System Comparisons
Heat pump vs. furnace + AC vs. ductless mini-split — cost, efficiency, and which homes each one fits.
Guides
System comparisons
SEER2, AFUE & HSPF2 Explained — Is High-Efficiency Worth It in 2026?
SEER2 rates cooling, HSPF2 rates heat-pump heating, AFUE rates a furnace — decoded in plain English, with the payback math at 17¢/kWh. High-efficiency adds 18–40% to equipment cost; here's which climates earn it back now that the 25C credit is gone.
Updated July 10, 2026
System comparisonsHeat Pump vs. Furnace + AC: 2026 Cost Comparison
A ducted heat pump replaces both boxes for $7,750–$16,000 installed on a 2,000 sq ft home; a central AC + gas furnace pair runs $10,350–$20,200. The head-to-head on install cost, operating cost, cold weather, lifespan, and panel needs — with no tax credit left on the scale.
Updated July 10, 2026