Heat Pump VS Propane

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Poor Panda

Feb 12, 2025
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Hi. My HVAC system is pretty old now and I’m thinking about these two types of heating system to replace my old one – heat pump or propane furnace. I need advice from people who know live in rural areas like me who knows how to survive on harsh cold weathers for weeks.

I’ve no idea how true the ads about heat pumps are, is it true that the modern heat pumps can withstand these freezing weathers? Or is it just for sales? I know a lot about propane – they have been always my go-to when in times of need.

I think I just need to learn more about heat pumps. I know that they are really expensive at first, but are they worth it in the long run? How about maintenance, are they easy to deal or very hard to maintain?
 
Go with heat pumps, they’re more reliable and cost-efficient compared to propane, they’re unlike the old heat pumps that have bad rep in previous times. I know for a fact that you’ll save more when you choose heat pumps especially in long-term.
 
Rural areas often have power shortages or outages. If you’re going with heat pumps, might as well invest on a good backup generator just in case of often brownouts.
 
Rural areas often have power shortages or outages. If you’re going with heat pumps, might as well invest on a good backup generator just in case of often brownouts.
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Compared to heat pumps, if you didn’t have propane stock in your house, the cost of its delivery is very high especially when you live in remote areas.
 
Three things to remember – efficiency, cost, and comfort. Propane’s efficiency is not as good as heat pumps, especially those modern setups, heat pumps win all the time. While heat pumps can be costly at first, propane is far more expensive in the long run.

For comfort, it depends on the people who use either of these heating systems. Some people prefer the quick and warmer heating propane do, while others go with heat pump’s not drying out the air as much and consistent warming.

My advice is to get heat pump if you can buy it, also get a backup heat source, and insulate your place properly.
 
For harsh weathers like yours, go with propane as a backup, they can beat extreme temperatures such as -10F or even lower temps. Go with propane as your back up in your dual-fuel sys.
 
For harsh weathers like yours, go with propane as a backup, they can beat extreme temperatures such as -10F or even lower temps. Go with propane as your back up in your dual-fuel sys.
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I will ask my installer if they have dual-fuel system option and ask for propane as backup. How much do they usually cost?
 
Glad I switched early into heat pumps from propane. As I computed, I saved so much compared to propane. Also, consider rebates and incentives, they can help you a lot on the front cost. By the way, I live in a similar climate like yours.
 
I will ask my installer if they have dual-fuel system option and ask for propane as backup. How much do they usually cost?
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I think you should get both because it is more practical and convenient. Propane kicks if the heat pump can’t reach your desired temperature.
 
When you want to reduce your carbon footprint, choose heat pump between the two options. Also, think of propane as not the most eco-friendly option.
 
When you want to reduce your carbon footprint, choose heat pump between the two options. Also, think of propane as not the most eco-friendly option.
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No. I know it has to do something with your electric source, if they’re still using coal as energy source, then no – they’re not as eco-friendly as you think they are.
 
Really? Nobody’s considering about the maintenance and life span of either system? If you choose heat pumps over props, you’ll need to do more maintenance just to run them really well – vacuuming outdoor unit and servicing refrigerants. While propane just needs some occasional servicing or cleaning.

Whatever you choose, it’s all up to you. It all depends on the type of person you are.
 
I think you should get both because it is more practical and convenient. Propane kicks if the heat pump can’t reach your desired temperature.
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That’s nice to know, I didn’t think that having propane as backup would be automatic. I thought I would set it up manually.
 
That’s nice to know, I didn’t think that having propane as backup would be automatic. I thought I would set it up manually.
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I didn’t also knew that at first, after having my own, I will never switch back again to my old HVAC system.
 
Compare energy cost in your area. It’s either heat pump is cheaper or more expensive. This way, you’ll scale the two system equally and choose what’s best for you.
 
Compare energy cost in your area. It’s either heat pump is cheaper or more expensive. This way, you’ll scale the two system equally and choose what’s best for you.
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You’re basically right and @User1, have you checked out rebates and tax credits in your area? This might also help you.
 
No. I know it has to do something with your electric source, if they’re still using coal as energy source, then no – they’re not as eco-friendly as you think they are.
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Still, heat pumps are way better than burning propane.
 
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