Heat Pumps vs. The Electric Bill: How Humidity and High Rates Impact Your Winter Costs

By: The JBN Mechanical Team

If you’ve opened your utility bill lately here in State College, you might have done a double-take. With "all-in" electric rates hitting $0.22/kWh, many homeowners are asking: “Is my high-efficiency heat pump still the right choice?”

At JBN Mechanical, we pride ourselves on installing the best variable speed technology on the market. Systems like the American Standard Platinum 18 are the "smartphones" of HVAC—offering unmatched comfort, whisper-quiet operation, and incredible efficiency. However, even the most advanced heat pump in the world has to contend with the rising costs of the local energy grid and the unique moisture of a Pennsylvania winter.

The 2026 Energy Landscape

It’s not just your imagination—energy prices in Central PA have climbed significantly. While Natural Gas has seen increases, Electricity has taken a much sharper turn upward over the last few years.

The "Humidity" Factor: Why 30°F Can Cost More Than 15°F

A common myth is that heat pumps simply "stop working" when it gets cold. With a high-performance variable speed unit, that isn’t the case—these systems are incredibly capable well below freezing, provided the air is dry.

The real challenge in State College is humidity. When the temperature sits around 30°F and the air is damp, moisture turns to frost on the outdoor coils. To stay efficient and keep the air moving, your system must run a Defrost Cycle.

During this window:

• The Switch: The system temporarily reverses to melt the ice outside.

• The "Aux" Heat: To keep you from feeling a cold draft indoors, the system engages Electric Resistance Heat Strips (Aux Heat).

• The Impact: These heat strips are 100% efficient, but they pull a massive amount of power. At $0.22/kWh, frequent defrost cycles on a humid day can cause a mid-winter "spike" on your West Penn Power bill that has nothing to do with the heat pump's actual heating ability.

The Ultimate Solution: The American Standard "Power Couple"

Because natural gas availability is spotty in our area, and electric rates are high, we believe the best defense is having fuel flexibility. That is why we recommend the American Standard Platinum 18 Variable Speed Heat Pump paired with the S9X2-B Gas Furnace.

The Platinum 18 AccuComfort™ Heat Pump

This isn't a standard "on/off" unit. It features variable-speed technology that adjusts in 1/10th of 1% increments.

• Cold-Weather Performance: This unit is a powerhouse, providing high-grade heat even when it's freezing outside.

• Precision Comfort: It maintains your home within 0.5°F of your setting, avoiding the "blast of heat" followed by a "chill" typical of older systems.

The S9X2-B Gas Furnace

When the PA winter gets truly messy—cold, damp, and humid—this 96% AFUE furnace takes over the heavy lifting.

• The Financial Win: By using gas during high-humidity "defrost weather," you bypass the expensive electric heat strips entirely.

• Two-Stage Reliability: It runs on a lower, quieter stage most of the time, only kicking into high gear during extreme cold snaps.

The JBN Perspective

Your high-efficiency system is an investment in your home’s value and your family’s comfort. In a world of rising utility rates, the Platinum 18 and S9X2-B combo gives you the best of both worlds: world-class comfort and the ability to choose the most cost-effective fuel source for the day's weather.