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AT&T, Verizon reject Buttigieg's request to delay next 5G launches
AT&T, Verizon reject Buttigieg's request to delay next 5G launches
AT&T and Verizon have rejected a request by US transportation officials to delay the planned launch this week of certain 5G wireless services, but offered to limit the power of their signals for six months, giving regulators more time to study how they could affect aircraft operations.
The rejection, which came in a letter from the companies on Sunday, was a response to a request made Friday by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Steve Dickson, administrator for the US Federal Aviation Administration, asking that the wireless carriers delay the launch of the services because of aviation safety concerns. The faceoff over the Jan. 5 service launch comes amid concern that these 5G signals, which use the C-band spectrum rather than other airwaves already in use for 5G services, could interfere with radio altimeters, which rely on similar signals to measure how far above the ground an airplane is at any given time.
Failure to act would result in "widespread and unacceptable disruption as airplanes divert to other cities or flights are canceled, causing ripple effects throughout the US air transportation system," Buttigieg and Dickson warned in a letter (PDF) to the companies' chief executives.
AT&T CEO John Stankey and Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg said Sunday that instead of delaying the deployment, they would adopt the same C-band radio exclusion zones already in place in France near runways at certain airports. (The FAA dispute doesn't involve T-Mobile's 5G network, which operates on a different spectrum frequency.)
"France provides a real-world example of an operating environment where 5G and aviation safety already co-exist," the CEOs wrote in the letter (see below). "If US airlines are permitted to operate flights every day in France, then the same operating conditions should allow them to do so in the United States."
The FAA said it's reviewing the letter, adding that US aviation safety standards would guide its next actions. The Transportation Department couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
The new 5G C-band spectrum is expected to offer faster and wider-reaching signals, improving on the relatively short range of higher-speed millimeter-wave 5G and providing speedier connections than the 4G LTE-like low-band 5G. Wireless companies are promoting 5G as both the next step technologically and a critical update offering faster internet speeds and reliability.
Airline companies filed an emergency request with the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday, threatening to sue if the rollout isn't delayed for further study of whether the signals would disrupt cockpit instruments.
In the past, the wireless industry has said it will take precautions to make sure 5G doesn't interfere with aircraft sensors. Carriers, along with experts from the FCC, have additionally said there are no serious interference issues.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, a proponent of the new 5G services and a Republican, in a tweet Saturday accused the Biden administration of "working to needlessly delay C-Band operations." In a letter to Buttigieg, Carr called the request for a delay "highly irregular" and said the FCC's rules for 5G signals will protect airplane operations from harmful interference.
In November, the FAA warned about potential interference between key cockpit safety devices and cell towers on the ground transmitting 5G signals. And earlier this month, the FAA issued new directives to the airline industry warning that interference from 5G signals using the C-band spectrum could result in flight diversions, but the agency didn't quantify the impact.
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Samsung Neo QLED TVs promise prettier pictures, better gaming at CES 2022
Samsung Neo QLED TVs promise prettier pictures, better gaming at CES 2022
This story is part of CES, where CNET covers the latest news on the most incredible tech coming soon.
Samsung has long made the most popular TVs in the world, and while the company dabbles in unique models like The Frame art TV and massive, expensive Micro-LED TVs, its bread and butter is basic QLED models. At CES 2022, the company didn't make any massive changes to its top-of-the-line Neo QLED models, but those televisions, as evinced by the excellent Q90A I reviewed, already presented a compelling high-end alternative to OLED TVs from the likes of LG and Sony.
Available in 4K and 8K resolution, the 2022 Neo QLEDs augment their mini-LED, local dimming backlights with new extras. One, called Shape Adaptive Light Control is said to reduce stray illumination by analyzing on-screen objects and shaping the light to match. Another, called Object Depth Enhancer, employs more processing to further distinguish the objects from the background. In my experience these types of processing enhancements have subtle effects, at best, so I'll reserve judgment until I can review a new model.
Samsung's new gaming hub for 2022 TVs offers one-stop access to cloud and console games.
Samsung
While the main reason to buy a high-end TV is for better picture quality, Samsung also made a host of other changes to its 2022 Neo QLED and step-down TVs. Here's a quick roundup:
Gaming hub : Launching later this year on "select 2022 Samsung smart TV models" is new dedicated menu section with one-stop access for gaming, whether via the cloud or connected consoles. The full cloud gaming libraries of Google Stadia, Nvidia GeForce Now and Utomik will be available at launch and users will be able to pair third-party controllers to the TV for instant play, no console or other hardware required. The hub will also access to YouTube gaming to follow streamers. Beyond cloud gaming, there's a new game bar with more information available on things like refresh rate or VRR mode, a zoom mode that can expand things like mini-maps and even the ability to pull up a YouTube video alongside a game on-screen -- a boon if you get stuck and need a tutorial.
