Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which Is Best for Kansas City Homes

If you’ve spent a few winters in Kansas City, you know how unpredictable the weather can be. One week you’re scraping frost, the next week it’s mild enough for open windows. With that kind of swing, your heating system has to do some heavy lifting. When it’s time to replace it, many homeowners ask the same question: should I choose a furnace or a heat pump?

Both systems can keep your home comfortable, but they work differently and each one has its strengths. At Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we install and service both. Here’s what to know before deciding which is right for your Kansas City home.

How Furnaces Work

A furnace generates heat by burning gas or using electric coils, then moves that warm air through your ducts to heat the house.

Furnace advantages:

• Delivers strong, consistent heat in freezing weather
• Works well with existing gas lines
• Heats quickly when temperatures drop

Furnace drawbacks:

• Heats only, no cooling
• Costs depend on gas and electricity rates
• Needs yearly maintenance for safety and efficiency

A well-maintained furnace can last 15 to 20 years. It’s still the most common system in Kansas City because it handles deep winter cold without a problem.

How Heat Pumps Work

A heat pump moves heat instead of generating it. In winter, it transfers warmth from the air outside into your home. In summer, it reverses direction and cools your house like an air conditioner.

Heat pump advantages:

• Provides heating and cooling in one unit
• Energy efficient in moderate weather
• Uses less electricity than electric resistance systems

Heat pump drawbacks:

• Efficiency drops in extreme cold
• Higher upfront installation cost
• Runs all year, so it needs regular tune-ups

ENERGY STAR reports that modern heat pumps can cut electricity use for heating by up to 50 percent. In Kansas City, most homeowners use them with a backup furnace for the coldest days.

Kansas City Climate and Heating Performance

Kansas City winters can be rough. Temperatures often dip below freezing, and cold winds test any heating system. Furnaces thrive in these conditions, producing reliable heat fast.

Heat pumps work well most of the year but can struggle when the air outside drops into the teens. That’s where dual-fuel systems help. A dual-fuel setup combines both systems: the heat pump handles mild days efficiently, and the furnace takes over automatically when the weather turns bitter cold.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, most Midwest homes still use natural gas for heating. But more Kansas City homeowners are considering electric and hybrid options to save energy and lower emissions.

Comparing Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces

The best system for your home depends on your comfort goals, your budget, and how your home handles Kansas City’s winter temperatures. Let's break down the key differences between furnaces and heat pumps.

Cost Comparison

Upfront

Furnaces generally cost less to install, especially if your home already uses gas. Heat pumps cost more but replace both heating and cooling systems in one go.

Operating

Furnaces burn fuel to create heat, while heat pumps use electricity to move heat. Depending on utility rates, one may cost less than the other in a given season.

Maintenance

Both systems should be serviced once a year. Heat pumps need it a little more since they run year-round.

The Department of Energy says heating makes up about 30 percent of a home’s energy use. Choosing an efficient system makes a noticeable difference on your bills. Many Kansas City homeowners also take advantage of local rebates through Evergy or Spire for high-efficiency upgrades.

Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Furnaces use an AFUE rating to show efficiency. High-efficiency furnaces reach up to 98 percent AFUE, converting nearly all the fuel into usable heat.

Heat pumps use SEER for cooling and HSPF for heating. Because they move heat instead of producing it, they can deliver up to three times more heat energy than the electricity they use.

If your electricity comes from cleaner sources, a heat pump can lower your home’s carbon footprint. But even modern furnaces run cleaner and more efficiently than older models.

When a Furnace Makes More Sense

• Winters with long stretches below freezing
• Homes with existing gas service
• Homeowners who want fast, strong heat

A furnace is still the best fit for many Kansas City homes that face harsh winters and need reliable warmth all season.

When a Heat Pump Makes More Sense

• Homes needing both heating and cooling in one system
• Energy-conscious families looking to lower year-round costs
• Houses without access to natural gas

Heat pumps make sense for Kansas City’s milder months and for newer, well-insulated homes that hold heat longer.

Dual Fuel Systems

A dual fuel system gives you both options. The heat pump keeps your home comfortable most of the year, and the furnace kicks in when the temperature drops too low.

This setup saves energy without sacrificing comfort or reliability. Anthony PHC installs and services dual fuel systems for Kansas City homeowners who want the most efficient heating option available.

Choosing the Right Heating System

At Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we have been helping Kansas City homeowners stay comfortable for decades. Our team installs and services both heat pumps and furnaces and can walk you through the pros and cons for your home.

Schedule a free consultation today. We will help you decide the best heating solution for your home.