Compare heating systems and find the right fit for your Connecticut home
Side-by-side installed costs, efficiency ratings, and current rebate data for every major heating system — so you can choose with confidence.
How they work
How each system actually heats your home
Heat pumps move heat instead of burning fuel
Transfer, not combustion. A heat pump runs a refrigeration cycle that pulls warmth from outside air and moves it indoors in winter, then reverses in summer to cool — delivering two to four units of heat for every unit of electricity used (COP 2–4), with modern cold-climate models maintaining that efficiency well below freezing.
- COP of 2–4 means far more heat output per dollar than resistance heating
- One system covers both Connecticut winters and humid summers
- Modern cold-climate models hold efficiency well below freezing
Combustion systems burn fuel to make heat
Proven in deep cold, with a clear efficiency ceiling. A gas furnace burns fuel to warm air pushed through ductwork; a boiler heats water circulated to radiators or in-floor loops; high-efficiency models reach around 90% AFUE — but they only heat, never cool, and their running cost rises and falls directly with fuel prices.
- High-efficiency gas furnaces reach ~90% AFUE
- Only heat — never cool — so summer comfort requires a separate system
- Running cost tied to fuel prices, which fluctuate year to year
How heating systems stack up for Connecticut homes
Scannable cues for the dimensions that matter most. Your best fit depends on your home's fuel access, ductwork, and budget.
| Feature | Heat pump | Gas furnace | Boiler | Electric baseboard | Oil boiler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heats your home? | |||||
| Also cools? | |||||
| Uses existing ducts? | |||||
| Zone control? | |||||
| Installed cost range | $8,000 - $35,000 | $4,500 - $22,000 | $10,000 - $25,000 | $1,500 - $6,000 | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| CT rebates available? | Up to $10,000 | None | None | None | None (conversion incentives exist) |
For most Connecticut homes, a heat pump wins on lifetime cost when rebates are factored in. For homes with natural gas service and existing ductwork, a high-efficiency furnace remains competitive on upfront cost. If you currently have oil or electric baseboard, a heat pump conversion delivers the largest savings and the biggest rebates.
Which fits your home
Matching the system to your Connecticut home
What you already have narrows the right system fast
Infrastructure determines the shortlist. Sound ductwork supports a forced-air heat pump or high-efficiency gas furnace; radiators or in-floor loops suit a boiler or heat pump with air handlers; and homes with no ducts — common in older Connecticut houses and additions — are well served by a ductless mini-split that adds heating and cooling room by room without opening walls.
- Existing ductwork? Forced-air heat pump or gas furnace fits cleanly
- Radiators or in-floor loops? Boiler or heat pump with air handlers
- No ducts? Ductless mini-split adds heat and cooling room by room
Two clear paths exist if you heat with oil today
Oil-to-heat-pump or oil-to-gas — each with different trade-offs. Converting to a heat pump ends fuel deliveries, adds air conditioning, and qualifies for the largest rebates available — up to $10,000 from Energize CT; converting oil to gas keeps a familiar ducted forced-air setup and is often lower upfront where a gas line is already at the street.
- Oil-to-heat-pump: ends deliveries, adds AC, qualifies for up to $10,000 in rebates
- Oil-to-gas: familiar forced-air setup, lower upfront where gas is at the street
- A home energy audit confirms right size and which rebates apply to your address
Three questions that narrow your choice
Answer each question below. Your combination points to the best cooling system for your home.
Why this matters
Homes with existing ducts can use a forced-air heat pump as a near drop-in replacement. Homes without ducts are better suited to ductless mini-splits.
Why this matters
A heat pump handles both cooling and heating in one system. If your furnace or boiler is also aging, replacing both with a heat pump qualifies for larger rebates.
Why this matters
Connecticut offers up to $10,000 in Energize CT rebates for heat pump systems. Central air conditioners and window units have no rebate programs.
For most Connecticut homes, a heat pump provides both heating and cooling with the largest available rebates. If you have ducts, a forced-air heat pump is the simplest upgrade. Without ducts, a ductless mini-split handles both jobs room by room.
With these in mind, see the comparison table above — or jump there now.
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As authorized dealers and installers, we carry top-rated HVAC and home comfort equipment from leading manufacturers.
Installed cost ranges before rebates (2026)
Prices vary by home size, existing infrastructure, and system configuration. All ranges reflect Connecticut market data.
Ductless heat pump
Total costHeats and cools without ductwork. Zoned control for individual rooms.
Forced-air heat pump
Total costUses existing ductwork. Heats and cools your whole home with one system.
Natural gas furnace
Total costReliable forced-air heating where natural gas is available.
Boiler
Total costDistributes heat through radiators or in-floor systems.
Oil-to-gas conversion
Total costSwitch from oil to natural gas for lower fuel costs and cleaner operation.
Oil-to-heat pump conversion
Total costReplace oil with an electric heat pump. Heats and cools with one system.
Gas water heater
Total costStandard or tankless gas water heaters. Reliable hot water where gas service is available.
Heat pump water heater
Total cost3x more efficient than conventional tanks. Federal tax credit eligible (30% up to $2,000).
How to think about your next heating system
Heat pumps transfer heat instead of generating it. Using a refrigeration cycle, they extract heat from outside air and move it indoors. A well-installed air-source heat pump can deliver up to three times more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes (COP 2-4). For Connecticut homes, that means one system that handles both winter heating and summer cooling.
Not every home fits every system. Ductless mini-splits work for homes without ductwork and allow zoned, room-by-room control. Forced-air heat pumps use your existing ducts. Gas furnaces remain cost-effective where natural gas is available. Boilers distribute heat through radiators or in-floor systems. The right choice depends on your home's infrastructure, fuel access, and budget.
Start here to narrow your options
Have gas service and existing ductwork? A high-efficiency furnace or forced-air heat pump may fit best.
No ductwork or adding zones? Ductless mini-split heat pumps offer room-by-room control without ducts.
Want heating and cooling in one? Heat pumps do both, replacing both a furnace and an air conditioner.
Heat pump rebates can cover most of the cost
Federal tax credits and Energize CT rebates make heat pump installation significantly more affordable. Replacing electric baseboard or resistance heat? Your heat pump may qualify for an enhanced Energize CT rebate of $1,500 per ton (up to $10,000) — we confirm eligibility and handle the paperwork.
Energize CT heat pump rebates
Up to $10,000 eligible
As an Energize CT Authorized Contractor, HCP helps you access programs funded by a charge on customer energy bills. Your home energy audit copay is just $40.
- Up to $10,000 for qualifying heat pump installation
- Up to $900 for heat pump water heater
- Rebates based on system size and efficiency rating
Financing for heat pump projects
Low-rate financing
Multiple financing options help you start your heat pump project now without the full upfront cost.
- Smart-E Loan low fixed rates for energy improvements
- On-bill financing pay through your monthly utility bill
What Connecticut families say about our heating work
CT HIC License HIC #0644515 CT HTG License HTG #0303270-S1
Energize Connecticut — programs funded by a charge on customer energy bills.
Not sure which system fits your home?
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