Say hello to cool comfort and hot savings with a heat pump
Heat pumps transfer heat energy from one place to another to heat or cool a space.
They come in different types and sizes to accommodate different heating and cooling needs.
Heat pumps can work in most climates but not those that stay below zero for long periods of time.
Different heat pump types work in different home designs and sizes.
Don’t let the “heat” in heat pump deceive you: These energy-efficient devices transfer heat energy from one area to another, allowing them to heat or cool based on the setting. Keep reading to get the rundown on what heat pumps can do and when one might be a good choice for your year-round temperature control.
Yes, a heat pump can cool your house. Consider heat pumps close cousins to air conditioners: They can reverse the air conditioning process to bring heat into a home, making them an ideal system for both heating and cooling a house.Like air conditioners, heat pumps deliver the same cooling results through a thermostat setting and control system.
Heat pumps come in different sizes, so you can install a system that fits the requirements of your home’s square footage. Many heat pumps are whole-house models that work with ductwork and fan systems to both heat and cool multiple rooms. There are also smaller mini-split heat pump systems designed to only cool one room or small space.
Heat pumps are installed outside of a home, connecting to the home using various means depending on the design. These pumps capture heat energy and transfer it from one place to another to either heat or cool an enclosed space.
In the summer, a heat pump can remove heat from inside a house and transfer it outside. A change in settings in the winter removes heat from the outside air and transfers it inside to regulate the temperature.
Heat pumps connect to emitters inside the home that vary by design and efficiency. The local climate also affects efficiency. Heat pumps tend to perform better in temperatures above 25 degrees Fahrenheit, though some designs can handle lower temperatures without losing too much efficiency. These devices are an option in all but the coldest of climates where temperatures reach below zero for days or weeks on end. Consult a local heat pump professional to learn more about how these systems work to cool and heat your home before scheduling an installation.
A heat pump doesn’t necessarily cool an entire house better than an air conditioner. However, you can choose a more powerful heat pump model than your previous air conditioner to provide cooler air more quickly. This method will help cool down the hottest parts of your home more effectively than your previous AC system.
Otherwise, think of a heat pump’s cooling abilities as being the same as an air conditioner. They operate in the same way, use the same types of refrigerants, have similar efficiency levels, and incur comparable energy costs.
On the heating side, you can expect a heat pump to reliably heat a home in winter in nearly every scenario. Heat pumps are durable, well-designed and switch to heating mode automatically once temperatures drop.
A cold climate heat pump works in below-freezing temperatures, heating homes even during blizzards and icy conditions. They only start to struggle when temperatures drop under around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm climate heat pumps aren’t as hardy, and they typically run into problems with heating when temperatures hit below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. In these rare cases, heat pumps can switch to auxiliary heating, if necessary.
A heat pump can have high upfront costs, similar to installing a new furnace, although the size will have a large impact on the cost. You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $12,000 for a new heat pump, with an average model costing around $6,000. These prices include installation labor as installing a heat pump is not a DIY project.
These upfront costs are offset by the efficiency of a heat pump, which doesn’t require fuel for heating and doesn’t take as much electricity to run as many other alternatives. That means heat pumps often pay for themselves within several years, although the exact timing can vary. You can also check local programs and utility companies for available discounts or rebates for replacing a furnace with a heat pump.
Is a heat pump the right heating solution for your home specifically? They are popular choices, but these factors will help you decide and pick the right model:
Size/capacity: Heat pumps come in different sizes to accommodate spaces of different sizes. A model that’s too small may not keep your home warm or cool, while one that’s too large may cycle on and off too often, overstressing the unit.
Compressor type: Heat pumps can come with single-speed or variable-speed compressors. Depending on the size of your home and the climate, one type of compressor may be a better fit for your home. Single-speed compressors are simpler and cost-efficient. However, the heat pump is either off or on. There’s no option to adjust the output. Variable-speed compressors cost more, but they also give you more temperature control. They’re also a better option for larger homes.
Climate performance: Cold climate heat pumps can continue operating even when temperatures reach 0 degrees Fahrenheit.. But if your area frequently experiences below-zero temperatures, your heat pump won’t be able to keep without resorting to auxiliary heat, and another option may be a better choice.
Efficiency: Look for high season energy-efficiency (SEER) ratings, which indicate efficient cooling. Heating efficiency is rated in the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). High SEER and HSPF ratings indicate a more efficient heat pump. However, higher ratings may also come with a higher price.
In addition to some cold weather limitations in the very coldest areas, heat pumps often cost more to install than a standard air conditioner. Their outdoor units can sometimes be noisy, especially when running a defrost cycle in cold weather. Heat pumps may not last as long as a well-maintained furnace. However, most of these downsides apply to the heating side of a heat pump, not its cooling capabilities.
Yesh, heat pumps can easily cool homes when the weather reaches over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, just as powerful air conditioners can. The key is sizing the heat pump correctly for the size of your home and your climate. A local heat pump professional can help you determine the right size and type for your home.
Warm climate heat pumps tend to start losing efficiency as the temperature heads into the freezing point, and by the time it reaches 20 degrees Fahrenheit they may run into trouble. But modern heat pumps designed for cold climates are much more resilient. They typically only turn to auxiliary heat if the temperature reaches 0 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period.
No, heat pump maintenance needs are very similar to air conditioners, including keeping outdoor units clean, changing filters regularly, and occasionally scheduling a refrigerant check to see if any has leaked out. Heat pumps typically switch automatically between heating and cooling, so you don’t need to worry about manually changing them every season. However, since they are always on call, they can develop wear and tear faster than an air conditioner.
