If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s HVAC system, you’ve probably come across heat pumps. These systems offer both heating and cooling in one unit, and being very energy-efficient, their popularity is growing around the world. But what are these new systems, and are they a good option for your home? TemperaturePro has broken it down for you, so you’ll know the facts before taking the next step.
Types of Heat Pump
First of all, what are heat pumps? Put simply, heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another, rather than generating it like conventional HVAC systems. But there are also a few different types of heat pumps, not all of which may be available to you.
- Air-Source ($5,000 – $11,000 To Install): This is the most common type of heat pump and usually the most affordable. They work by moving the air in or out of your house. In winter, they extract heat from the outside air and bring it in, and in summer, they do the opposite.
- Ductless or Mini-Split ($4,000 – $9,000 To Install): This type of unit doesn’t use the ducts in your home to distribute hot air. Instead, an outdoor unit connects to one or more indoor units using refrigerant lines. The indoor units, often mounted on the walls, then blow hot or cold air directly into the room they’re in.
- Geothermal ($10,000 – $30,000+ To Install): As you can probably guess, these pumps use the temperature of the earth to regulate indoor temperatures. These are the most expensive heat pumps to install, but they also have the lowest operating costs.
Depending on which type of heat pump you go with, the installation cost will vary, as will the operating costs. It’s important to consider both when making your decision; a higher cost upfront could save you thousands in the long run.
Size of Your Home
Now that you know the rough costs to install different types of heat pump, which one is right for you? A big part of that depends on how large your home is. A bigger home will mean higher installation costs, particularly in the case of ductless heat pumps, as you will need individual indoor units for any room you want to have easy access to AC.
Duct Condition & Energy Efficiency
The state of your ducts, if you’ll be needing them, will also affect the overall costs. Well-maintained or newer ducts will mean a straightforward installation, whereas outdated ducts or those in need of repair could add up to $5,000 to the initial install cost.
The energy rating of the heat pump also varies. Higher SEER (cooling) and HSPF (heating) ratings will mean better performance, but also a higher initial cost. However, the improved performance will also save you money annually on your energy bill.
Financial Incentives & Rebates
Since heat pumps are highly energy efficient and help to reduce carbon emissions, there are government incentives for getting one installed in your home. These incentives include:
- Federal tax credits of up to $2,000 for certain heat pumps
- Local utility rebates, which can range from $500 to $2,00,0, depending on the energy provider
- State and municipal programs that promote energy-efficient upgrades can also affect your installation cost. Check your local government website for more details!
Is a Heat Pump Right for You?
So, is a heat pump right for you? To answer that question, you have to consider a few things in addition to the overall cost, the first of which is the timing. Is your current HVAC system struggling or due for an upgrade? If so, a heat pump is a great choice for you; if not, perhaps plan to upgrade in the future when you’ll need it.
Secondly, consider the climate you live in. While modern heat pumps are designed to operate even in extremely cold climates, the weather can affect their efficiency. For example, the weather in towns like Mokena, Illinois, can get extremely cold, leading to more wear on a heat pump over time, affecting its overall performance and operating cost.
Finally, a heat pump is a system that handles both your heating and your cooling. This means more wear on the unit as it’ll be used year-round as opposed to older HVAC systems. Modern heat pumps are designed to handle this strain, but it is a small factor you should be aware of before making your decision.
The cost to install a heat pump varies depending on a few different factors, but overall, the long-term efficiency and savings usually make the expense worth it. With that being said, we highly recommend you schedule a professional home assessment to make sure you’re making the correct choice with your heating and AC.
Book an appointment with TemperaturePro today and take the first step in upgrading your home and decreasing your bills.
