Residential Heat Pumps: What, Why, and How
Here’s a simple guide:
○ What’s a heat pump? Its an energy efficient system that heats and cools your home, using 3-4X less energy than traditional systems. Check out more in the tab below.
○ Why get one? Heat pumps save on energy bills, provide consistent comfort and reduce your carbon footprint. Check out more in the tab below.
○ How to get one? Use our simple buying guide below.
A residential heat pump works just like air conditioner or refrigerator. It move heat from one place to another using a continuous cycle through 4 key parts:
Evaporator – Absorbs heat (cold energy in)
Compressor – Increase pressure of the refrigerant using electricity
Condenser – Releases Heat (hot energy out)
Expansion Line – Lowers the pressure of the refrigerant to restart the cycle.
By controlling heat flow, heat pumps can both cool or heat a home efficiently, making them a smart choice for comfort year-round.
✅Replaces both your air conditioner & heater – One system does it all!
✅Produces no direct CO2 emissions (except from electricity generation)
✅Super-efficient – Use 1 unit of electricity to move 3-5 units of heat.
✅Healthier – Reduce the risk of gas or carbon monoxide leaks
✅Less maintenance – Lower repair and maintenance costs
✅Rebates & tax credits: Many incentives are available to lower the cost .
By installing a heat pump, you save money, cut emissions, and stay comfortable year-round
Step 1: Assess Your Home’s Needs Before buying a heat pump, have a professional load calculation done to determine the best size and type for your home. Key factors include:
🏠 Square footage – Bigger homes need more power.
🛠 Insulation quality – Well-insulated homes retain heat better.
🪟 Windows – Type, placement, and efficiency affect heating & cooling needs.
🌡 Local climate – Some heat pumps work better in colder regions.
🔧 Maintenance requirements – Consider long-term costs and upkeep.
Step 2: Choose the Right Size Proper sizing is crucial for efficiency and comfort.
📏 Measured in BTUs or tons (1.5–5 tons or 18,000–60,000 BTUs).
⚠ Too small? Won’t heat/cool efficiently.
⚠ Too large? Wastes energy & wears out faster.
Step 3: Check Efficiency Ratings The higher the efficiency, the more you save on energy bills!
✅ SEER (Cooling Efficiency) – Ranges from 13-25 (higher is better).
✅ HSPF2 (Heating Efficiency) – 7.7+ is good, 8.5+ earns ENERGY STAR®. Part 1
Step 4: Ask These Questions Before Buying
📌 What size heat pump do I need for my home?
📌 What are the SEER and HSPF ratings?
📌 Is this heat pump designed for my local climate?
📌 What’s the lifespan of this model?
📌 How much maintenance does it need?
📌 What’s the total cost (unit + installation)?
📌 Are there rebates or incentives available?
📌 What’s the expected energy savings?
📌 What warranties come with the unit & installation?
📌 Can you provide references from previous customers?
Step 5: Look for Certifications
⭐ ENERGY STAR® – Meets strict energy efficiency standards.
🔧 NATE-Certified Installers – Ensures proper installation & performance.
✅ AHRI Certification – Verifies efficiency claims.
Step 6: Avoid These Common Mistakes
❌ Oversized or Undersized Units – Leads to poor performance & higher bills.
❌ Ignoring Local Climate – Some models work better in extreme cold.
❌ Unlicensed Installers – Can cause poor installation & void warranties.
❌ Skipping Maintenance – Reduces lifespan & increases repair costs. By following this guide, you can find the right heat pump, maximize efficiency, and save money while keeping your home comfortable year-round! 🔥❄️
1. ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps: Visit the ENERGY STAR website for a list of high-efficiency heat pumps that are eco-friendly and help save on energy costs. These heat pumps meet strict standards, so you know you’re getting a reliable and cost-effective solution for heating and cooling your home.
2. Weatherization Resources from the U.S. Department of Energy: This page is all about improving your home’s energy efficiency. It has tips on things like insulation and air sealing to help cut heating and cooling costs, making your home more comfortable while being energy-smart.
3. Druckman and Jackson's Research on Carbon Emissions: They’ve found that what we buy and use at home plays a huge role in our carbon footprint. Their work shows the importance of making smarter lifestyle choices and pushing for changes that can reduce our environmental impact.
4. Rewiring America’s Call for Electrification: This group is pushing for a big shift to electrify homes, businesses, and transportation to lower carbon emissions, reduce energy bills, and create new jobs. They’re working to make it easier to go green and save money at the same time.
5. Understanding COP (Coefficient of Performance): The GridX Knowledge Hub explains how COP measures the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. In simple terms, the higher the COP, the better the system is at using energy to heat or cool your space, which means more savings for you.
6. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) sets the gold standard for HVAC design, and pros use its Manual J to size heating and cooling systems just right. Homeowners don’t need to crunch the numbers—but if you're curious, you can dig into the details yourself!
These resources can help you make smarter choices when it comes to saving energy, cutting costs, and contributing to a greener world.