Is a Heat Pump Worth It? Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Heat pump technology has been around for decades, but as energy prices have increased in recent years, they’ve become more popular than ever before. But is a heat pump worth it?

These devices help homeowners save more money on utility bills than conventional furnaces and boilers. However, retrofitting an HVAC system for a heat pump can be extremely costly. Let’s break down the pros and cons of heat pump technology so you can make an informed decision when heating and cooling your home.

What Is a Heat Pump?

As part of an HVAC system, a heat pump provides heat during the winter and cools your home during the summer. In winter, it pulls heat from the cold air outdoors and transfers it inside. During the warmer months, it pulls heat from the warm inside and brings down the temperature. 

Heat pumps are powered by electricity and transfer heat using refrigerants, similar to an air conditioner. Since heat pumps have the ability to both heat and cool a home, separate systems are typically unnecessary.

The Pros of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps offer many benefits to homeowners, including:

1. Year-Round Comfort

Because a heat pump is capable of both heating and cooling a home, homeowners often consider upgrading from having separate systems. No matter the season, this one piece of HVAC equipment will keep your home comfortable all year long.

2. Fewer Safety Risks

Gas furnaces carry the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and gas leaks. Heat pumps run on electricity, so they don’t have the potential for those dangerous issues. With no flames or fumes, these systems are one of the safest types of HVAC equipment.

3. More Sustainable

Installing a heat pump lowers your carbon footprint as they lack fossil fuel emissions. They also work well with solar panels in lowering environmental impact.

4. Lower Utility Bills

A heat pump can dramatically lower your utility bills. Since it’s more efficient than a traditional system, you use less energy to maintain your home’s desired temperature. This benefit is particularly noticeable during peak seasons like winter and summer when demands in heating and cooling are highest.

5. Less Temperature Disparity

A furnace produces intensely hot air, but heat pumps do not. This results in longer run cycles, which reduces temperature fluctuations that are sometimes seen with single-speed furnaces. Conditioned air also has more time to circulate.

6. Increased Air Quality

The longer a heat pump runs, the more airborne pollutants it traps in the HVAC filter and improves the overall air quality of your home.

The Cons of Heat Pumps

There are some disadvantages to heat pumps to consider:

1. Costly Installation

Heat pump systems are complex—units and installation are more expensive in comparison to air conditioners. A heat pump costs $4,235 to $7,900 to install, depending on the size and type. However, by replacing your air conditioner and furnace at the same time, you may save money, and the amount you save on utility bills over time may make the cost worth it.

2. Less Efficient in Cold Weather

When it's extremely cold, heat pumps can be less efficient at colder temperatures, as they need to work harder to produce warmer air. Cold-climate pumps are fully efficient in temperatures down to 5°Fahrenheit.

3. Drafty Spots

Heat pumps have longer run cycles which, while beneficial, can make areas closer to the vents feel drafty as lower temperature air flows in. Monitor temperature fluctuations in these areas and consult a heat pump repair professional if it becomes a major concern.

4. Noise Concerns

With longer run cycles, the heat pump’s fan and compressor run more often, and their operating noise is more evident. Make sure the heat pump you choose has a low noise rating and install any outdoor equipment away from windows and doors.

5. Shorter Lifespan

Gas furnaces last much longer than heat pumps. Air-source heat pumps last up to 15 years, while geothermal heat pumps have a lifespan of up to 25 years. Hiring a heat pump professional near you to service your system regularly can eliminate the problems and extend its lifespan.

Alternatives to Heat Pumps

If you are looking to change your heating system, but are unsure that a heat pump is for you, there are plenty of alternatives to consider.

1. Electric Boilers

Electric boilers produce zero emissions and are highly efficient. There are few moving parts and no external flues, which makes maintenance easier in comparison to heat pumps. Professional installation is also simple and can be completed in a few hours.

2. Electric Radiators

Modern electric radiators are not like the cumbersome radiators from half a century ago. They're an effective and efficient way to heat a home and may come with individual thermostats you can program to your liking.

3. Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters deliver heat through thermal radiation. Their rays travel through the air, and as they touch surfaces, they release heat energy, no matter the surrounding air temperature.

Is a Heat Pump Right for You?

Heat pumps can be installed just about anywhere on your property, whether you live in an older home or a new one. This type of system works well in nearly every type of residence, including single-family houses, townhouses, condos, and apartments. A HVAC contractor in your area can help you find the best location for your heat pump, decide which type of pump is best for your home, and install the unit.