Install Heat Pumps (Heat and A/C)
Summary: Heat and Air Conditioning Pumps Are More Efficient and Better for Everyone
Description
Electrifying your home heating system with a heat pump is one of the most effective ways to reduce your overall carbon footprint and make your home more comfortable. An ideal time to consider a heat pump is when you need to replace your existing heating or cooling system or when you want to add air conditioning, because heat pumps provide cooling as well as heating. Find more details on heat pumps under the Deep Dive tab above, and click on the Testimonials tab to hear from neighbors who have done it!
And, there are several incentive programs to sweeten the deal!
But choosing an installer and equipment can be a time consuming and confusing process.
In order to qualify for the MassSave incentives, you need to have a FREE home energy assessment from Mass Save. Then should first do everything you can to add the maximum insulation and reduce drafts significantly. Find more details on the incentives under the Deep Dive tab above.
Find more information about home heat pumps from other local communities on the Mass Energize plugIN website.
Deep Dive
How do mini-split heat pumps work?
A heat pump is a device that moves heat from one place to another. It works much like an air conditioner or a refrigerator and not like a boiler or furnace that burns fuel. While a refrigerator moves heat from your fridge to your kitchen, a heat pump moves heat from your home to the outside and vice versa.
Like a central air conditioning system, mini-split heat pumps have two parts: an outdoor condensing unit and one or more indoor air handling units, connected by a conduit through your wall. They usually have no ducts, but can sometimes have a short duct system.
How much electricity does a mini-split heat pump use?
Incredibly, they only use half the electricity that would be used by window air conditioners for cooling. For heating, mini-split heat pumps’ average efficiency for an entire winter is typically in the 200-250 percent range - compare that to an oil-fired boiler efficiency of 97 percent or to an electric baseboard at 100 percent.
Doesn’t it cost more to heat with electricity?
No, because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, they can heat and cool at a significantly lower cost than other systems. In fact, The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships found that in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions air source heat pumps save around 3,000 kWh (or $459) when compared to electric resistance heaters, and 6,200 kWh (or $948) when compared to oil systems. When displacing oil (i.e., the oil system remains, but operates less frequently), the average annual savings are near 3,000 kWh (or about $300).
Do I have to replace my entire existing heating system to use heat pumps?
Heat pumps work with most heating systems, such as forced hot air, radiators, or radiant (floor) heat. They can also be “ductless,” in which case they transfer warm or cool air directly into the house. Some people choose to install heat pumps on top of their legacy heating system so that the old system can kick in if temperatures get very cold.
How do I decide which kind of heat pump is right for my home?
A qualified installer is your best guide, but if you want to learn more now, check out this buying guide.
Steps to Take
- Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes, so sign up to receive a free Home Energy Assessment.
- If your home is well-insulated, contact a qualified installer for a free estimate.
- Explore your rebate and financing options. A good installer should automatically sign you up for any available rebates or savings, but it’s good to know the options.
- Explore other testimonials and comments from people who have installed heat pumps in your region on the Mass Energize plugIN website.