Heat pumps offer more efficient ways to generate heat than traditional systems by moving energy more directly between air and ground or back to home, increasing energy efficiency while cutting fossil fuel consumption.
Energy Star defines the best heat pumps as those with SEER and HSPF ratings of at least 13. They also utilize variable-speed compressors for more precise temperature and relative humidity regulation within the home.
To make the most informed choice about efficient heating with heat pumps, explore additional insights in this article by the pros at River Valley.
Energy efficiency
Upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump is an excellent way to save both money and the environment. These energy-saving devices transfer rather than create heat, requiring much less energy for operation compared to traditional heating systems and emitting less greenhouse gas than their counterparts, not burning fossil fuels such as propane or oil either.
Air-source heat pumps can be three to five times more energy-efficient for cooling than basic air conditioners, especially if powered by solar energy or renewable forms of electricity such as hydro. Even when powered with natural gas or electricity, you’ll see savings by switching over to this form of cooling technology.
Heat pumps with higher SEER ratings cost more upfront but will eventually pay for themselves through energy savings over time. Your local electric cooperative or public power district is an invaluable resource for finding contractors, financing options and incentives to make switching even more cost-effective.
Heat pumps can be an ideal solution in humid environments. Their continuous operation means they dehumidify more effectively than standard models by continuously adjusting output levels or speeds for optimal performance, eliminating big temperature swings throughout the house and helping to decrease mold and mildew growth.
In contrast, furnaces tend to turn on and off frequently, causing temperature fluctuations to appear within a given space.
Longer lifespan
With proper care and maintenance, an energy-efficient heat pump should last 10-15 years when used regularly (though its lifespan could be shorter near the coast as salt air can cause parts to corrode).
Modern designs feature energy-saving technologies like variable-speed scroll compressors, two or three-speed blower motors and improved coil designs; SEER ratings of 23 have now become achievable!
Since they operate more efficiently than conventional propane or oil furnaces or even electric resistance equipment, they may provide significant savings on heating costs–or cooling bills when run in air conditioning mode. Depending on where you reside, you could even see substantial cost-cutting opportunities when set to operate in this mode.
Heat pumps offer much better temperature stability than traditional furnaces do; their operation at low levels means less frequent cycling on and off as opposed to gas or oil furnaces.
No matter whether you heat with electricity, oil, natural gas or rooftop solar power (you can even use solar to eliminate utility bills entirely) the efficiency of a high-efficiency heat pump makes economic sense for many homeowners in cold climates.
Heat pumps offer cooling performance comparable to that of new conventional air conditioners while using up to 50% less energy when it comes to heating than gas furnaces. A new air-source heat pump can save up to $1,000 a year in comparison to propane or oil systems.
Reduced carbon footprint
Heat pumps are increasingly being utilized as environmentally friendly heating and cooling solutions in homes and businesses in the US. Their use requires less fossil fuel consumption and emissions. High-efficiency heat pumps also improve indoor air quality by eliminating humidity while running longer cycles at lower temperatures – helping prevent mold growth.
If every home in the US were to switch their gas furnace for an energy-efficient heat pump, total emissions reductions would reach approximately 142 million metric tons annually – representing an incredible reduction of overall energy-related emissions that could be met before 2020. This goal can be realized.
However, the amount of carbon emissions saved by heat pump systems varies based on how electricity is produced in each state and region. If electricity is produced using natural gas or coal sources like natural gas plants or coal mines, heat pumps could potentially save more carbon emissions than they would when powered by an emission-free source such as wind or solar power.
Reach out to the electric cooperative or public power district in your area for information on contractors, incentives and financing solutions available for this energy-saving solution. It will reduce carbon emissions while saving money on utility bills – an investment well worth making!
Tax credits or rebates
People who opt for clean energy solutions such as heat pumps may qualify for rebates and incentives when upgrading to these emissions-free technologies, like air-source heat pumps. In frigid climates where electricity from renewable sources like sun and wind is abundant, these systems are very helpful.
The Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022 includes provisions that make energy-saving heat pump HVAC systems and water heaters more attainable to households nationwide, while their usage contributes towards decreasing carbon emissions even further.
To qualify for federal tax credits on heat pumps, they must earn top-tier status from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency. CEE is an organization of energy efficiency program administrators and experts (such as those found within your local electricity provider) that sets forth criteria as to which models qualify as tax credit-eligible options.