Siegman & Schaefer (Siegman Forced Air Systems, Inc.) is a veteran-owned plumbing and HVAC company serving Southern Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland since 1992. We install both furnaces and heat pumps — and we'll help you choose the right one for your home.
The Short Answer
For many homes in Southern PA and Northern MD, a heat pump is the more efficient choice — especially when paired with a gas furnace backup in a dual-fuel configuration. But the right answer depends on your home, your fuel source, your budget, and your comfort priorities. Here's how to think through it.
How a Heat Pump Works
A heat pump doesn't generate heat — it moves it. In winter, it extracts heat from outdoor air (even in cold temperatures) and transfers it inside. In summer, it reverses and works like a traditional air conditioner, pulling heat from your home and releasing it outside. One system, year-round comfort.
Because a heat pump moves heat rather than creating it through combustion, it can be 2 to 3 times more efficient than a gas furnace. That efficiency translates directly to lower utility bills.
Will a Heat Pump Work Through PA and MD Winters?
Yes. This is the most common concern we hear, and it's based on outdated information. Older heat pumps struggled below 30°F. Modern cold-climate heat pumps — like the Trane models we install — maintain full heating output down to about 5°F and continue producing meaningful heat well below zero.
In Hanover, PA and Westminster, MD, winter temperatures typically range from the teens to the 40s, with occasional dips into single digits. A modern heat pump handles this range efficiently. For the coldest stretches — those few nights each winter when temperatures drop well below zero — a dual-fuel system automatically switches to a gas furnace backup, giving you the best of both worlds.
Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Key Differences
| Factor | Heat Pump | Gas Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Heating & Cooling | Both in one system | Heating only (needs separate AC) |
| Efficiency | 2–3x more efficient | 95–98% AFUE (high-efficiency models) |
| Operating Cost | Lower in moderate weather | Lower in extreme cold |
| Fuel Source | Electricity | Natural gas, propane, or oil |
| Cold Weather | Effective to ~5°F | Works at any temperature |
| Carbon Footprint | Lower (no combustion) | Higher (burns fossil fuel) |
When a Heat Pump Makes the Most Sense
- • You want one system for both heating and cooling
- • You want to reduce energy costs and your carbon footprint
- • You're replacing both your AC and furnace at the same time
- • You have access to natural gas for a dual-fuel backup
- • Your home has good insulation and ductwork
When a Furnace Makes the Most Sense
- • Your AC is still in good condition and doesn't need replacement
- • You have very low natural gas rates
- • Your home has older electrical infrastructure that would need upgrades for a heat pump
- • You prefer the feel of forced-air gas heat (which produces hotter air than a heat pump)
The Dual-Fuel Sweet Spot
For many homes in our service area, the best answer is both. A dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles heating and cooling most of the year at maximum efficiency. When temperatures drop below the heat pump's optimal range, the system automatically switches to the gas furnace. You get the efficiency of a heat pump and the reliability of gas heat — without thinking about it.
How Much Does a Heat Pump or Furnace Cost?
We do not publish prices because the right cost depends on your home's specific needs — system size, efficiency rating, ductwork condition, electrical requirements, and installation complexity. Free in-home estimates with written proposals before any work begins. Financing available through Wells Fargo Home Projects® and NEIF.
Not sure which is right for your home?
Call (717) 633-1025 for a free in-home assessment, or request an estimate online.