Buyer’s Guide: Compare Electric Heating Options
In a typical Minnesota home, heating accounts for over 70% of the home’s energy use. Transitioning to a high-efficiency, electric heating system can significantly reduce your home’s carbon emissions. Many electric heating options also include cooling, which can increase your energy savings. In this article, we compare the electric heating systems that are best for Minnesota’s climate, including those that offer cooling options.
Types of Heating
Your home’s current system may affect how you choose to electrify your heating. For our recommendations by system, read this resource on choosing electric and dual fuel (partially electric, partially gas) heating systems. For our overview of the available system types, keep reading.
Summary
There are several options for electrifying your heating system based on your home, budget, and preferences. Each technology listed below has its own benefits, challenges, and ideal applications. For most people and homes, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) offer the best blend of affordability, efficiency, and flexibility, making them our top recommendation.
A more detailed explanation of each technology is available below.
| Relative Lifetime Carbon Emissions | Equipment Lifespan | Heat Type | Includes Cooling | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Recommendations | ||||
| Air Source Heat Pump with Gas Secondary (35°F Switchover*) | Medium | 15–20 years | Forced air | Yes |
| Air Source Heat Pump with Electric Resistance Secondary | Low | 15–20 years | Forced air | Yes |
| Other Recommendations | ||||
| Ground Source Heat Pump | Lowest | 15–20 years for the heat pump; 20–25 years for the underground loops | Forced air or radiant | Yes |
| Air-to-Water Heat Pump | Low | 15–20 years | Forced air or radiant | Maybe |
| For Comparison | ||||
| High-Efficiency Gas Furnace | High | 15–20 years | Forced air | No |
| Standard Efficiency Gas Boiler | Highest | 20–25 years | Radiant | No |
| Electric Boiler | Medium-High | 20–25 years | Forced air or radiant | No |
*The switchover temperature on an ASHP is the temperature at which the heat pump switches to the secondary heating system.
System Options
Your current heating system will be a major factor in choosing an electric heating system. Other considerations as you make the switch include the upfront costs, the ongoing costs, your preferred heating methods, your home’s existing ductwork, and more. In most of Minnesota, a secondary heating system will also be required for very cold weather.
Top Recommendation
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) provide heating and cooling by moving existing heat around, instead of generating new heat. The efficiency of an ASHP depends on the outdoor temperature, with efficiency being at its highest in mild temperatures and dropping in colder temperatures. In Minnesota’s cold climate, most homes will need secondary heating for incredibly cold temperatures. Even with secondary heating, ASHPs are a more efficient heating and cooling system.
For most people, ASHPs offer the best blend of affordability, availability, effectiveness, and flexibility. Find more detailed information on ASHP technology, including the best type of ASHP for your home and preferred contractors for ASHP installation, from the Minnesota Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative.
Other Recommendations
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) transfer heat from the ground through underground loops. Because underground temperatures are more stable all year, GSHPs are the most energy efficient heat pump option. However, installing the underground loops for existing buildings can be complicated and expensive, making them less common in cities.
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
Air-to-water heat pumps (AWHPs) transfer heat between the air surrounding the unit and a tank of water or indoor water loop. The AWHP then moves the water through radiators or in-floor loops to reach the set temperature. Some AWHPs can provide cooling, depending on the way the system is set up. Installing an AWHP is often complicated and expensive, and it may require prior weatherization or radiator replacement. In addition, this technology is relatively new, so finding contractors who are familiar with them can be difficult.
Other Electric Options
As you research electric heating, you may find other options, like electric boilers or electric resistance baseboards. Electrify Everything Minnesota does not recommend these options for most homes because they use outdated technology, making them more inefficient and costly to operate than the above options.
Secondary Heating Systems
Some heating systems, like ASHPs and AWHPs, require backup heating systems when outdoor temperatures get low enough. That system, sometimes called a secondary heating system, can use electricity or natural gas. Each has its own benefits and challenges, which will change based on factors like your home’s ductwork, your budget for upgrades, and your energy bills.
| Type of System | All-Electric | Dual Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Current Furnace/Boiler | Remove | Keep or replace |
| New Primary Heating System | Air source heat pump | Air source heat pump |
| Backup Heating System | Electric resistance | Furnace/boiler |
| Relative Lifetime Carbon Emissions | Low | Medium |
All-Electric Systems
All-electric systems reduce the most emissions over time. They work best in very efficient, weatherized homes. In an all-electric system, a heat pump would provide your heating and cooling in milder temperatures, and you would use an electric resistance backup heating system for colder temperatures. In many homes, transitioning to an entirely electric heating and cooling system will reduce your natural gas bill but increase your electric bill, especially in the winter.
Dual Fuel Systems
Dual fuel systems use a combination of electric heating and cooling in milder temperatures with a gas backup heating system for colder temperatures. This option can keep your energy bills reasonable while reducing your emissions compared to a gas-only system, making it a pragmatic choice in Minnesota’s cold climate. Dual fuel systems can also be easier to install and set up. Replacing an existing gas boiler or furnace while you install a heat pump can be one way to make your home more energy efficient while using a dual fuel system.
Maximize Your Efficiency with Weatherization
No matter what heating and cooling system you choose, weatherization will reduce the energy needed to heat your home. This will make your electric heating and cooling more effective and affordable. To understand your options for weatherization, visit our weatherization guide or get a home energy audit.
Financial Incentives
Financial incentives for heating and cooling upgrades vary based on location. You may be eligible for utility, City, State, and federal rebates, tax credits, and other incentives. For full financial incentive details, please visit our incentives page. For additional help paying for your upgrade, consider a home energy loan from Center for Energy and Environment (CEE).
High-Efficiency Heating and Cooling with Electrification
Electrify Everything Minnesota encourages homeowners to electrify their homes in the order that makes sense for their circumstances. An entirely new heating and cooling system can be a significant investment, even with the available financial incentives and financing opportunities.
No matter how you electrify, we’re here to help. If you live in Hennepin County or Rochester, you can contact an Electrify Everything Advisor for more guidance on the system that may work for you, available financial incentives, trusted contractors, and more. If you live outside that region, we recommend you consider an energy audit or speaking directly with a contractor.