Furnace vs. Heat Pump: Which Works Best in Southeastern PA Winters? 

If you live in Southeastern Pennsylvania, you know how unpredictable winters can be. One week it’s mild and damp, and the next, temperatures plunge below freezing, making keeping your home warm a challenge. If you’re looking for a way to optimize your heating or need furnace repair in Chester, PA, and would like to use this opportunity to revise your current system, there are two main options: a furnace and a heat pump. 

Both systems can keep your home comfortable, but their performance varies depending on the weather, energy costs, and long-term goals. 

How Furnaces and Heat Pumps Work 

Furnaces produce heat by burning fuel (usually natural gas, oil, or propane) or using electric resistance. The air is heated directly and circulated through your ducts, ensuring that your home remains warm even in freezing temperatures. 

Heat pumps, on the other hand, don’t generate heat: they transfer heat from the outside air into your home using electricity and refrigerant. In warmer months, the process reverses, allowing the same system to cool your home—a major advantage over furnaces. 

Do Heat Pumps Work in Freezing Temperatures? 

Heat pumps are a smart way to keep your home warm, but as a PA homeowner, you may wonder: do they work in freezing temperatures? 

Traditional heat pumps lose efficiency when temperatures dip below 30°F. However, modern cold-climate heat pumps have come a long way—they can continue to operate efficiently in the mid-teens or even single digits. 

Nonetheless, furnaces continue to outperform in extreme cold. Gas and oil furnaces provide consistent heat regardless of outdoor temperatures, making them ideal for homes in areas like Chester County, where deep freezes occur frequently in January and February. 

Other points of comparison include: 

• Comfort: Furnaces generate quick, powerful heat that feels warm right away. Heat pumps, while more gradual, provide consistent indoor temperatures with no hot or cold spots. 

• Efficiency: Heat pumps can be up to three times more energy-efficient than furnaces in mild conditions. However, as outdoor temperatures drop, efficiency decreases, and you may need supplemental or backup heat. 

• Operating Costs: Because natural gas is generally cheaper than electricity in Southeastern Pennsylvania, gas furnaces are frequently less expensive to operate during peak winter months. However, as electricity rates fluctuate, heat pumps are becoming more competitive. 

The Best of Both Worlds: Dual-Fuel Systems 

For many homeowners, the smartest solution is a dual-fuel system. This hybrid setup combines a heat pump and a gas furnace, automatically switching between the two based on outdoor temperature. 

The heat pump runs during mild weather for maximum efficiency. 

The furnace takes over when it’s too cold for the heat pump to keep up. 

Dual-fuel systems deliver comfort, energy savings, and reliability—the perfect combination for Pennsylvania’s variable winters. 

So, Which System Is Right for You? 

At the end of the day, the ideal heating system depends on your lifestyle, specific location, and needs.  

A Furnace May Be Best If You: 

• Live in an older or less insulated home. 

• Want strong, instant heat in freezing conditions. 

• Have access to affordable natural gas. 

A Heat Pump May Be Best If You: 

• Are focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. 

• Want a single system for heating and cooling. 

• Have a well-insulated or recently built home. 

A Dual-Fuel System May Be Best If You: 

• Want the efficiency of a heat pump and the reliability of a furnace. 

• Are looking for a long-term, cost-effective comfort solution for PA’s changing climate. 

Furnace Repair in Chester, PA, Heat Pump, or Dual-System Installation: We Are Here to Keep Your Home Warm 

If you’re still unsure of what the right heating solution is for your home and budget, it may be time to call the experts. Whether it’s a high-efficiency furnace, a cold-climate heat pump, or a dual-fuel system, Summers & Zim’s can assess your home, give personalized suggestions (and a clear quote so that you know what you’re committing to without any surprises) and feel confident knowing all our work is covered by our 5-Point Guarantee. 

No matter which heating system you choose, proper installation and regular maintenance are key to comfort and performance. Contact us today—our licensed HVAC experts will ensure your comfort all season long.