If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, it’s likely you’ve heard or read about heat pumps.
A heat pump, despite the name, operates similarly to a typical air conditioner unit, fitting conveniently in your home or commercial space. While it may look just like your AC, with a similar installation process, it efficiently provides both heating and cooling, making it a versatile upgrade over traditional units.
Why all the recent buzz? Heat pumps are electrical systems that offer an energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioners and furnaces. In this blog, we’ll go over how heat pumps work, the different types available, and most importantly, how they can save money on your energy bill — while also providing tax credit opportunities.
How do heat pumps work?
At its core, a heat pump is similar to an air conditioner, as it uses a refrigerant to control air temperature. Both appliances remove unwanted heat from your home, which is absorbed by the cool refrigerant, evaporated into a cold gas, and then piped back into the house.
The difference with a heat pump is that it contains a reversing valve, which allows the appliance to change the direction of refrigerant flow. In this case, heat is sourced from the air outside or from underground (depending on the type of heat pump) and filtered through the same refrigerant, this time evaporating into a warm gas that is pumped indoors.
While the processes may sound confusing, the important takeaway is that a heat pump transfers heat to either warm or cool a home, instead of generating heat. This makes a heat pump more efficient compared to other HVAC units, all year-round.
What are the different types of heat pumps?
While all heat pumps essentially function the same way, they differ in where they extract heat from. There are heat pumps that generate heat from a water source, however, the two most common types are air-source and ground-source systems.
Air-source heat pumps are most common for homes, as they easily transfer heat between indoor and outdoor air. Ground-source (i.e., geothermal) pumps rely on underground heat and are more efficient, since ground air temperature is more consistently warm in the winter compared to above-ground air.
Air-source pumps are easier to install, as they connect seamlessly to ducts, similar to a central air conditioning system. However, there are also ductless options available known as mini-split heat pumps, which are especially flexible for any home type.
Meanwhile, ground-source pumps require digging deep holes into the soil of your property to transfer heat. It’s a more expensive installation, and isn’t guaranteed to work for every home, but is also more cost-effective in the long run due to its efficiency.
Interested in hearing more about our heat pump services? First-time customers can receive 15% off their first service call. To view all of our promotions, click here.
How do heat pumps save (and earn) you money?
Similar to solar panels and other energy-efficient installations, heat pumps are a great investment for lowering your energy costs over time, while also providing tax incentives and rebate opportunities.
Since heat pumps are extremely efficient in sourcing heat, they offer substantial energy savings for homeowners with traditional furnaces. According to the Department of Energy, heat pumps can save homeowners hundreds, even thousands, of dollars annually on both heating and cooling costs. In addition, heat pump owners may also be eligible for a reduced seasonal rate on their electric bill, leading to even more savings throughout the year.
As for tax benefits, there are a lot of opportunities for rebates on the local, state, and federal level. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can recoup 30% (or an annual limit of $2,000) of the installation costs for high-efficiency heat pumps. Low- and moderate-income households can qualify for as high as $8,000.
To qualify, however, your heat pump needs to meet certain efficiency standards. The requirements are not overly stringent, and include a variety of ducted and ductless models.
Bottom Line
It’s clear that the benefits of heat pumps are endless, from their duality (heating and cooling), to their efficiency, to their energy cost reduction, to the wealth of tax subsidies available.
Still, an efficient heat pump is only as good as the company you choose to install, maintain, and repair the system. Cool Power is insured and certified for all heat pump services and can help you pick the perfect model for your comfort and financial needs.
Contact us today to get 15% off your first service call.
