[thraway3837]

If I rephrase what you said to make sure I understand it correctly: Cooling costs would be the same as AC units and heating would be cheaper or same depending on the cost of Gas. Would that be correct?

[Schroedingersat]

Generally. Depends a bit on climate, choice of heat pump, and relative energy costs.

A ground loop can make cooling cheaper too, as can upgrading to newer more efficient compressors.

[thraway3837]

Thank you! Also sounds like heat pumps come with multi or infinite stages akin to a CVT to be able to run at any speed for the heating or cooling demands. Rather than legacy units that are only On or Off.

Down in the comments, sounds like MA has good incentives, but not seeing other states. CA is banning new gas installations, so I assume heat pumps are the only way for new developments

[pxmpxm]

I don't believe there is a municipality anywhere in the US where heat pump heating will be cheaper than nat gas on run rate basis.

[datatrashfire]

I actually used https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/land-based-station/us-cli... for my city to develop a model for the cost of btus from either method throughout the year and the heat pumps cope at that hourly temperature, and it was slightly cheaper for heat pump for the entire year. But I also live in a marine influenced climate in the west with low electricity rates.

[datatrashfire]

Yes! It could be more expensive too, the real kicker is utility costs and how cold your climate gets.