144Hz refresh rate for gaming: Designed to take advantage of the hastiest video output from high-end PC gaming cards, select TVs will refresh at 144Hz with variable refresh rate. Note that consoles like the Xbox Series X and Sony PlayStation 5 max out at 120Hz, so they won't take advantage of this feature, and in any case, the extra smoothness should be subtle.
New home screen: The main home page itself is now full-screen and offers a "continue watching" playlist of movies and TV from multiple streaming providers, as well as curated recommendations. Another section of the home menu allows easy access to Ambient mode, Samsung's feature that displays art, time and weather and other customizable content when the TV is "off."
Samsung TVs will get a platform dedicated to NFTs.
Samsung
NFT aggregation and purchase: New for 2022 is the ability to buy new NFTs (nonfungible tokens) and display ones you own on the big screen. You can browse and preview an NFT prior to purchase, including analyzing blockchain metadata. The TV can also automatically display settings according to the creator's specifications.
New solar remote with RF harvesting: Samsung introduced solar panels on its TV remotes last year, and for 2022 it adds the ability to recharge by collecting radio waves from objects like your Wi-Fi router and converting them into power.
Watch together: This feature, similar to watch party apps on streaming services, lets you share viewing experiences with friends and family. It relies on a camera on a compatible device or an optional webcam connected to the TV, and Samsung says it works with TV shows, video games and more.
Rotating, motorized wall mount and stand for portrait mode: Last year Samsung introduced The Sero, a 43-inch TV with a built in motor that allows the screen to rotate from standard horizontal (landscape) mode into vertical (portrait mode). In 2022 it will sell a mount that does the same with other TVs. Samsung's 2022 TVs will support vertical viewing with portrait-oriented menu systems and a multiview feature that offers apps like TikTok and YouTube in vertical mode, as well as mirroring and casting from a vertical phone. A key on the remote can rotate the TV.
Samsung didn't announce specific series, pricing or availability for its new QLED TVs.
Galaxy A53 5G: At $450, It Looks Like a Midrange Powerhouse
Galaxy A53 5G: At $450, It Looks Like a Midrange Powerhouse
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy A53 5G on Thursday at the company's Galaxy A event. Priced at $450 (£399, which is around AU$710 converted), the device is the latest in Samsung's midrange A50 series of phones. The A50 phones tend to have the looks of the higher-end Galaxy S devices, paired with a lower price and decent cameras, specs and battery life. Delivering incremental improvements on last year's Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, the A53 5G has a new Exynos 1280 chipset, software tweaks for better display visibility and a few camera and photo editing perks.
The A53's starting price is also $50 cheaper than what last year's A52 cost at launch, with the A53 5G coming in a single configuration of 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card. The A53 5G will also have an 8GB, 256GB configuration, according to Samsung, but it won't be released in the US. Samsung hasn't announced how much that version will cost. T-Mobile and Verizon customers can buy it on March 31, and everyone else can get it April 1 from AT&T, unlocked at Samsung.com and from retailers. You can preorder the phone today and will get a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds Live wireless earbuds for reserving the phone early.
Galaxy A53 5G has few improvements but for a lower price
Though little has changed from the A52, the phone still has an appealing list of features for its lower $450 starting price. It has a large 6.5-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a 64-megapixel main rear camera plus ultra-wide and macro cameras, a 32-megapixel front-facing camera, a 5,000-mAh battery and 25-watt fast charging. The phone also comes with a photo editing tool called Object Eraser, which lets you take unwanted items out of your images, much like the Google Pixel 6's signature Magic Eraser feature.
The Galaxy A53 5G will launch with the latest Android 12 software, and Samsung has guaranteed four years of One UI and operating system upgrades. That means it should get updates through Android 16 in 2025 and five years of security updates.
Though it's not a top-tier phone like Samsung's Galaxy S22, the Galaxy A53 shares a feature with its bigger cousin. The SIM tray and buttons for volume and power are made from recycled post-consumer materials. Yes, that's a small amount of all the plastic in the phone, but it's more than other companies are doing and hopefully signals a trend for Samsung to include more parts made of recycled goods.
