A gas heat furnace typically uses natural gas or propane to create a flame that heats metal heat exchanger plates, inside the furnace. Air from the home is then blown over these hot heat exchangers and is then returned as warm air to the house through ducts.
A heat pump runs off 100% electricity. It is simply an air conditioner running in reverse. To supply warm air, the unit reverses the normal refrigeration cycle and transfers heat from the outdoor air to the inside of the house through the refrigeration inside the system.
A gas furnace will supply slightly warmer air to the home than a heat pump.
The price of electricity and gas, as well as the characteristics of the application, determine which type of unit will be best for you. There is no blanket right or wrong answer to which is better. It all depends on the situation at hand. If you would like to discuss this topic in more detail, feel free to contact our office at (281) 355-1500.