Both systems can heat a home, but they do it differently
A furnace produces heat by burning fuel or using electric resistance, then distributes that heat through the duct system. An air-source heat pump uses a refrigeration cycle to move heat from outdoor air into the home.
For New Jersey homeowners, the right choice depends on the home, available utilities, existing ductwork, electrical service, heating load, comfort expectations and the specific equipment being considered.
The comparison should be based on a complete system design rather than the assumption that one technology is automatically best for every house.