Samsung did introduce another phone during the event -- the smaller Galaxy A33 5G, which isn't coming to the US. The A33 5G has most of the same features as the A53 5G, but with less sharp cameras and a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a maximum 90Hz refresh rate, and is somewhat cheaper at 369 euros (converting to $410) or £329, which converts to roughly AU$590.
The only other phone Samsung announced Thursday for the US market is a 4G LTE-only version of the Samsung Galaxy A13. A variant of the $250 A13 5G launched back in December, it trims connectivity options to drop the price to $190. The phone will be sold by Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T, as well as online carriers.
The other A-series phones announced during the event won't be released in the US, but given how successful those phones have been around the world, they're likely to be high-quality devices in their own right.
Cheaper A-series phones lead Samsung's new strategy
Over the last few years, Samsung's share of premium $800-and-pricier phones has fallen. But worldwide it makes one in five phones sold, more than any other manufacturer. The company's domination is mainly due to sales of its A-series of phones, which made up 58% of Samsung's overall smartphone sales in 2021, according to Counterpoint Research data provided to CNET.
The Galaxy A53 5G faces stiff competition from the new $429 iPhone SE, which adds 5G connectivity and the same chipset that powers Apple's latest premium iPhone 13 range but has the same big-bezel layout and single rear camera of its predecessors. That could make Samsung's A-series phones more appealing, with more modern phone designs and multiple rear cameras.
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Review: iPhone 12 Pro Max deserves a spot in your pocket -- if you can get it to fit
Review: iPhone 12 Pro Max deserves a spot in your pocket -- if you can get it to fit
The iPhone 12 Pro Max ($1,199 at Amazon) follows in the footsteps of the 7 Plus and gets camera upgrades that none of the other iPhone 12 models have. At its core the iPhone 12 Pro Max, like all the phones in the iPhone 12 family (the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Mini), has a bunch of things going for it like a new flat-sided design reminiscent of the iPhone 5 and iPad Pro. It has support for 5G, an OLED screen with support for HDR, a ceramic shield covering, an A14 Bionic processor, support for MagSafe wireless charging and it can be submerged to a depth of 6 meters (just under 20 feet) for up to 30 minutes. If you want a deeper assessment of any of these features, take a look at my iPhone 12 and 12 Pro review.
But at a starting price of $1,099 (£1,099, AU$1,849), or a hundred dollars more than the iPhone 12 Pro, this is the question: Are camera upgrades on the 12 Pro Max worth the extra money? The short answer is yes, but not just because of the camera.
If you want the largest screen on any iPhone ever made, the 12 Pro Max is worth the price. If you value having the longest battery life on any iPhone 12, the 12 Pro Max seems like an obvious choice. And yes, if you want to get every last drop of image quality out of your photos and videos, then the iPhone 12 Pro Max is definitely worth it and has earned CNET's Editors' Choice.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a gigantic screen
Despite being only 2 grams heavier than last year's 11 Pro Max, the iPhone 12 Pro Max feels even more solid and well-built. The flat edges, the matte-etched glass back and stainless steel sides are another level of premium fit and finish. The review unit I tested was gold, and the polished sides looked like C-3PO on his best day. But make no mistake, this is a big phone. If you dropped it on someone there's a chance they'd sustain a serious injury.
Defining all this premium bigness is a 6.7-inch OLED screen, which is larger than the 6.5-inch one found on the 11 Pro Max and XS Max ($427 at eBay). The new screen makes the 12 Pro Max a sliver taller and, along with those flat edges, gives the behemoth iPhone a tight robust look.
On the back of this chonky phone is a camera bump that's thicker than an SD card. When the 12 Pro Max is on its back, there's a noticeable gap between the phone and the surface it's on. I realize most people are going to put a case on it, which will level things out.
The 12 Pro Max has the longest telephoto lens found on any iPhone
When Apple announced the iPhone 12 lineup there was a little confusion about which phones had which camera. But here's how it all breaks down. All four phones have the same ultrawide angle and selfie cameras. All four phones have a faster f1.6 aperture lens on the main wide angle camera. That said, the wide-angle camera on the 12 Pro Max is different, which I'll get to in a moment. The 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max also have a lidar sensor, which helps with autofocus in low-light for photos, video and slow motion as well as AR apps. Last, both the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max have a third rear camera with a telephoto lens, but the lens on the 12 Pro Max is longer than the one on the 12 Pro.
