In the right application, heat pumps can be a cost-effective alternative.
Electric air-source heat pumps serve as excellent replacements for furnace systems that run on propane or heating oil. They are also a cost-effective alternative to electric heating methods such as electric furnaces, baseboard heaters, and wall-mounted heaters.
How Heat Pumps Work
In the summer, an air source heat pump acts like an air conditioner, absorbing heat from indoor air and releasing it outdoors. In the winter, the system reverses operation, extracting heat from the outdoor air and delivering it indoors.
Heat pumps consist primarily of two components: the condenser (or compressor unit), which circulates refrigerant through the system, and the air handler, which distributes the conditioned air. Most heat pumps are split systems, with the condenser located outdoors and the air handler indoors. Packaged systems integrate both components into a single outdoor unit. Heat pumps typically distribute heated or cooled air via a ductwork system.
Advantages of Air-Source Heat Pumps
If your old furnace system includes air conditioning, replacing both the heating and cooling units with a single heat pump system can lead to significant cost savings. If you currently use window air conditioners or an older central air conditioning system, switching to an air source heat pump can lower your summer energy bills.
Beyond reducing energy costs, heat pumps eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and the issues associated with on-site storage of propane or heating oil.
During colder months, as outdoor temperatures drop, the heat pump must work harder to extract heat. When the outdoor temperature falls below a certain level, the system switches to resistance heating mode—which consumes more electricity and operates similarly to a toaster or space heater.
Selection and Installation
Units are rated based on their heating efficiency (HSPF) and cooling efficiency (SEER). Heating efficiency is measured by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), while cooling efficiency is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Standard heat pumps have minimum ratings of 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF. A simple way to compare different products is to look for the ENERGY STAR® label. This label indicates that the unit has a SEER rating of at least 15 and an HSPF rating of at least 8.5. Visit energystar.gov for more information on equipment, installation, and qualified contractors.
How much can a heat pump save you on energy costs? It depends on the size and energy efficiency of your home, local energy prices, and the climate. You can find online calculators to help estimate potential savings. A study based on sample data showed that in South Carolina, heating costs using a new heat pump—calculated based on national average fuel prices—were less than half the cost of heating with a standard propane furnace or electric resistance heater.
An energy auditor can provide more precise savings estimates and offer advice on selecting specific brands and equipment sizes. More importantly, an energy auditor can suggest other ways to improve comfort or reduce energy consumption, such as duct sealing or improving building envelope insulation.
Local HVAC dealers with experience in heat pumps can be very helpful. Since many heat pumps are installed incorrectly, be sure to ask how they ensure a high-quality installation. Contact your local electric cooperative for recommendations; they may even offer rebates, free energy audits, or discounts for electric heating systems.
In the right application, heat pumps can be a cost-effective alternative.
Electric air-source heat pumps serve as excellent replacements for furnace systems that run on propane or heating oil. They are also a cost-effective alternative to electric heating methods such as electric furnaces, baseboard heaters, and wall-mounted heaters.
How Heat Pumps Work
In the summer, an air source heat pump acts like an air conditioner, absorbing heat from indoor air and releasing it outdoors. In the winter, the system reverses operation, extracting heat from the outdoor air and delivering it indoors.
Heat pumps consist primarily of two components: the condenser (or compressor unit), which circulates refrigerant through the system, and the air handler, which distributes the conditioned air. Most heat pumps are split systems, with the condenser located outdoors and the air handler indoors. Packaged systems integrate both components into a single outdoor unit. Heat pumps typically distribute heated or cooled air via a ductwork system.
Advantages of Air-Source Heat Pumps
If your old furnace system includes air conditioning, replacing both the heating and cooling units with a single heat pump system can lead to significant cost savings. If you currently use window air conditioners or an older central air conditioning system, switching to an air source heat pump can lower your summer energy bills.
Beyond reducing energy costs, heat pumps eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and the issues associated with on-site storage of propane or heating oil.
During colder months, as outdoor temperatures drop, the heat pump must work harder to extract heat. When the outdoor temperature falls below a certain level, the system switches to resistance heating mode—which consumes more electricity and operates similarly to a toaster or space heater.
Selection and Installation
Units are rated based on their heating efficiency (HSPF) and cooling efficiency (SEER). Heating efficiency is measured by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), while cooling efficiency is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Standard heat pumps have minimum ratings of 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF. A simple way to compare different products is to look for the ENERGY STAR® label. This label indicates that the unit has a SEER rating of at least 15 and an HSPF rating of at least 8.5. Visit energystar.gov for more information on equipment, installation, and qualified contractors.
How much can a heat pump save you on energy costs? It depends on the size and energy efficiency of your home, local energy prices, and the climate. You can find online calculators to help estimate potential savings. A study based on sample data showed that in South Carolina, heating costs using a new heat pump—calculated based on national average fuel prices—were less than half the cost of heating with a standard propane furnace or electric resistance heater.
An energy auditor can provide more precise savings estimates and offer advice on selecting specific brands and equipment sizes. More importantly, an energy auditor can suggest other ways to improve comfort or reduce energy consumption, such as duct sealing or improving building envelope insulation.
Local HVAC dealers with experience in heat pumps can be very helpful. Since many heat pumps are installed incorrectly, be sure to ask how they ensure a high-quality installation. Contact your local electric cooperative for recommendations; they may even offer rebates, free energy audits, or discounts for electric heating systems.
