Boiler vs. Heat Pump — Cost Comparison for PA Homeowners (2026)
Boiler vs. Heat Pump — Cost Comparison for PA Homeowners
Real data from McCorry Comfort — 29 boiler jobs and 13 heat pump jobs, January 2024–February 2026
If your boiler is at end of life, you're probably being told to consider a heat pump. That's not wrong — but the comparison is more nuanced than the marketing suggests. Here's a straight look at installed costs, operating costs, and which system makes sense in what situation.
Installed Cost — Boiler vs. Heat Pump
Boiler Replacement Cost
Across 29 boiler jobs in our data, the average was $3,003 — but that average is pulled down by diagnostic-only calls and pulled up by large whole-system replacements. The realistic range for a residential boiler replacement in the Philadelphia suburbs:
| System Type | Installed Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard gas boiler, single-zone replacement | $4,000–$7,000 |
| High-efficiency condensing boiler (Navien, Weil-McLain) | $6,000–$9,000 |
| Full boiler system with indirect DHW and zone additions | $8,000–$15,000+ |
Fort Washington boiler replacement in our data: $8,810. Rockledge: $15,932 (large-scope job). These bracket the upper end of what a complete residential boiler system replacement looks like.
Heat Pump Installation Cost
Our heat pump job data shows an average of $1,298 across 13 jobs — but that's heavily influenced by smaller service calls and maintenance visits. The Berwyn installation in our data was $13,725 — a complete ducted system. The real installed cost range:
| System Type | Installed Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Single-zone mini-split (1 room/zone) | $1,800–$4,000 |
| Multi-zone mini-split (3–4 zones, whole home) | $6,000–$14,000 |
| Ducted whole-home heat pump (existing ductwork) | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Ducted system with new ductwork | $10,000–$20,000+ |
The installed cost gap between boiler and heat pump is smaller than it was five years ago — heat pump pricing has come down, and boiler complexity has kept costs flat or rising.
Operating Cost — Which Is Cheaper to Run?
This is where the conversation gets real. Heat pumps win on efficiency — they move heat rather than generate it. A cold-climate heat pump in Pennsylvania winter conditions achieves a coefficient of performance (COP) of 2–3, meaning 2–3 BTUs of heat output per BTU of electricity consumed. A 95% efficiency gas boiler delivers 0.95 BTUs of heat per BTU of gas consumed.
The practical comparison depends on local energy rates:
| Factor | High-Efficiency Gas Boiler | Cold-Climate Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency rating | 95% AFUE | 200–350% (COP 2–3.5) |
| Fuel type | Natural gas | Electricity |
| PECO gas rate (~2026) | ~$1.10/therm | N/A |
| PECO electric rate (~2026) | N/A | ~$0.14–0.18/kWh |
| Annual heating cost (typical home) | $1,000–$1,800 | $700–$1,400 (varies) |
| Cooling capability | No (separate AC required) | Yes (same system) |
At current Pennsylvania energy prices, a properly-sized cold-climate heat pump typically costs 15–30% less to operate than a high-efficiency gas boiler. But if gas prices drop or electricity rates rise, that margin narrows.
The Real Decision Factors
Your Existing Heat Distribution System
This is the factor most people overlook. Heat pumps deliver heat at lower temperatures than boilers (90–110°F supply versus 160–180°F for boilers). That matters for your distribution system:
- Forced-air ductwork: Heat pumps work well. The duct system already moves air. This is the easiest retrofit.
- Hot-water baseboard (standard): Baseboard radiators are designed for 160–180°F water. A standard heat pump won't get there. You either need a high-temperature heat pump (rare, expensive) or baseboard replacement with fan-coils or radiant panels. This significantly increases project cost.
- Radiant floor heat: Low-temperature radiant systems are actually ideal for heat pumps — the floor works well at 90–110°F. This is one case where a heat pump pairs naturally with existing radiant.
Age of Existing Equipment
If your boiler has 5–10 years of life left and is operating well, replacing it now for a heat pump rarely pencils out. If the boiler is at end of life and you're making a replacement decision anyway, that's the right time to evaluate both paths.
Gas Service at Your Address
Natural gas is available throughout the Philadelphia suburbs. But if you're on propane, oil, or in an area with limited gas infrastructure, heat pump economics improve substantially — you're not comparing gas to electric, you're comparing propane/oil to electric.
Federal and State Incentives
The Inflation Reduction Act heat pump credit is 30% up to $2,000 for qualifying air-source heat pumps (equipment must meet efficiency thresholds). That reduces the effective premium on heat pump installation. Utility rebate programs vary — ask us about current available incentives for your service territory before making the decision.
Our Honest Recommendation
We install both systems and don't have a financial interest in pushing you one way. The reality:
- If you have forced-air ductwork and your furnace or heat pump is at end of life: seriously evaluate a heat pump. The economics and incentives often make it the better long-term choice.
- If you have hot-water baseboard and love radiant heat: replacing the boiler usually wins unless you're willing to fund a full distribution system overhaul.
- If you want whole-home comfort without existing ductwork: multi-zone mini-split systems are worth a hard look. No ductwork, room-by-room control, high efficiency.
Get a Side-by-Side Estimate
Call (215) 399-2056. We'll look at your existing system, run both scenarios, and tell you what each option actually costs — installed, operating, and with applicable incentives. No pressure, no steering. Just numbers.