03/28/2024
Whether you’ve recently learned about heat pumps, or have had one for years, FOCUS ON ENERGY® offers a variety of resources to help you along your path to greater energy efficiency.
What is a heat pump?
Instead of generating heat, heat pumps move heat around. This allows them to provide efficient, year-round heating and cooling by pumping heat into a home during winter, and reversing the process each summer. For a quick primer on how heat pumps work, their benefits, and what to look for, check out our new Focus on Heat Pumps video.
What are some of the benefits of a heat pump?
• Comfort. A heat pump helps keep your home within more stable temperature ranges than the typical stop-and-go operation of traditional systems.
• Energy savings. Heat pumps can heat your home two to three times more efficiently than other systems—which can have a significant impact on your energy costs.
• Reliability. As a reliable, time-tested technology, heat pumps require no more maintenance than a standard furnace and air conditioner.
What are the different types of heat pumps?
There are four types of heat pumps that are the most common.
1. Ducted heat pumps
Ducted systems connect to existing ductwork and are meant to handle all or most of a home’s heating and cooling needs.
2. Ductless heat pumps
No ducts? No problem. Ductless heat pumps are a great solution for expansions or homes without ductwork. With multiple indoor units installed, they could replace an existing HVAC system.
3. Dual-fuel heat pumps
A combination of ducted and ductless solutions can provide even more flexible heating and cooling options for multiple areas in your home. Or, a dual-fuel system pairs an electric heat pump with a new or existing furnace.
4. Geothermal heat pumps
Geothermal, or ground-source, heat pumps work by taking advantage of stable temperatures underground. While installation costs can be high, these systems can often last over 50 years.
When You’re Ready to Take the Next Step:
• Heating and cooling rebates.
• ENERGY STAR® Home Upgrade’s clean heating and cooling.
For Heat Pump Owners
If you’ve already experienced the benefits of a heat pump in your home, congratulations on saving energy. But even the most efficient heating and cooling system needs tune-ups and occasional maintenance.
