Millions of American homes today have heat pumps, and this number continues to climb. Over 50 percent of residential HVAC sales are now heat pumps. Why are these units considered a smart investment for lower energy bills?
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Heat pumps require electricity to remove heat from a cool space and transfer it to a warm space or vice versa. In winter, heat pumps pull warm air from outdoors and move it into the home. When summer arrives, the process reverses. The unit takes warm air from the home and moves it outside. Transferring heat rather than generating it uses significantly less energy, so many homeowners request quotes for installing a heat pump.
Types of Heat Pumps
Ducted heat pumps come in two main types. However, mini-split or ductless systems are an alternative to traditional heat pumps, and many homeowners choose this option today. The home doesn’t need to be modified for ductwork with a mini-split system.
Air-source heat pumps remain the most common today. They transfer heat between the home and outside air. This style reduces energy bills by up to 50 percent compared to other options, such as furnaces and baseboard heaters. However, it has only been in recent years that the technology has advanced enough that homeowners in subfreezing climates can invest in a heat pump.
Mini-split or ductless systems are becoming more popular. They don’t require ducts to distribute treated air throughout the home. If their houses aren’t already outfitted with ductwork, homeowners can save money by going this route. However, the greatest savings are often seen by those who currently heat with propane, heating oil, or an older electric system.
Additional Options
Additional heat pump options are available, but their uses remain limited. A reverse cycle chiller uses hot and cold water rather than air to redistribute heat. Homes with radiant floor heating systems often use these heat pumps.
Geothermal heat pumps pull heat from the ground to warm a home and release heat into the ground to cool the residence. These units have a higher purchase price, but operating costs remain low. Homeowners find these units reduce energy use by up to 60 percent and control humidity within homes. They are ideal for extreme climates.
Benefits of Upgrading to a Heat Pump
Thanks to its efficiency, a heat pump minimizes a person’s carbon footprint. Some models allow homeowners to save up to 7.6 tons of carbon emissions yearly when they switch from outdated heating equipment to a heat pump. These savings will significantly benefit the environment.
Energy bills decrease when a person moves to an efficient heat pump. The average home can save over $500 annually by making this move. However, the savings depend partly on the home’s size, location, and energy efficiency. When used with weatherization measures, the savings can be even more significant.
Additional Savings
Americans may find they can save even more on installing a new heat pump with the help of tax credits and rebates. The Investing in America Plan offers tax credits for homeowners who invest in an air-source or geothermal heat pump. They receive up to 30 percent tax credit when the installation is complete. States may offer additional rebates, so homeowners should look into this option.
Consider moving to a heat pump to save on energy bills. However, to achieve the greatest savings, ensure the home is properly weatherized before doing so. Request a home energy audit today to learn which weatherization measures are needed and how to reduce home energy costs.
