Need AC and Furnace replaced, should I just get a Heat Pump?

Question

This is for a potential flip/rental deal I'm considering buying. I Live in Harrisburg Pennsylvania where winter gets fairly cold. Property needs a new AC and natural gas furnace. My budget for reno is limited, so I'm calculating potential ways to save on it. Instead of replacing these two units, should I just combine it (per se) and get a High Efficiency Heat pump? Will it save me money?

I know natural gas is a very affordable way to heat a home and I would lose that advantage if I were to switch to a heat pump, but since it'll be either a rental or a flip, it won't be me paying for it.

Mike Wood · Answer

@John Fider Given its a flip or rental, i would do what ever is easier and cheaper. You would never get a higher rent or sales price for one over the other, so no need to waste your money.

Kyle Steinmetz · Answer

@John Fider stick with the gas furnace/ ac set up. It is cheaper system from my experience and I seem to have less problems out of the gas furnaces.

JD Martin · Answer

It won't really save you any money on the purchase but it will save you money if you have to ever pay the utilities, and it will save the tenant money and be a more comfortable heat. Sometimes I have to put in heat pumps here when there's no natural gas, and the tenants just do not get the concept of a heat pump. They think they can crank the heat down to 62 all day when they are at work then put it back to 70 when they get home and still get the electrical benefits of a heat pump.

Whenever I have the option to go furnace and AC separate, I do it.

Matthew Paul · Answer

If the ductwork was sized for a gas furnace and air conditioning , it will be undersized for a heat pump . Plus you may have to upgrade your electric panel for a heat pump . Stick with the gas

Need AC and Furnace replaced, should I just get a Heat Pump?

4 Replies