Spokane sits in a genuine cold zone — 6,800+ heating degree days a year — so the national “heat pumps everywhere” advice needs local translation. Here’s the honest comparison for an Inland Northwest home.
Gas furnace: the incumbent
A 96% two-stage gas furnace is still the cheapest heat per BTU on the coldest nights, and it doesn’t care whether it’s 30°F or −10°F outside. If your home has gas service and existing ductwork in decent shape, a furnace remains the low-risk choice: $3,800–$6,800 installed, 15–20 year life.
Cold-climate heat pump: the challenger
Modern cold-climate units hold full output to about 5°F and keep heating efficiently below zero with backup strips. In Spokane’s shoulder seasons — October, November, March, April — they heat for meaningfully less than gas. In January, the economics narrow. The sweet spot for many Spokane homes: a heat pump sized for the shoulder seasons with backup for the deep cold, at $5,000–$9,000 installed. Bonus: it’s also your air conditioner in July, when our summers now regularly touch 100°F.
Which is right for you?
Gas available and you want simplicity: furnace. No gas line, high electric-resistance bills, or you want cooling too: cold-climate heat pump. Best of both: dual-fuel, where the heat pump runs until it’s truly cold and the furnace takes over. We install all three — call (509) 555-0163 and we’ll run the numbers for your house.