Are Heat Pumps Worth It in Buffalo’s Cold Winters?

If you have lived in Western New York for more than a year, you know that our winters are the stuff of legend. From the heavy lake effect snow off Lake Erie to the sub-zero wind chills that sweep through Orchard Park and Amherst, our heating systems have to be some of the toughest in the country. For decades, the standard answer for Buffalo homeowners was a powerful natural gas furnace. However, as energy technology evolves, more people are asking about heat pumps.

There is a common misconception that heat pumps only work in mild climates like Florida or Georgia. While that might have been true twenty years ago, the technology has changed dramatically. At Roy’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we want to help you cut through the noise. Deciding if a heat pump is right for your Buffalo home requires looking at modern efficiency ratings, local utility costs, and the specific ways these systems handle the deep freeze.

Is a heat pump worth it in a city known for its blizzards? The answer is a resounding yes, but with a few important caveats regarding installation and system type.

How Modern Heat Pumps Defy the Cold

To understand why a heat pump works in Buffalo, you have to understand how it operates. Unlike a furnace, which creates heat by burning fuel, a heat pump moves heat from one place to another. Even when it feels freezing outside, there is still thermal energy present in the air.

Cold Climate Heat Pumps (ccASHPs)

The game-changer for Western New York is the development of cold-climate heat pumps. These units use advanced variable-speed compressors and specialized refrigerants that allow them to extract heat even when outdoor temperatures drop well below zero.

• The Cut-Off Point: Many high-end models can now operate at 100 percent capacity down to 5 degrees and continue providing warmth at lower efficiencies all the way down to negative 13 degrees.

• Efficiency Gains: Because they move heat rather than creating it, these systems can be up to 300 percent efficient, meaning they provide three times more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume.

The Benefits for Buffalo Homeowners

Choosing a heat pump in the 716 area code offers several advantages that go beyond just staying warm.

Year-Round Comfort

One of the biggest selling points of a heat pump is that it is a two-in-one system. In the winter, it brings heat into your home. In the summer, it reverses the process and acts as a high-efficiency air conditioner. If your current AC unit is aging and your furnace is nearing the end of its life, a heat pump replaces both with a single, sleek system.

Stability in Energy Costs

Buffalo residents are all too familiar with the fluctuating price of natural gas. While electricity prices can also change, they tend to be more stable over the long term. By switching to an electric heat pump, you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and gain more control over your monthly utility budget.

Significant Rebates and Incentives

In 2026, the financial incentives for switching to a heat pump are at an all-time high. Between federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act and local New York State programs like Clean Heat, Buffalo homeowners can often save thousands of dollars on the upfront cost of a new installation. In some cases, these rebates make the cost of a heat pump comparable to a standard furnace and AC combo.

The Dual Fuel Solution: The Best of Both Worlds

While modern heat pumps are incredible, we live in Buffalo. We experience extreme weather events that can push any equipment to its limit. This is why many of our customers choose a dual fuel or hybrid system.

A dual fuel system pairs an electric heat pump with a high-efficiency natural gas furnace.

• The Logic: The heat pump handles the heating duties for the majority of the winter, providing whisper-quiet and highly efficient warmth.

• The Backup: On those rare, brutal nights when the temperature drops to negative 20 or the wind is howling off the lake, the system automatically switches to the gas furnace. This ensures that no matter how bad the weather gets, your family stays safe and warm.

Addressing the Common Concerns

We know Buffalo homeowners are practical people. You likely have a few concerns about making the switch.

Does it Blow Cold Air?

Older heat pumps were known for blowing air that felt lukewarm. Modern systems are designed to deliver air at temperatures that feel comfortable and cozy. While it may not feel like the blast of hot air from an old-fashioned furnace, it maintains a much more consistent and even temperature throughout your home.

What About the Snow?

Heavy snowfall can be a problem if the outdoor unit gets buried. At Roy’s, we install our heat pumps on elevated stands to keep them above the typical snow line. We also recommend placing them under a protective cover or a roof overhang to prevent ice from falling directly onto the fan blades.

Will it Save Me Money?

If you are currently heating with oil, propane, or old electric baseboards, a heat pump will save you a fortune. If you are switching from a relatively new natural gas furnace, your monthly savings might be more modest, but you will still benefit from the improved air conditioning and the long-term environmental impact.

Why Choose Roy’s for Your Heat Pump Installation?

A heat pump is a sophisticated piece of machinery, and the quality of the installation is just as important as the equipment itself. At Roy’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we have been serving the Buffalo community for over 50 years. We understand the local building codes and the specific challenges of Western New York homes.

Our technicians are specially trained in cold-climate heat pump technology. We perform a complete load calculation on your home to ensure your new system is sized perfectly for our climate. We don’t just sell you a box; we design a comfort solution that fits your life and your budget.

A Smarter Way to Heat the Buffalo Home

Is a heat pump worth it in Buffalo? When you factor in the year-round comfort, the massive energy efficiency, and the available tax credits, the answer is a clear yes. While we still love a good backup furnace for those historic blizzards, a heat pump is the future of home heating in New York.

Don’t spend another winter worrying about gas prices or an aging AC unit. 

Contact Roy’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical today to schedule a free home consultation and see if a heat pump is the right choice for your Buffalo home.