Oklahoma's climate makes both viable options. Here's how to choose the right heating system for your home.
Oklahoma's relatively mild winters (average January low of 28°F in OKC) make it ideal heat pump territory. Heat pumps work efficiently down to about 30-35°F. Below that, they need supplemental heat. In Oklahoma, that's only a handful of days per year — making heat pumps a strong choice for most homes.
A heat pump provides both heating AND cooling from one system. Instead of burning gas, it transfers heat — like a refrigerator in reverse. This makes it 2-3x more efficient than a gas furnace for heating. Oklahoma homeowners who switch from gas furnace + AC to a heat pump typically save $300-$600/year on combined heating and cooling costs.
If your home already has a gas furnace in good condition and you only need to replace the AC, adding a heat pump instead may not justify the cost difference. Gas furnaces also provide warmer air (120-140°F) compared to heat pumps (90-100°F), which some people prefer. And if natural gas prices are low in your area, the operating cost difference narrows.
A dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace backup. The heat pump handles heating down to about 35°F, then the gas furnace kicks in for the coldest days. This gives you the efficiency of a heat pump 90% of the time with the security of gas heat during ice storms and deep freezes. It's the best of both worlds for Oklahoma's unpredictable winters.
Federal tax credits of up to $2,000 are available for qualifying heat pump installations through the Inflation Reduction Act. Some Oklahoma utility companies also offer rebates. ARP Heat And Air can help you navigate available incentives and determine if a heat pump is right for your home.
At ARP Heat And Air, we've been helping Oklahoma homeowners with their HVAC needs since 2011. Our owner Charlie brings 14+ years of hands-on experience and is known for giving honest, practical advice — not trying to upsell you on services you don't need.
If you have questions or need HVAC service in the OKC metro area, give us a call at (405) 413-0583. We offer free estimates, same-day service, and 24/7 emergency response.
Based in Edmond, OK, we serve 35+ cities across the Oklahoma City metro area. Oklahoma CIB License #00125054. A+ BBB Rated.