When your home’s comfort is on the line, having the right heating system makes all the difference. Gas furnaces and heat pumps are two of the most common types of home heating systems, each with its own pros and cons.

North Atlanta doesn’t see months of subfreezing temps, so you don’t need the brute force of a furnace most of the year. Modern heat pumps offer efficient heating in our mild winters and cool, dehumidified air all summer, often at a lower operating cost than gas. Still, it can be helpful to know more about the two options so you can make a confident choice. 

Heat Pumps Deliver Comfort All Year

A heat pump is a versatile system that quietly provides heating and cooling, making it a convenient option for homeowners who want year-round comfort in a single unit. Unlike furnaces, which create heat, heat pumps move it from one place to another. In the winter, they pull warmth from the air outside into your property. In the summer, they reverse the process to keep things cool.

For areas with mild to moderate winters, heat pumps are highly energy-efficient and can help lower monthly energy bills. Homeowners looking for an eco-friendly system that works across all seasons often find heat pumps to be a smart investment.

Look for a company that can provide the following heat pump services, all from one team:

  • Heat pump installation: You want a team that guides you through system selection and provides expert installation so your home is equipped with a reliable, energy-efficient unit. If your unit is older than 10 years or you notice an increase in electricity bills, it may be time for a new heat pump. 
  • Heat pump repair service: When unexpected breakdowns happen, choose technicians who respond quickly to restore comfort and peace of mind. 
  • Regular heat pump maintenance: Regular tuneups will keep your heat pump working efficiently, extending its longevity and reducing the need for costly repairs. You'll need HVAC experts to maintain drains, filters, thermostats, refrigerants, and other components. 

Furnaces Offer Dependable Winter Warmth

When temperatures drop, furnaces provide steady, powerful heat that keeps homes warm. They're especially effective in regions that experience long, frigid winters. 

Unlike heat pumps, furnaces create heat by using electric resistance or burning natural gas or propane. A heat exchanger warms air, and the blower pushes that air through your ducts. Sealed‑combustion, high‑efficiency models vent outdoors and draw combustion air from outside.

For many families, a furnace is the tried-and-true choice for dependable heating. These systems can warm a home quickly, and with proper installation and care, they often last for 15-20 years. If you’re weighing the heat pumps vs. furnaces decision, your local climate plays a big role — furnaces are often the most reliable solution in colder areas.

When considering a furnace, you need services designed to support you from installation through the life of your system. Choose a team that offers:

  • Furnace installation: Choose knowledgeable furnace installers who can help you choose the right model for your home and provide professional installation for long-term performance.
  • Furnace repair services: If your system struggles to keep up or stops working, you'll need a company that provides efficient repairs to restore comfort.
  • Furnace tuneups: Preventive maintenance will improve energy efficiency, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and help extend the life of your furnace. 

Comparing Indoor Air Quality

Heat pumps offer a slight advantage in terms of indoor air quality. Because they're electric, there's no on-site combustion, which means there's no risk of carbon monoxide (CO) or nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) from the system. Heat pumps also offer effective dehumidification in summer through steady, gentle airflow when paired with a quality filter.

Gas furnaces use combustion. Modern units are very safe with proper venting, but there’s still a CO risk if something fails. Professional installation and maintenance are the best ways to maintain safety and peace of mind. 

Energy Efficiency at a Glance

Heat pumps move heat instead of making it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a professionally installed air-source heat pump often delivers two to four units of heat per unit of electricity used. In North Atlanta's climate, many homes see lower heating energy use most of the season.

Furnaces convert fuel to heat. High‑efficiency gas furnaces run at 90-98.5% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), meaning nearly all of the fuel becomes heat. Real‑world operating cost vs. a heat pump will depend on local gas and electric rates and how often you need full‑output heating. In our climate, many homes still come out ahead with a heat pump most of the season. If you’re replacing an AC anyway, a heat pump often adds efficient heating for a small incremental cost.

Should You Get a Furnace or Heat Pump?

Although deciding between a heat pump and a furnace comes down to your specific needs, North Atlanta’s usually above-freezing winters and long, humid summers are tailor-made for heat pumps. 

Heat pumps deliver year-round flexibility and energy savings, while furnaces provide consistent heating power for colder climates. Because heat pumps use electricity so efficiently, they can greatly reduce winter energy waste and lower your heating costs. 

That said, a furnace might still make sense in some situations. Furnaces can be a great choice if you:

  • Love very hot supply air and fast blasts of heat.
  • Have an older, drafty home needing high output on the coldest nights.
  • Already have a newer gas furnace in great shape — no need to replace it prematurely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still weighing your options? Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. 

Will a Heat Pump Keep My Home Warm on the Coldest Nights? 

Yes. Most days are no problem — on the rare extra-cold nights, auxiliary heat or dual-fuel covers the gap.

Do I Need Backup Heat? 

Many homes do fine with built-in electric backup. Dual-fuel is great for ultimate peace of mind.

What if I Already Have Gas? 

If your furnace is newer, consider keeping it and upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump for cooling and transitional heating.

How Long Do Heat Pumps Last? 

Heat pumps can last 12-15 years with proper maintenance.

Choose the Right Heating Solution in North Atlanta

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® is here to help you decide between heat pumps vs. furnaces and provide the service you need to keep your home comfortable all year long. If you’re ready to take the next step, give our licensed technicians a call or book a service online. 

We’ll run a Manual J load calculation, check your ductwork, and provide side-by-side options — heat pump, dual-fuel, or furnace — tailored to North Atlanta homes. Get in touch to learn more.