As New York moves away from gas and towards an all-electric future, heat pumps are commonly considered for new homes and heating upgrades. A heat pump installation can provide you with year-round heating and cooling. According to a study by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency, they’re also up to three times more efficient than boilers.
How Relevant is a French Heat Pump Study for Long Island Families?
The French study found that air heat pumps had an efficiency coefficient of 2.9, compared to less than 1.0 for older gas and oil boilers.
The climate on Long Island is significantly different from that in France. The average temperature across France (the study was nationwide) ranges from the low 40s to the low 50s in winter. Long Island Temperatures are slightly lower, ranging from the low 30s to the low 40s.
However, the heat pumps used on Long Island are also built differently from those often used in France. They’re designed specifically for cold weather, and can maintain over 70% of maximum efficiency at temperatures as low as 5°F.
- France’s study creates a clear insight for Long Island families. Electric heating is more energy efficient.
- Although Long Island has some of the highest electricity rates in America, they’re still significantly lower than in France. The average cost for PSEG LI Standard throughout 2026 ranged from $0.18 to $0.21 per kilowatt hour. In France, the average ranges from $0.22 to $0.24 per kilowatt hour.
- The takeaway is that a heat pump could have an even better efficiency coefficient if the study were performed on Long Island, because we pay more for electricity and use higher efficiency cold-weather heat pumps.
Should You Invest in a Heat Pump When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Home Heating?
Switching to a heat pump comes with some considerations, but it could be the best option for many families.
- If you have solar panels, running a heat pump is considerably more affordable, as you can generate electricity on your rooftop and use it directly for home heating and cooling.
- If you need to replace an old boiler or furnace with an aging pipe or duct network, switching to mini-split heat pumps could be a more cost-efficient long-term solution.
- Have the needs of your household changed? If your children have moved out and you have consolidated daily living to a few corners of the home, you might not need to pump air or water heating into every room and hallway.
- PSEG LI offers Rate 193 and Rate 195 Time-of-Day rates with much lower night rates. This could be a game-changer for electric heating if you primarily use heating in the evenings and only maintain enough heat in the day to protect your home and its domestic water pipes.
While a heat pump is an efficient and sometimes the best solution for homeowners, it’s not the only option. A modern high-efficiency condensing boiler can rival the efficiency of a heat pump, and it will work with your existing pipework. A ducted furnace can also be quite efficient, although it’s worth noting that gas rates from National Grid are expected to rise as New York moves more aggressively towards electrification.
Get a Detailed Heating Consultation from Your Local HVAC Contractor
France’s recent heat pump study reconfirms the fact that electric heating is the most energy-efficient choice. However, it’s not always the most cost-efficient, because every family has unique needs.
Soundview HVAC is a trusted heating and cooling contractor near you in Suffolk County. We are ready to schedule your home comfort consultation. We will evaluate your heating and cooling needs and recommend a system that makes sense for your lifestyle, budget, and comfort needs. We install heat pumps and all types of equipment, including gas and oil heating, and boilers for radiant heating systems.
Begin your consultation by requesting an appointment online or calling us at 631-209-1744.