At a 65-millimeter equivalent, the new telephoto lens on the 12 Pro Max has a 2.5x optical zoom. Compare that to the 52-millimeter equivalent telephoto lens on the 12 Pro, which has a 2x optical zoom. And that 0.5x extra goes a long way. It's definitely nowhere close to the 5x optical zoom on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, but I was glad to have a little more reach on the iPhone.
On the back of the 12 Pro is a new wide angle camera, a longer telephoto camera, an ultrawide-angle wide and a lidar sensor.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Taking photos where there isn't a lot of light is a weakness of any camera. And the smaller the camera (like the ones on a phone) the more this weakness is amplified. The cameras on the iPhone 12 Pro Max seem built around the singular goal of taking outstanding photos and videos in medium and low-light situations.
One way Apple has addressed this is to give the main wide-angle camera on the 12 Pro Max a larger sensor. Combined with an f1.6 lens, the new sensor gets an 87% improvement in low-light capability, according to Apple. On paper that's impressive. To help things further, the 12 Pro Max has sensor-based optical image stabilization instead of the lens-based OIS found on the 12, 12 Mini and 12 Pro. By stabilizing the sensor, Apple claims you gain the equivalent of a stop of light, which again, on paper is impressive.
For the most part, all these claims seem true. The Pro Max takes great photos in low light, but when compared to photos from the regular 12 Pro, the differences don't jump out at you right away. And that's less of a strike against the 12 Pro Max, and more of an indication of how good the cameras are on the iPhone 12 Pro. We'll be going much more in-depth on photos and videos from both phones in an upcoming camera comparison.
This is a Night Mode photo from the 12 Pro Max.
Patrick Holland/CNET
The 2.5x optical zoom creates great natural-looking background blur here in this photo of an LED lamp.
Patrick Holland/CNET
These next three photos were each taken with one of the rear cameras on the 12 Pro Max. This was taken with the main wide-angle camera.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Here is a shot taken with the 2.5x optical zoom on the 12 Pro Max's telephoto camera. It's impressive how it handles the backlight of the sun.
Patrick Holland/CNET
And here is the same scene taken with the ultrawide-angle camera. Look at the drama the perspective adds.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Night Mode is now on the wide, ultra-wide and front-facing camera. This is a Night Mode selfie.
Patrick Holland/CNET
This was taken with the phone's main wide angle camera.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Here are the same lights again at 2.5x.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Here is another Night Mode shot taken with the 12 Pro Max.
Patrick Holland/CNET
This was taken indoors with mixed lighting on the main camera. The white balance looks a bit off.
Patrick Holland/CNET
This photo of a building at sunset was taken at 5x digital zoom.
Patrick Holland/CNET
There is a lot happening here. I used the 2.5x optical zoom to take a backlit photo of this cactus. I like the way the light made the needles look. And the natural bokeh is creamy and soft.
Patrick Holland/CNET
These trees backlit by the sun really show the chops of the 12 Pro Max's new wide-angle camera. It was able to capture the highlights on the trees without blowing them out to white. And there is minimal noise in the shadows.
Patrick Holland/CNET
If you're on the fence between the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max cameras, ask yourself if the additional size and heft of the Max is worth the benefits you gain in photography? For most people, they're probably not and that's largely because the 12 Pro also has a great all-around camera system. But for people like me, who want the best image quality out of a photo or video taken on a phone, then the 12 Pro Max is worth having in your pocket… if it fits.
One feature I'm excited about is Apple's new ProRAW photo file, which provides the flexibility of a raw photo file but with the smarts of computational photography. Sadly, this feature doesn't come out until later this year.
MagSafe, iOS 14 and the Apple Pencil
Like the rest of the iPhone 12 family, the 12 Pro Max can take advantage of Apple's MagSafe charging and accessories. Thanks to magnets and NFC, the phone can get the most efficient wireless charge when attached to a MagSafe charger. When the phone and charger connect, there is a satisfying slap.
Apple also makes the MagSafe Duo Charger, which can charge a phone and an Apple Watch at the same time. It costs $129, and folds up into a handy travel size. And yes, that seems expensive for a charger even though it was cool to use. The Apple Watch charging portion can be angled up.
But why stop at cases and chargers? What if you could connect an Apple Pencil to an iPhone 12 Pro Max? Technically, thanks to those magnets, you can. But sticking it to the back of the phone is about as much use as you'll get from it since the 12 Pro Max, like all iPhones, doesn't support the Apple Pencil. If there was ever an iPhone to use an Apple Pencil on, it's this one.
