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Read more about Clothes dryer electricThe best way to heat your home in the winter and cool your home in the summer is with a heat pump. Heat pumps are more energy efficient than other heating and cooling systems like gas furnaces, oil heat, and central air.
Why do it?
Homes with heat pumps use less energy and save money on their utility bills.
When?
When your current HVAC unit is nearing end of life (usually about 15 years).
Who is this for?
Whole-home heat pump systems for homeowners; portable and window units for renters.
Weatherization
Weatherizing your home can save you hundreds on your energy bills by reducing the amount of energy needed to keep your home comfortable. Weatherization projects include air sealing, insulation, and upgrades to doors and windows.
Upfront Costs
$5,000 (for a single mini-split)–$30,000 (for a whole-home system in a large home)
Average Lifespan
10-20 years
Features
Both heats and cools your home
AVERAGE ANNUAL EMISSIONS REDUCTION
2.8 tons
Difficulty
Hard, hire an HVAC contractor
Energy Savings
Heat pumps are ~3x more efficient than most fossil-fuel heating systems
Homeowners switching from inefficient HVAC systems that run on fuel oil, propane, or traditional electric resistance (like baseboard heat or electric furnaces) can save around $898 per year.
The pros and cons of heat pumps
Heat pumps are ultra-efficient heating and cooling machines. An all-in-one HVAC system has a higher upfront cost, but with rebates to help you save money, they’re more affordable than you think.
How heat pumps work
3 ways heat pumps save you money
The best AC is actually a heat pump
Why heat pumps are best for reducing pollution
2. Make your home heat pump ready, if needed
If your energy audit says your home doesn’t have enough sealing or insulation, you may want to add more. When you do that, you make your home more energy-efficient, which means you can install a smaller, less expensive heat pump! You might also need to upgrade your electrical panel or wiring, upgrade or install ductwork, and make space for new equipment.
3. Call HVAC contractors and get quotes for heat pumps
Check out our guide to getting heat pump quotes. Try to get at least three quotes! You may want to find an HVAC contractor who mentions heat pumps on their website. Request quotes for a variable-speed (aka “inverter-driven” or “variable capacity”) heat pump.
Make sure the contractor you plan to choose is going to do a Manual J calculation to properly size the system for your home. They will likely either include this in the quote, or charge you for it up front and offer to credit it back to you if you choose them for the project.
4. Pick a contractor and install your heat pump!
Make sure you know what type of heat pump you’re getting in each quote so you can compare apples to apples. Also, if you pay federal income taxes and install an efficient heat pump, you may be eligible for a $2,000 tax credit! Ask your contractor if your heat pump qualifies.
Select a quote, install your heat pump, and enjoy your comfy home all year long!
5. Set it and forget it
Heat pumps work best when they maintain a steady, even temperature. For ideal performance and comfort, set it at a comfortable temperature (even if it’s higher or lower than your boiler or old AC) and let it run constantly. Running longer improves temperature control, air flow, filtration, and efficiency.
To maintain your heat pump, set a filter clean/change schedule on your calendar based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Get it serviced by a professional once a year (or twice a year if it’s your primary heating and cooling system).
Electrify your home with the help of a trusted, qualified contractor
Download our contractor guide for tips on how to find contractors, evaluate quotes, and advice on saving money right now with rebates and incentives.
Do I need to weatherize my home before installing a heat pump?
It’s a good idea, especially if you live in a cold climate! Working with a contractor to insulate your home before upgrading to a heat pump will ensure that your HVAC system will work more efficiently to maintain a comfortable temperature. Weatherization can also save you hundreds of dollars a year by reducing energy waste.
Does a heat pump require pre-existing ductwork?
No. For homeowners with smaller homes, or for those with a need to heat and cool individual spaces within larger homes, mini-split or ductless heat pumps allow you to regulate the temperatures in individual rooms. Mini-split systems are perfect for retrofitting homes with non-ducted heating systems, like hot water radiators, electric resistance baseboard heaters, or space heaters.
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