Home Energy Decisions

Upgrade hub

Heating & cooling

How to choose between heat pumps, furnaces, and dual-fuel—and the duct, sizing, and sequencing moves that drive comfort and cost.

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What this topic covers

Heating and cooling is usually the biggest energy decision in a home—because it drives both comfort and the largest part of the utility bill.

The best upgrade isn’t universal. It depends on your climate, your gas and electric prices, your existing ductwork, and how leaky/insulated the house is.

This hub is a homeowner-focused roadmap: what to do first, what to avoid, and how to pick equipment that actually performs.

Quick wins (highest ROI moves)

Fix envelope + ducts before replacing equipment when possible (it changes sizing and performance).
Avoid oversizing. Oversized systems cycle, waste energy, and often feel less comfortable.
Use your utility rates (not generic averages) to compare heat pump vs gas cost.
Treat comfort complaints (cold rooms, humidity) as diagnostics, not just thermostat problems.

A sensible sequence

1) Diagnose the pain point

Is the main issue high bills, comfort, or aging equipment? Your answer changes the plan. Comfort problems often point to envelope leaks or airflow issues. Aging equipment pushes you toward replacement planning and incentives.

2) Improve the envelope (where it matters)

Air sealing and insulation reduce heating/cooling load. That improves comfort immediately and can make a smaller, cheaper system work better—especially important for heat pumps.

3) Fix airflow and ducts

Leaky, unbalanced ducts can erase the benefits of a great HVAC system. Prioritize duct sealing when ducts run through unconditioned spaces. Then verify supply/return balance for problem rooms.

4) Choose the right system type

Heat pumps can be excellent even in cold climates, but the economics depend on your rates. Gas can still win in some regions, and dual-fuel can be a best-of-both approach if you already have ducted gas heat.

5) Commissioning is part of the upgrade

The best equipment can still perform badly if it’s not commissioned. Ask for airflow, static pressure, refrigerant charge verification, and (for heat pumps) low-temp performance confirmation.

Tools to run the numbers

Use these to turn guidance into a personalized plan.

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Heat Pump vs Furnace

Compare annual operating cost and break-even using your local rates.

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Thermostat Savings

Turn thermostat setpoints into estimated dollar savings (and comfort tradeoffs).

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Upgrade Timing

Sequence upgrades by impact and payback windows.

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My Plan

Build a personalized roadmap with next-step actions.

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Recommended reading

Hand-picked guides that go deeper on the common decisions.

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Heat pump vs gas furnace in winter

A practical framework for choosing based on rates, climate, and house load.

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Dual-fuel heat pump + furnace

When hybrid systems win—and how to set a sensible lockout temperature.

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Repair or replace HVAC?

A homeowner checklist for deciding whether to fix or upgrade.

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Duct sealing payback

How to tell if duct work will actually pay off in your home.

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Close vents to save energy?

Why closing vents often backfires (and what to do instead).

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Smart thermostat settings

Settings that help, settings that hurt, and how to tune for comfort.

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FAQ

Are heat pumps worth it in cold climates?

Often, yes—but “worth it” depends on your electric and gas prices and how leaky the house is. Cold-climate models can perform well, especially if you tighten/insulate first and the system is properly sized.

Should I keep a gas furnace as backup?

If you already have gas and your winter electricity is expensive, dual-fuel can be a strong option. The key is setting a sensible switchover temperature based on your rates (not a generic rule).

Does closing vents save energy?

Usually no. It can increase duct pressure, reduce comfort, and sometimes increase losses. Address airflow at the source: duct sealing, balancing, and envelope improvements.

Want the fastest path to action?

If you want a now/next/later roadmap tailored to your home, start with the My Plan tool.

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