Patrick Holland/CNET
I wished Apple took more advantage of the 12 Pro Max's 6.7-inch screen. iPadOS optimizes iOS for the larger screens of the iPad ($182 at Amazon) lineup. What about an "iOS Max" that would allow me to use iPad software features such as Split View on the 12 Pro Max? Or support the use of an Apple Pencil? An iOS that took full advantage of the Max's size would be another benefit to set it apart from the other iPhones Apple sells. And, seriously, a MagSafe Apple Pencil would be a killer accessory.
The 12 Pro Max has big battery energy
The sleeper feature on the 12 Pro Max is its large battery. Apple doesn't say how big the battery is, but during the week I had the phone, it made it through a day and a half without a problem. Over the weekend, it made it all the way through Friday, and by Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. it still had 40% left.
I ran a battery test where the phone plays a looped video in airplane mode. Apple's website says that the 12 Pro Max should last 20 hours doing this. In my test, it lasted 19 hours, 52 minutes. So basically as expected. We'll be running more battery tests over the coming weeks, so bookmark this review for updates.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the A14 Bionic chip. And it's peppy and fast. The A14 chip is as much about giving you great performance now as it is about giving you great performance through years of iOS updates. In benchmark tests for performance the 12 Pro Max was on par with (not surprisingly) the iPhone 12, 12 Mini and 12 Pro. All of the new iPhones hold the distinction of having the most powerful processors in the phones we've tested.
iPhone 12 specs compared to iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
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Splatoon 3 Splatfest World Premiere - Demo Times, How to Join and More
Splatoon 3 Splatfest World Premiere - Demo Times, How to Join and More
Splatoon 3 is only two weeks away from launching on the Nintendo Switch, but you have a chance to sample the game early right now with the Splatfest World Premiere demo. This free, limited-time demo event takes place today only and lets all Switch owners get some hands-on time with the colorful team shooter ahead of its release.
Here's everything you need to know about the Splatfest demo, from what time it starts to how to participate in the event. For more on the game, be sure to check out our roundup of everything you need to know about Splatoon 3.
What is the Splatfest World Premiere?
The Splatfest World Premiere is a demo-slash-beta test for Splatoon 3. Players who download the demo now can explore the game's main hub area, Splatsville, and take part in a brief tutorial that explains the basics of gameplay. Then, on Aug. 27, Nintendo will be hosting the headlining attraction: Splatoon 3's first "Splatfest," a type of in-game event in which you pick a team and earn points for your side by playing in Turf War matches.
When does the Splatfest World Premiere start?
The Splatfest World Premiere demo will be playable starting Aug. 25, but the Splatfest itself takes place Saturday, Aug. 27. In the Americas, the event will kick off at 9 a.m. PT (12 p.m. ET) and run for 12 hours, wrapping up at 9 p.m. PT (12 a.m. ET).
Unlike Splatfests in previous Splatoon games, the World Premiere event will be divided up into two halves. During the first half of the Splatfest (until 3 p.m. PT), players will take part in traditional four-versus-four Turf War battles. During the remainder of the event, however, you'll be pit in new Tricolor Turf Wars. Four players from the first place team and two players from the second and third place sides will compete in a three-way battle.
How do I join the Splatfest?
To join the Splatfest World Premiere, all you need to do is download the free demo client from the Nintendo eShop and log in during the event hours.
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online?
Since the Splatfest is an online event, you'll need to have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to participate. If you're not already a member, Nintendo is giving everyone who installs the demo a free seven-day trial to the service.
You'll receive the free trial code via email after downloading the demo client. The code can be redeemed through the Nintendo eShop, but it will expire on Aug. 31, so you'll need to use it before then if you're hoping to take advantage of the free trial.
What do you do in the Splatfest?
In previous games, Splatfests traditionally asked you to join one of two opposing sides and duke it out for supremacy. Splatoon 3 is shaking things up a bit by giving you three different teams to choose from, but the basics are otherwise the same. Head to the Splatfest terminal in the Splatsville plaza, choose which side you want to rep, and then jump into online matches to earn points for your team.
For the Splatfest World Premiere, Nintendo is asking players to determine, once and for all, which is best: rock, paper or scissors?
Keep in mind that your Splatfest decision is final. Once you choose a side, you can't switch teams, so think carefully before making your selection.
Once the Splatfest is live, you can jump into Splatoon's signature online mode: Turf War. Unlike a typical online shooter, the objective of this mode is not to eliminate the other team, but rather to cover more of the map with your ink. The team that has inked the most turf at the end of three minutes will win the match.
