As energy prices continue to rise nationwide, many homeowners are looking for better — and more affordable — ways to stay warm. One such homeowner took to Reddit to share how an energy-efficient heat pump helped them brave a multiday cold front for less than the cost of their previous propane furnace.
The Pennsylvania homeowner explained that they recently replaced a propane furnace and air conditioner with a Napoleon heat pump. The homeowner said the new centrally ducted heat pump was about the same price as a new propane furnace and air conditioner, after a $2,000 government tax credit.
But the real test came when the new system had to heat the homeowner's 2,500-square-foot Pennsylvania home in the heart of winter.
"A cold front moved in the past few days," the homeowner wrote in the post. "Temperature highs for the days have been 19 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperature lows have been 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The Napoleon heat pump has maintained the set indoor temperature of 67 degrees without issue so far. The air blowing out of the vents is 90-100 degrees, so I do not think the heat strips have ever been activated. It's truly amazing technology."
The homeowner said they "did the math" and found that their heat pump was far more cost-effective than a propane furnace. Based on their estimates, temperatures would have to drop to -22 degrees Fahrenheit for a propane furnace to become more cost-effective, assuming gas stayed at $2.35 per gallon.
If you're interested in seeing whether you could save money with a new HVAC or heat pump, check out TCD's HVAC Explorer.
"Southeast Pennsylvania never gets to -22 degrees Fahrenheit, so I think it is safe to assume that with current prices, the heat pump will always be more cost-effective than a propane furnace," the homeowner wrote.
The homeowner said they didn't know if the system's heat strips are being used to keep up with the demand, which may impact pricing. These heat strips are a coil-like heating element — similar to those in a space heater — that supplements the main heat pump when it can't keep up with the heating demand.
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"You'll know by your electric bill if the heat strips are being used," one commenter wrote.
If you're like most homeowners, heating and cooling needs make up the biggest portion of your home's energy use. That's why upgrading your outdated system is one of the most effective ways to immediately lower your utility bills and shield yourself from rising energy prices.
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Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to buy a heat pump? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Lower energy bills 💰 By switching to newer, cleaner equipment, you can dramatically cut the amount of energy your home needs to stay comfortable throughout the year. If you're unsure where to begin, TCD's HVAC Explorer is designed to guide you step-by-step.
The HVAC Explorer can help you understand your options and learn how a new HVAC or heat pump could help you save up to 50% on your energy bills, including $0-down subscription choices and other flexible paths to getting started.
The HVAC Explorer also connects you with trusted partners that specialize in efficient heating and cooling upgrades. One of these partners is Palmetto, a company that makes the entire process surprisingly accessible — even if you're trying to avoid a major initial purchase.
With Palmetto, you can save up to 50% on heating and cooling by switching to a high-efficiency system. Or you can choose a $0-down HVAC upgrade, with subscription lease payments starting as low as $99 per month — all backed by 12 years of free maintenance.
If you want to take your energy savings even further, pairing an HVAC upgrade with home solar panels can make a significant difference. The combination can help you save up to 50% on your current energy bills by reducing both your energy use and the cost of your home electricity.
Producing your own clean solar electricity greatly reduces the operating costs of a high-efficiency HVAC system. In fact, a solar panel system can bring the cost of the electricity you use each day down to — or near — $0.
So, if you're curious about whether solar could work for your home, TCD's Solar Explorer is a simple starting point that helps you compare options, curate competitive bids, and potentially save up to $10,000 on installation costs.
As you continue to lower your home's energy usage, there's another helpful tool to explore. The free Palmetto Home app lets you earn up to $5,000 in rewards to put toward home upgrades — all by taking simple, everyday actions that promote sustainability and efficiency.
With all these tools in your pocket, the bitter winter cold — and rising energy prices — won't stand a chance.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
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