Comparison
Heat Pump vs Central AC
Compare heat pumps and straight-cool central AC with electric strip heat on installed cost, efficiency, heating performance and lifespan.
Verified August 2026
Heat pump or Central AC + strip heat?
Heat pump wins for most homeowners
In Florida a heat pump is the better default. It adds roughly $500-$1,200 to installed cost and repays that within a few winters by heating at 2-3x the efficiency of electric resistance strips.
Head to head
| Factor | Heat pump | Central AC + strip heat |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $6,000 – $13,000 | $5,200 – $11,000 |
| Cooling performance | Identical | Identical |
| Heating efficiency | COP 2.5 – 4.0 | COP 1.0 (resistance) |
| Winter operating cost (Florida) | $120 – $260 per season | $300 – $650 per season |
| Cold weather performance | Falls back to strips below ~35°F | Consistent but expensive |
| Lifespan | 10 – 15 years (runs year round) | 12 – 16 years |
Which should you choose?
Choose Heat pump if…
- • You are in Florida or the Gulf South
- • You use heat more than a handful of nights
- • You want lower total energy cost
Choose Central AC + strip heat if…
- • You almost never run heat
- • You want the lowest possible install price
Frequently asked questions
Do heat pumps work in Florida?
Very well. Florida winters rarely drop into the range where a heat pump loses efficiency, so it is the standard recommendation for new installs statewide.
Sources
Sources & verification
Last verified August 2026. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing — they are not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.