Homeowner guide
Heat pump or furnace in Kentucky?
Both are good choices in Central Kentucky. The right one depends on your home, your fuel and what matters to you.
How they heat
A gas furnace burns natural gas or propane and blows very warm air. A heat pump is an air conditioner that can run in reverse, moving heat from outside air into your home. Because it moves heat instead of making it, a heat pump is very efficient in mild weather.
Kentucky weather
Much of a Lexington winter is mild enough for a heat pump to heat efficiently. On the coldest days it leans on backup heat, which costs more to run.
Dual fuel: both
A dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump heats on mild days, and the furnace takes over when it gets cold. You get heat pump efficiency most of the time and furnace heat when you need it.
What to weigh
- Whether you have natural gas at the house
- Your gas and electric rates
- Your existing ductwork and equipment
- Comfort: furnace air feels warmer at the vent