Heat pumps are an efficient solution for heating and cooling that have been around for decades. In recent years, many home electrification programs have prioritized heat pump adoption given their many benefits. By using electricity to move heat rather than burning fuel to generate it, heat pumps upgrade your home to be modern and energy efficient.
This guide explores how heat pumps work and how they can benefit you—whether it’s keeping your home cozy in the winter, cool in the summer, or providing hot water year round.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
A heat pump water heater (HPWH) efficiently heats your home’s water by transferring heat from the surrounding air into the water tank. Because of this transfer of heat, HPWHs should be installed in unconditioned spaces like a garage or basement.
What to know when making the switch
HPWHs are highly efficient, often using 2-3 times less energy than conventional water heaters, which can lead to savings on energy bills. HPWHs can take longer to heat up than a gas water heater, so many experts recommend upsizing the tank to optimize its performance. HPWHs can also be noisier than traditional water heaters, so installing it outside of living spaces is best. You can decrease the noise by reducing vibrations with rubber mats and grommets.
Some HPWHs are specially designed to be compatible with a 120 volt circuit, but most models will require 240 volt, so you may need to upgrade your electrical panel during installation.
Heat Pump HVAC Systems
A heat pump HVAC system provides both heating and cooling for your home by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors. In heating mode, refrigerant absorbs heat from outside – even when it’s cold – and transfers it into your home. In cooling mode, the reverse happens.
There are many types of heat pump HVAC systems but the main types you will encounter are:
Air-Source Heat Pumps: These systems use outside air for heat exchange, making them a popular and cost-effective choice, even in cold climates.
Water-Source Heat Pumps: These pumps transfer heat via water sources like wells or lakes, ideal for locations with access to a water body.
Ground-Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps: These leverage consistent underground temperatures for efficient heating and cooling, though installation is more complex and expensive.
Did you know? It’s a common misconception that heat pumps don’t perform well in cold climates. This belief has been fueled by outdated testing methods and a lack of specific technical criteria for cold climate installations.
However, advancements in technology and improved testing standards have shown that modern cold climate heat pumps can effectively operate even in low temperatures and often out-perform their fossil fueled counterparts.
Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Home?
Heat pumps are versatile systems suitable for a wide range of climates and have been adopted across the country. They are also configurable to your needs and the existing infrastructure of your home. Air source heat pumps are the most common heat pump HVAC systems in the US and can be broken into two main categories: mini-splits and central systems.
Mini-splits operate by blowing temperature controlled air directly into the room they’re installed in. Most of the time these systems are ductless and only require a small hole to be drilled in your wall. This type of system can offer room to room control and doesn’t need to be connected to ductwork. Central systems can often use the existing ductwork to distribute treated air. They’re less visible on the interior of the home than mini-splits— depending on the size of your home you may only need one outdoor unit.
To determine if a heat pump is the best option for your home, consult with a certified installer. They’ll help you choose the right system and guide you through the installation process.