A.
Lower, steadier bills
Fewer units of energy for the same warmth — and no winter fuel-price whiplash.
Kerosene, oil, or propane, the physics is the same: you buy energy, then throw part of it away. Here is exactly where it goes.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency is the share of a fuel's energy a furnace converts to usable heat across a season. At 80% AFUE, one of every five gallons you pay for leaves as flue loss and combustion inefficiency. That is the rating when the unit is new and tuned; after many Maine winters, real output commonly runs below it.
| Measure | 80% AFUE fuel furnace | Cold-climate heat pump |
|---|---|---|
| How it makes heat | Burns fuel on-site | Moves heat from outdoor air |
| Efficiency | ~80% of fuel, minus flue loss | 300%+ (COP ~3, up to 30 BTU/W) |
| Cold-weather rating | — | HSPF2, rated for Maine |
| Air conditioning | None | Built in |
| Fuel deliveries | Ongoing, price-volatile | None |
| Indoor air | Combustion byproducts | No on-site combustion |
| Rebates | None | Up to $9,000 (+HEAR for mobile) |
COP = coefficient of performance. HSPF2 = current cold-climate heating standard. BTU/watt and HSPF2 vary by model and outdoor temperature.
Fewer units of energy for the same warmth — and no winter fuel-price whiplash.
The January heater runs in reverse to cool and dehumidify in July.
No flame, no fuel smell, no combustion byproducts indoors.
A registered Maine installer will size the system, confirm your rebate tier, and quote the net cost — at no charge.