In many areas of the US, heat pumps can save you money on your heating bills. These systems use less energy than traditional furnaces and are generally ENERGY STAR certified. They can also help reduce your carbon footprint by using clean, renewable energy rather than fossil fuels.
Lower energy costs: Because they use less energy, heat pumps can significantly reduce your yearly utility bill. The savings can add up quickly, and some states offer rebates to homeowners who install them.
Better insulation and air-sealing: Good insulation and duct sealing can make a big difference in how well a heat pump works. This is especially true of air-source heat pumps, which extract heat from the outdoor air and pump it into your home, but can be beneficial for any type of heating system.
More efficient: Modern heat pumps use about half the energy of old-style gas furnaces and are a lot more effective in a moderate climate, as they pump cooler air than conventional heating systems and run more constantly at a lower temperature.
Cost: The price of a heat pump depends on several factors, including brand and size. In general, the larger the unit, the higher its price tag. For example, an air-source heat pump of 5 tons can cost upwards of $3,500 to $7,500 if you purchase it from a reputable manufacturer and install it yourself.
Ground-source or geothermal: A ground-source or geothermal heat pump uses a series of pipes underground to absorb and release the energy that exists naturally in the earth’s surface. These systems are more expensive than air-source ones, but they can be a good option for homes with Heat Pump large lots or certain types of soils.
Inefficient in extreme cold: Because heat pumps were developed in milder climates, they aren’t always the best choice for freezing weather. In these situations, they can either shut down entirely or take a long time to work when it gets really cold. For this reason, some homeowners in extremely cold regions choose to keep a backup heating system, such as a furnace.
Hybrid setups: For some people, hybrid systems are a good compromise between efficiency and price. A hybrid system typically uses the heat pump most of the time, and a backup system only when necessary.
Other options: Some heat pumps have an electric strip built into the unit or indoor air handler that can provide supplemental energy for short cold snaps, when they’re not working as efficiently as they should. Some heat pumps even use solar energy to generate additional heat, which can help them achieve a high level of efficiency in the warmer summer months.
Whether you decide to go with an air-source or ground-source heat pump, it’s important to find a reputable contractor who can properly size the system for your home. Having the proper capacity is essential for avoiding excess wear and tear, raising your energy bill and causing the unit to break down prematurely.