[SigmundA]

You seem to be implying its not more efficient on a technical level because its "stealing" heat while a heat strip is just converting electricity to heat with no loss. But that doesn't matter its free heat in the environment. Heat pumps are literally over unity and have over 100% efficiency, but its usually specified as their coefficient of performance which is a number usually 3-5, meaning they move 3-5 times as much energy as put into the system.

Bottom line 1500w heater puts 1500w into the room 100% efficient, a 1500w heat pump will put 4500w or more into the room 300% efficient or more, they both use the same amount of electricity.