Are Whole House Heat Pumps Worth It?

In the search for energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and future-ready home climate solutions, whole house heat pumps have emerged as one of the top contenders. But are they truly worth the investment?

At Forlssman, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners and businesses transition from conventional systems to high-performance heat pump solutions. In this article, we explore whether whole house heat pumps deliver on their promises—and how you can decide if it’s the right choice for your property.

What is a Whole House Heat Pump?

A whole house heat pump is an all-in-one climate control system designed to:

• Heat your home in winter

• Cool your home in summer

• Optionally provide hot water year-round

Unlike traditional HVAC systems that rely on gas, oil, or resistive electric heating, heat pumps transfer heat from the outside air (even in cold weather) into your home. They use electricity efficiently and can be up to three to four times more energy-efficient than conventional systems.

How does a heat pump work in winter?

Heat pumps can even extract heat from the air during colder months – to explain it properly, we need a little help from science. Air contains a high level of energy, dropping to its minimum only at Absolute Zero temperature (or minus 273 degrees celsius). As temperatures rarely drop below zero degrees celsius in Australia, the air still contains a lot of energy in the cooler months – in fact, almost as much as in summer. Heat pumps harness this energy to heat the air or water and push it to where it needs to go in your home. y to heat the air and push it into your home.

Are They Worth It? 

1. High Energy Efficiency = Long-Term Savings

Whole house heat pumps can reduce your heating and cooling energy consumption by 30–60%, depending on your local climate and insulation quality. Forlssman’s inverter-driven units achieve COP ratings over 3.5, meaning they provide more heat per unit of electricity consumed.

Savings Example: A family replacing a gas furnace and separate AC unit with a Forlssman integrated system can save hundreds of dollars per year on utility bills.

2. All-Year Comfort from One System

One system manages heating, cooling, and sometimes hot water, making maintenance simpler and reducing equipment clutter.

Bonus: Our All-in-One Heat Pump Water Heaters also deliver domestic hot water up to 75°C, making them ideal for daily use and high-demand households.

3. Environmentally Friendly Choice

Heat pumps use renewable ambient air as a heat source and reduce carbon emissions. If powered by solar or clean electricity, their operation is virtually carbon-neutral.

Forlssman systems use refrigerants like R134a or R32, known for their lower global warming potential (GWP).

4. Eligible for Incentives and Rebates

In many countries, switching to energy-efficient systems like heat pumps qualifies for:

• Government rebates

• Utility company incentives

• Tax credits (especially in the EU, UK, and North America)

These incentives help offset upfront costs and make whole house heat pumps more affordable than ever.

Heat pumps are the best way to heat and cool your home, lower your electric bill, and get gas out of your home. Electrify your home with Forlssman's free heat pump guide. Check it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do heat pumps work in cold climates Australia?

Yes, heat pumps can work well in colder climates, including Victoria, Canberra and some parts of New South Wales. Heat pumps can run efficiently using energy from the air – and can still do so in sub-zero temperatures. Some systems will work better than others in colder temperatures, so it’s worth doing your research to find the right one for your climate.

2. Is a heat pump more expensive than AC?

In terms of upfront costs, heat pumps are generally more expensive than air conditioners. Buying an air conditioner may cost up to around $5,000, whereas heat pump costs can often exceed $8,000. That’s excluding installation. Though air conditioners are cheaper upfront, heat pumps can help to provide savings in running costs over time because of their higher energy efficiency. 

3. How long do heat pumps last in Australia?

Depending on the model, heat pumps have an average lifespan of 15-20 years, with some higher quality systems lasting up to 25 years. Air conditioning units typically last for 10-15 years and sometimes, up to 20 years.

4. Is a heat pump cheaper than gas?

Heat pumps may be cheaper to run than gas, but upfront costs can be higher. For example, for a three-person household, using heat pumps with no solar can cost $230 per year on average – compared to $605 for a five-star energy rated gas heater. Plus, in some states, the government may provide rebates for switching from gas to heat pump technology if you are eligible. 

5. What to Consider Before Installing

• Upfront Cost: Initial investment can be higher than traditional HVAC setups, but payback through energy savings usually happens within 5–7 years.

• Insulation: Homes need to be well-insulated for maximum efficiency.

• Climate Zone: Modern heat pumps (like Forlssman’s low-temp models) perform well even in sub-zero environments, but local conditions should be assessed during system planning.

6. Why Choose Forlssman for Your Whole House Heat Pump?

Forlssman specializes in all-in-one air source heat pump systems designed for reliability, energy savings, and quiet operation. Key advantages include:

• Integrated heating, cooling & hot water in a single system

• High-performance inverter compressors

• Quiet and compact units ideal for modern homes

• Professional consultation and technical support

You can read more about each kind of heat pump in our heat pump buying guide.

Conclusion

Are They Worth It? Yes—If You Want Efficiency, Comfort, and Sustainability. Whole house heat pumps are absolutely worth it for homeowners looking to lower energy bills, reduce emissions, and simplify their home’s climate systems. While the upfront cost may be higher than traditional options, the long-term savings, comfort, and environmental benefits make them a smart investment.

Take control of your home's comfort and energy efficiency today. Contact Forlssman for expert consultation, a free system quote, or to learn more about our heat pump solutions. Let us help you design a smarter, greener future—one room at a time.