Everyone’s talking about heat pumps — especially with all the rebate incentives popping up! Here’s how to help ensure a heat pump is right for your home.
A heat pump is a single system that heats and cools your home by moving heat instead of creating it.
In the summer, it works like an air conditioner by pulling heat out of your home and releasing it outside, keeping the inside cool.
In winter, it reverses the process, extracting heat from the outdoor air—even when it feels cold—and transferring it indoors to warm your home.
Because a heat pump moves heat rather than generating it by burning fuel or using electric resistance, it uses much less energy than traditional heating systems.
When deciding between heat pumps, furnaces, and hybrid systems, there are three big factors contractors and homeowners should consider:
- Which homes benefit most from heat pumps
- Operating costs of heat pump vs gas furnace
- Common pitfalls during installation and setup
Discover what important elements to consider in your journey to securing year-round comfort for your home below.
Is every home heat-pump ready?
When it comes to which types of homes are the top candidates for a heat pump, the general rule is that heat pumps work best in homes that already handle heat relatively well.
This includes:
- Homes currently using electric baseboard or wall heaters
- Houses adding AC for the first time
- Homes with decent insulation and sealed ductwork
- Newer homes built with energy efficiency in mindRemodels where systems are already being updated
- Homes that get too hot upstairs in summer
Homes that may be unable to fully take advantage of a heat pump’s benefits include older, drafty homes; homes with undersized or leaky ductwork or minimal insulation; and large homes with uneven airflow.
Because heat pumps deliver steady heat, homes that quickly lose heat may feel less comfortable unless insulation or airflow improves. If your home fits that description and you want to move forward with installing a heat pump, it’s recommended that you address these challenges so you can truly reap the rewards of this single system.
Keeping an eye on operating costs
Savvy customers want to know what they’ll be on the hook for once everything is up and running. In our PNW climate, heat pumps handle 80–90% of winter efficiently. Costs increase only during cold snaps, which, fortunately, are the exception rather than the norm.
Some heat pump advantages include:
- Extremely efficient in mild weather
- Uses less energy overall
- Provides both heating and cooling
- Costs less to run than electric resistance heat
- Often cheaper than gas during mild winter temperatures
Avoid these mistakes when buying a heat pump
When homeowners upgrade to a heat pump, a few common mistakes can prevent the system from delivering the comfort and efficiency it’s designed for.
1. Expecting it to feel like a furnace.
Heat pumps heat homes differently. Instead of blasts of very hot air, they provide longer, gentler heating cycles that maintain steady comfort. Some homeowners mistake this normal operation for a problem.
2. Not planning for electrical requirements.
Heat pumps run entirely on electricity. Some homes need electrical panel upgrades, additional circuits, or wiring changes to properly support the new system.
3. Improper system sizing.
Heat pumps perform best when properly sized for the home. An oversized system can cycle too frequently, while an undersized system may struggle during colder weather.
4. Ignoring the ductwork.
Many homes have duct systems designed for older furnaces. If the ductwork isn’t evaluated or improved, the heat pump may not deliver enough airflow or evenly distribute heat throughout the home.
5. Overlooking backup heat options.
In colder conditions, many heat pump systems use supplemental heating (electric heat strips or dual-fuel with a furnace). Homeowners sometimes skip this discussion and end up with a system that doesn’t meet their comfort expectations.
6. Assuming any heat pump will work the same.
Not all heat pumps are built for every climate. Choosing a cold-climate model designed for lower temperatures can make a big difference in winter comfort and performance.
7. Choosing based only on price.
A heat pump installation involves system design, airflow, electrical work, and controls. The cheapest quote often skips the details that make the system perform effectively for your home — and that includes how it’s installed.
The last mistake people make is not taking advantage of rebates. Be sure to check with the company you’re working with to see if there are any available, because heat pumps often qualify for large utility rebates and tax incentives. They usually require specific equipment or installation standards, and missing these details can mean leaving significant savings on the table.
Getting the right system for your home
A heat pump works best when the system is carefully configured for the home — not just swapped in for old equipment. An in-home evaluation and estimate are essential to ensure you get what you need (and what will work best for your home).
Have questions about heat pumps? Contact us at any time!