When it becomes time to replace your existing heating system, there are many options out there to choose from. One that’s becoming increasingly popular is the heat pump. We’re going to dive into what this system is below and describe why it can be a good investment for homeowners in a colder climate.
How a Heat Pump Functions
In order to understand why a heat pump may be the right choice for your house, it’s important to first start by understanding how it operates. Unlike other types of heating systems, a heat pump doesn’t burn fuel to create heat. Rather, it simply transfers heat from the air outside to the inside of your home. This method of generating interior heat is extremely efficient, as only a little bit of energy input is being used to power the compressor pump in order to move heat to the right location.
No Toxic Exhaust Fumes
One attribute that makes heat pumps pretty popular among homeowners is the fact that they don’t create any sort of toxic exhaust fumes. When you burn fuel such as natural gas or heating oil, your heating system will create toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. While these are normally vented to the outdoors for the safety of everyone in your household, a system malfunction can cause them to back up inside. Having a well-functioning carbon monoxide detector is an absolute necessity to keep everyone safe. When it comes to a heat pump, there’s no combustion process because it doesn’t burn fuel. This makes it a safer choice for any homeowner.
Energy-Efficient Operation
Another great reason that heat pumps are growing in popularity is due to their extreme energy efficiency. Heat pumps have been known to reach efficiency levels of up to 400%. The only system that comes close to this is going to be an electric-powered furnace that operates at 100% efficiency. The more efficient your heater is, the less money you have to spend on heating bills throughout the winter months.
It’s important to note that many older-style heat pumps aren’t capable of operating efficiently at temperatures below freezing. The refrigerant that those units relied on was unable to extract a lot of heat from the freezing air outside. Instead, when temperatures get too cold, those older heat pumps would switch over to an auxiliary heating mode that used an electric-powered internal heating element to heat the air. This had a much lower operating efficiency than when the heat pump was operating at its normal capacity.
Newer cold climate heat pumps are specifically designed with a different refrigerant that’s capable of operating efficiently at temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows homeowners in colder climates to take advantage of the energy-efficient operation of a heat pump without having to worry about inefficiency when temperatures reach freezing outside.
They Offer Cooling
One really great advantage of investing in a heat pump for your home is that it’s a unit that works for both heating and cooling. You no longer have to worry about purchasing a central air conditioning system to keep your family comfortable during the summer months. A heat pump can operate just as efficiently as a central air conditioning system. Choosing to have just one HVAC unit to take care of for your year-round comfort needs can simplify tasks like keeping paperwork organized and system maintenance.
Ducted and Ductless Options
A helpful advantage of heat pumps is that they can work with either a ducted forced-air setup or a ductless system. If you already have ductwork in your home from your central air conditioning system or your furnace, then you can simply hook up a heat pump to run with that ductwork. However, if your house doesn’t have ductwork installed, it can be extremely expensive to install it after the fact.
It’s also a very invasive process since it requires removing some of your flooring and walls to install the air duct. Choosing to go with a ductless mini-split heat pump can be a great alternative that comes along with the added advantage of zone temperature control and better operating efficiency during the summer months.
Tax Credits and Local Rebates
One advantage of investing in a heat pump is that it typically comes with a lot of tax credits and local incentives. One of the most well-known tax credits is going to be under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. You can claim up to a maximum of $3,200 in the form of a tax credit when you purchase one of these systems. Some state and even local municipalities will also offer tax credits for homeowners who invest in these types of units. It isn’t uncommon for local municipalities to credit homeowners a set portion of the cost of their new equipment in the form of a property tax credit.
Beyond just the tax benefits of investing in a heat pump for your home, there are also local rebates that you can take advantage of. One of the most popular is often offered by local utility companies. They’ll give you a set amount of money in the form of a credit on your energy bill for the month. Even some HVAC system manufacturers will give you a cash rebate when you purchase one of their units. The total amount of the rebate or tax incentive that you receive is going to be highly dependent on the type of system that you purchase, its overall operating efficiency, and other factors.
Boosted Home Value
One lesser-known advantage of getting a heat pump for your house is that it will increase your property’s overall resale value. Home buyers know that a heat pump is a very energy-efficient appliance and will pay more for a home that has one as compared to one that doesn’t. This can be great news for you if you plan on selling your home or refinancing your loan at any point in the near future.
No Need for Fuel Storage
One other notable advantage of getting a heat pump for your home is that you don’t have to worry about those bulky fuel storage tanks. If you rely on a heating system that uses propane or heating oil, you have to store your fuel on-site. This requires a bulky storage tank that sits either in your basement or outside of your house. This isn’t only a hazard for your home but can also detract from its overall aesthetic appeal and living space.
A Note on Maintenance
Just like any other type of HVAC system, your heat pump needs to receive regular maintenance to stay in good working condition. You should get maintenance in the early spring and in the early fall months to ensure that your unit is ready to take on the summer and winter seasons. This maintenance service will help detect any potential problems your system may have. It’s typically a requirement by the system’s manufacturer to maintain the warranty coverage on the equipment as well.
Expert Heat Pump Installation Service
Bernard Heating & Cooling offers expert heat pump installation services in Hudson, OH. We can also help with all of your heat pump replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. Simply call us today to book your next heating service appointment.
