strategy and controls.
- Ask each contractor to calculate delivered-heat cost using your tariffs, not a national average.
- Verify electrical, gas, venting, condensate and code requirements before signing.
- Require commissioning documentation: airflow, temperature rise or split, refrigerant checks, combustion analysis where applicable, thermostat setup and changeover settings.
- Plan filter replacement, outdoor-coil access, annual inspection and a realistic service budget.
Common mistakes and fixes
“The highest SEER2 number must be cheapest to heat.”
SEER2 measures cooling efficiency. Heating economics require HSPF2 or seasonal COP, local temperatures, backup operation and electricity rates. Ask for heating-energy estimates at your climate conditions.
“A heat pump cannot work in a cold climate.”
Some models are designed for low temperatures, but performance is model- and installation-specific. Check rated capacity at the design temperature and document what supplies heat below that point.
“The old furnace size is the right replacement size.”
Old equipment may have been oversized, and weatherization may have changed the load. Require a current Manual J calculation.
“A fuel switch automatically lowers emissions.”
Compare annual electricity use with the EPA eGRID factor for your region and compare it with gas combustion emissions. The result changes as the grid mix changes.
“Maintenance is optional after installation.”
Dirty filters, blocked coils, poor airflow and neglected combustion equipment reduce efficiency and can shorten service life. Put maintenance on a calendar and keep records.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