Treehouse Live Stream
Ahead of the Splatfest World Premiere, Nintendo aired a Treehouse: Live stream featuring Splatoon 3 on Aug. 25. The stream provided a closer look at the game's single-player mode, as well as a couple of stages that will be featured during Saturday's Splatfest. Nintendo also showcased new gameplay for Square Enix's upcoming fantasy farming sim, Harvestella.
You can watch a replay of the Treehouse: Live stream below.
Splatoon 3 is set to launch for Nintendo Switch on Sep. 9. You can save $11 on the game with CNET's exclusive preorder deal.
Nintendo has a variety of free updates planned for Splatoon 3 following its release, including new stages, weapons and modes. The company also teased a "major" paid DLC expansion that will feature Splatoon 2's popular idols, Pearl and Marina, although no other details about it have been announced yet.
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Heat pump vs. furnace: Learn the difference between these two heat sources
Heat pump vs. furnace: Learn the difference between these two heat sources
As a homeowner, you know the importance of controlling the temperature in your home, especially when it comes to keeping your home warm during the winter. One question that homeowners must answer is whether to buy a heat pump or a furnace. Each heating solution has some serious advantages and is better in certain situations.
In this article, we'll explore the primary differences between a heat pump and a furnace, including their cost, installation, performance and more. Then, we'll help you decide which is right for you.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a part of a home heating and cooling system and an energy-efficient alternative to a furnace and air conditioner. A heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm one. In the winter, it takes the heat from outdoors and uses it to heat your home. And during the summer, it moves the heat from inside your home to outside to cool your home.
A heat pump is more efficient than a furnace because it doesn't actually generate heat -- it simply relocates it. And even though it doesn't generate heat, it can still provide for a comfortable temperature in your home.
What is a furnace?
A furnace is the type of heating system that most homeowners are more familiar with. This home appliance uses fuel -- often natural gas -- to generate electricity in your home. Using either a pilot light or an electronic ignition, your furnace creates heat and blows it through your home.
The primary components of a furnace are the burner that burns the fuel, the heat exchangers that transfer the heat, a blower fan to distribute the heat in your home, and a flue to serve as an exhaust for gaseous by-products.
Heat pump vs. furnace
Cost
One of the first questions that homeowners are likely to ask when comparing a heat pump and a furnace is which costs more. First, your costs will depend on what your home is already equipped for. Homes with direct access to natural gas may find that a furnace is more affordable. On the other hand, a home without natural gas access will likely pay more to install the furnace. But everything else being equal, a heat pump is usually more affordable.
Maintenance
While both a heat pump and a furnace will require some recurring maintenance, the maintenance requirements for a furnace are lower than those for a heat pump. As a result, your long-term maintenance costs will also be greater for your heat pump.
Performance
The performance difference between a heat pump and a furnace varies significantly depending on where you live. Remember that while furnaces generate heat, heat pumps only transfer it from the outside. In moderate temperatures, a heat pump is likely to work better. That's not to say a heat pump won't work in colder climates -- a heat pump can draw heat from outside even when the temperature is below freezing. But the colder it gets, the more difficult it is for the heat pump to transfer heat. Meanwhile, a furnace will continue to generate heat even in cold climates.
Energy usage
One of the greatest benefits of a heat pump is its energy efficiency. As we've mentioned, furnaces generate heat while heat pumps only transfer it. As a result, heat pumps need significantly less energy to operate. That being said, remember that heat pumps have to work harder than furnaces in cold weather to keep your home warm. If you live in a cold climate, a furnace may actually be more energy efficient.
Expected lifespan
A properly maintained gas furnace can have a lifespan of 20 years or more. On the other hand, even a well-maintained heat pump heater will have a lifespan closer to 15 years. As a result, a furnace has a longer expected lifespan in most cases.
The bottom line
Now that we've broken down the characteristics of both heat pumps and furnaces, you're probably wondering: Which is better? There's not necessarily one option that's better than the rest. While both the heat pump and furnace have certain advantages, the right heating solution for you largely depends on your situation.
A heat pump might be the better option if you live in a mild climate. In that situation, a heat pump can transfer heat into your home rather than generate new heat, and it's more energy-efficient than a furnace in those situations.
A furnace is probably the right choice for you if you live in an area where it gets very cold during the winter. While a furnace isn't generally as energy efficient as a heat pump in mild climates, heat pumps struggle to keep up in cold temperatures. As a result, a furnace that generates its own heat will perform more efficiently in that type of weather.
