Austin averages fewer than 20 nights below freezing, so a heat pump spends most of its winter in the range where it is most efficient.

Running costs

On a 2,000 square foot home, a modern heat pump typically costs $180 to $260 a winter to run. A gas furnace with a matching AC lands between $220 and $320.

When a furnace still makes sense

If your gas line, venting and furnace are under 10 years old, replacing only the AC is often the cheaper move. We quote both options side by side.