We Answer Your Heat Pump Questions — Right Here, Right Now

By Kaia Koglin

December 22, 2024

Have you heard the heat pump hype and want to know if it's right for you? You've come to the right place.

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How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Heat pumps are systems that efficiently transfer heat from one place to another. In winter, a heat pump moves heat from the outside of a building to the inside to keep you warm. In summer, that heat is moved from inside your home to the outside to keep you cool.

A heat pump uses the following steps to heat your home.

1. Heat is sourced from outside, either in the air or in the ground.

2. This heat is blown or pumped over the exterior heat exchange surface of the heat pump. This causes the refrigerant liquid in the heat pump to evaporate and turn into a gas.

3. The gas is moved through a compressor. This increases the pressure and makes the temperature rise.

4. The heated gas is passed over the internal heat exchange surface and blown around the home or transferred into central heating or a hot water service.

5. When the heat is transferred to the home, the temperature of the gas falls, causing it to return to a liquid state.

The cycle repeats until your home reaches the optimal temperature. Heat pump systems have a reversing valve that pumps out the hot air inside your home.

How Is a Heat Pump Different From Traditional HVAC Systems?

Heat pumps are designed to extract more energy from the surrounding environment, making them more energy-efficient. Additionally, traditional HVAC systems use two separate components to heat and cool your home. A heat pump is one system that can do both.

Is a Heat Pump Efficient in Extremely Cold or Hot Climates?

All heating and cooling systems work best in mild or moderate climates. In extremely hot or cold environments, the system has to work harder to either cool or heat a building. As they need heat from outside to work, regular heat pumps can struggle in extreme cold. However, there are cold-climate systems that are designed to handle extreme temperatures. Talk to a local professional who'll be able to recommend the best system for your location.

What Maintenance Tasks Do You Need to Perform on a Heat Pump Unit and How Often?

You should monitor your heat pump regularly. Check for leaks, cracks, blockages and other issues. Like other HVAC systems, a heat pump has filters that need to be cleaned every 3 months or so. A visual inspection of the system can be carried out at the same time. Finally, schedule professional maintenance on a yearly basis.

Are Heat Pumps More Energy-Efficient Than Other HVAC Unit Types?

Heat pumps are extremely efficient. A traditional HVAC unit transforms electricity into heat. This theoretically gives it 100% efficiency — the amount of heat produced is equal to the amount of energy used. Heat pumps don't do this. Instead, they use electricity to capture heat and move it. This means they can put out more heat energy than they use in electricity. One expert says they can reach 400% efficiency or higher.

Can Installing a Heat Pump Save Me Money?

Any system that uses less electricity to create the same amount of heat will lower your utility bill. Although heat pumps are more expensive than traditional systems, there are tax credits and rebates that can help lower costs. It will also pay for itself in energy savings.

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How Do You Determine the Size of Heat Pump to Install?

A heat pump that's too big or too small for your space can lessen the efficiency of the system, so it's important to choose the right size. There are various complicated equations online to determine the right size, but the easiest way is to speak to a professional. They'll look at different factors, such as the size of your home, ceiling height, insulation and number of people using the space. With this information, they can calculate the amount of heating or cooling you need.

You can also estimate based on your home size. Generally, every 500 square feet needs a capacity of 1 ton for heating and air conditioning.

What Is the Lifespan of a Heat Pump System?

Most manufacturers state that a heat pump should last 15 years. However, a well-maintained system can last longer, and modern units may not need to be replaced for 20-25 years.

What Are the Different Types of Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps mainly differ based on the source of heat. An air source pump takes heat from the air and boosts it to a higher temperature. Ground source systems have pipes below your house that absorb naturally occurring heat from the ground. Although the systems take heat from different places, they work in essentially the same way.

Can You Use a Heat Pump With an Existing HVAC System?

Hybrid systems are integrated with a traditional gas furnace or boiler heating system. The pumps monitor the temperature outside and automatically choose the most energy-efficient option for heating or cooling your house. You can buy an all-new hybrid system, or there are options for integrating it with an existing system. Using your current ductwork can help reduce installation costs. Hybrid systems may be a good option for people in extreme climates, as there's a backup when the weather gets very cold.

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