Benefits of Heat Pumps: What Industry Experts Say

Now that winter is in full swing in Minnesota, many homeowners are cringing as they write the check to their energy provider each month. But, others who are using a heat pump in tandem with their electric furnace may be finding the opposite.

What is a heat pump? Heat pumps use electricity to move warm and cold air around a home, rather than burning fuel to do so. While heat pumps can be used in place of a heating and cooling unit in more moderate climates, for climates like Minnesota’s, heat pumps need to be used in combination with a backup heating source. Using a heat pump and an electric furnace together can cut your electricity use by as much as 40%, making your home more energy efficient and saving you money on energy bills.

But, don’t just take our word for it. Here’s how some of our favorite industry experts describe the energy benefits of heat pumps:

 

Trane (A local furnace manufacturer)

“Unlike a furnace, a heat pump doesn’t burn fuel to make heat. It simply uses electricity to move heat from one place to another — making it a more energy-efficient solution.”

 

 

 

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The U.S. Department of Energy

“Because they move heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can provide equivalent space conditioning at as little as one quarter of the cost of operating conventional heating or cooling appliances. … Air-source heat pumps have been used for many years in nearly all parts of the United States, but until recently they have not been used in areas that experienced extended periods of subfreezing temperatures. However, in recent years, air-source heat pump technology has advanced so that it now offers a legitimate space heating alternative in colder regions.”

 

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DoItYourself.com (A popular homeowners’ DIY site)

“[Heat pumps are] one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems you can install for your home. It does not convert electricity into heat. Rather, it absorbs warmth from the atmosphere or ground, multiplies it and then transfers this heat to the home. … Initial purchase price may be costly. This may serve as deterrent to acquisition. However, the savings you’d make on energy bills over time can well balance this out.”

 

A heat pump may not be the right solution for every homeowner as they can be costly to install and require regular maintenance checks, but they are certainly worth considering if you’re looking to increase the efficiency of your home and save money on monthly energy bills.

There are several different types of heat pumps out there. If you want to know more about your options, Welter Heating can help. Contact us today to learn more.