Wood Stove vs Heat Pump: Which One Should You Buy?

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Wood stove vs heat pump: the quick answer

Choose a wood stove if you want wood-fired radiant heat. Choose a heat pump if you want electric heating with stated efficiency figures: the three examples here state 12000 BTU with 20 SEER2, 3 ton with 15 SEER2, and 2.5 ton with 13.4 SEER2. For the stated SEER2, the Rellytech names 20.

Wood heat

A wood stove burns wood for heat. None of the three listings states a wood stove, so the wood side here is the unstated alternative. For the stated wood figures, the listings name none.

Electric heat

The Rellytech example states a mini split AC and heating system with 12000 BTU, 20 SEER2 and 115V. The Goodman examples state 3 ton with 15 SEER2 and 2.5 ton with 13.4 SEER2. For the stated BTU, the Rellytech names 12000; for the stated tonnage, the Goodman examples name 3 and 2.5 ton.

Rellytech mini split

The Rellytech listing states a mini split AC and heating system with 12000 BTU, 20 SEER2, 115V and quiet operation. The listing also states 12500 BTU. For the stated SEER2, this is the only pick with 20.

Goodman 3 ton

The Goodman listing states a 3 ton 15 SEER2 multi-position R-32 heat pump system with an air handler. The listing states a limited warranty. For the stated 3 ton, this is the only pick.

Goodman 2.5 ton

The Goodman listing states a 2.5 ton 13.4 SEER2 packaged heat pump for home and light commercial use. The listing states a limited warranty. For the stated 2.5 ton, this is the only pick.

The 115V figure

The Rellytech states 115V operation. The Goodman examples state no voltage figure in the shown text. For the stated voltage, the Rellytech is the only pick.

The R-32 figure

The Goodman 3 ton states R-32. The others state no refrigerant figure. For the stated R-32, the Goodman 3 ton is the only pick.

Quiet operation

The Rellytech states quiet operation. The Goodman examples state no noise figure. For the stated quiet operation, the Rellytech is the only pick.

Multi-position and packaged

The Goodman 3 ton states multi-position with an air handler. The Goodman 2.5 ton states a packaged unit for home and light commercial use. For the stated multi-position, the 3 ton names it; for the stated packaged, the 2.5 ton names it.

The makers

The stated makers are Rellytech and Goodman. For the stated maker, the three listings name two.

Heating and cooling

The Rellytech states an AC and heating system. The Goodman examples state heat pump systems. For the stated AC and heating, the Rellytech names both; for the stated heat pump, all three name it.

Ductless

The Rellytech title states ductless. The Goodman examples state no duct figure in the shown text. For the stated ductless, the Rellytech is the only pick.

The 12500 BTU figure

The Rellytech listing states 12500 BTU as well as 12000 BTU. The Goodman examples state tonnage, not BTU. For the stated 12500 BTU, the Rellytech is the only pick.

Air handler

The Goodman 3 ton states an air handler. The others state no air handler figure. For the stated air handler, the Goodman 3 ton is the only pick.

Light commercial

The Goodman 2.5 ton states use for home and light commercial. The others state no commercial figure. For the stated light commercial, the 2.5 ton is the only pick.

SEER2 compared

The Rellytech states 20 SEER2. The Goodman 3 ton states 15 SEER2. The Goodman 2.5 ton states 13.4 SEER2. For the stated highest SEER2, the Rellytech names 20.

Size compared

The Rellytech states 12000 BTU. The Goodman 3 ton states 3 ton. The Goodman 2.5 ton states 2.5 ton. For the stated size, the listings name what they name; BTU and tonnage are different figures.

Customer service

The Rellytech states 24-hour customer service. The Goodman examples state no customer service figure. For the stated customer service, the Rellytech is the only pick.

Warranty

The two Goodman listings state a limited warranty. The Rellytech listing states a warranty with 24-hour customer service. For the stated limited warranty, the Goodman examples name it.

What the shown text does not state

No listing states a wood stove. No listing states a safety listing figure. For the stated figures, buy on what the listing names: BTU, tonnage, SEER2 and warranty.

Buying advice: matching a heat pump to the job

Start with the space. The Rellytech states 12000 BTU for spaces up to 750 sq ft, with a stated 12500 BTU heating capacity, so it suits a bedroom, living room, garage or basement of that size. The Goodman listings state 3 ton and 2.5 ton systems, which are the larger, ducted options for whole-home use. BTU and tonnage are different figures, so compare within the same figure: 12000 BTU against the stated heating capacity, or ton against ton.

Next, weigh efficiency against the electrical setup. The Rellytech states 20 SEER2 and claims 30 percent more energy efficiency than standard 17 SEER2 models, with a stated 1367 kilowatt hours per year and 1050 watts. It runs on 115V, the standard household voltage the listing states. The Goodman 3 ton states 15 SEER2 and the 2.5 ton states 13.4 SEER2, and neither Goodman listing states a voltage figure, so confirm the electrical requirements before choosing.

Factor in installation and cold weather. The Rellytech listing states it must be installed by a licensed HVAC technician, ships in two separate boxes, and arrives pre-charged with an installation kit, though the power cord is not included. It states a working range of -13F to 122F with ETL and AHRI certification. For support, the Rellytech states an 8-year warranty with 24-hour customer service, while both Goodman listings state a limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states the highest SEER2?

The Rellytech states 20 SEER2.

Which states 3 ton?

The Goodman 3 ton states 3 ton with 15 SEER2.

Which states a limited warranty?

Both Goodman listings state a limited warranty.

Do any listings state a wood stove?

No listing here states a wood stove; all three state heat pumps.

Related guides

Related: our best ash bucket for wood stoves and best fire starters for wood stoves guides.