Heat pumps used to be a Southern-states story. Not anymore. Today's cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently down to 5°F and below — well within range for a typical Northeast Ohio winter. But that doesn't make them the right choice for every home. Here's how to decide between a heat pump and a gas furnace for your home in Warren, Youngstown, Boardman, or Akron.
How each system works
A gas furnace burns natural gas to create heat, then a blower pushes warm air through your ducts. Efficiency is measured in AFUE (typical new units: 90–98%).
A heat pump moves heat from outside air into your home using a refrigerant cycle — the same way an air conditioner works, run in reverse. Efficiency is measured in HSPF2 (typical cold-climate units: 8.5–10+).
Up-front cost
| System | Typical installed cost (NE Ohio) | | --- | --- | | 80% AFUE gas furnace | $4,500 – $6,500 | | 96% AFUE gas furnace | $6,000 – $9,500 | | Standard heat pump + air handler | $8,000 – $12,000 | | Cold-climate heat pump + air handler | $11,000 – $16,000 | | Dual-fuel (heat pump + furnace) | $12,000 – $18,000 |
Heat pumps cost more up front, but they handle both heating and cooling — no separate AC needed.
Operating cost in Ohio
With Ohio's relatively low natural gas prices and moderate electric rates, a high-efficiency gas furnace is often the cheapest to run on the coldest nights. A modern heat pump is cheaper in the shoulder seasons (October, November, March, April) when temperatures sit in the 30s–50s.
The winner for most Trumbull and Mahoning county homes: a dual-fuel system. A heat pump handles 70–80% of the heating season efficiently, and a high-efficiency gas furnace kicks in below ~25°F when gas becomes cheaper per BTU.
Federal tax credits & rebates
Heat pumps installed in 2025 qualify for a federal tax credit up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus Ohio Edison and Columbia Gas offer rebates on qualifying high-efficiency equipment. We file the paperwork for you.
Which one should you buy?
- Stick with a gas furnace if your existing furnace is under 15 years old, your AC is fine, and you want the lowest install cost.
- Choose a heat pump if you need both heating and AC replaced, have no natural gas line, or want maximum tax credits.
- Go dual-fuel if you have natural gas and want the lowest total annual energy bill — this is what we recommend for the majority of NE Ohio homeowners.
Get a free in-home estimate
As a Lennox Premier Dealer with 35+ years of experience in the Mahoning Valley, Carter Heating & Cooling will size, quote, and install your new system with a workmanship guarantee. Learn more about our furnace and heat pump services in Warren & Youngstown, call 330-824-2665, or schedule a free consultation.