The adoption rate for heat pumps in the U.S. is faster than other HVAC technologies. Americans purchased more heat pumps than furnaces for the first time in 2023. The industry expects that trend to continue due to high energy-efficiency ratings and government incentives.
Heat pumps are similar to air conditioners in that they transfer heat from one medium to another. The difference is that heat pumps have a reversing valve that allows the refrigeration cycle to run in reverse. That lets a heat pump provide both cooling and heating. The heat is often impressively affordable compared to alternatives like furnaces, but there are some cold weather considerations.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps transfer heat to and from the earth via a closed loop. Ground-source heat pumps have their loops buried in the ground. There are also water-source heat pumps with loops submerged in large bodies of water. In winter, the abundance and consistency of heat energy dictate how efficient a heat pump can be. Geothermal systems benefit from the abundant energy and relatively consistent temperature underground. That allows them to maintain efficiency even in the coldest U.S. climates.
The reason geothermal systems aren’t more prevalent is that they’re relatively expensive. Geothermal systems have been getting more affordable as the technology gets cheaper. They also provide excellent long-term values due to long equipment lifespans.
Mid-Efficiency Air-Source Heat Pumps
Air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) are far more prevalent for residential applications. These systems transfer heat to and from the ambient air. There are limitations to that approach in cold climates. The colder it gets, the less abundant the heat is. With less heat available for the exchange, the system has to work harder and eventually becomes inefficient.
All ASHPs have a cold-weather threshold at which they’re no longer efficient. The exact threshold depends on a range of factors, including the home’s building envelope. In cold climates, mid-efficiency ASHPs as standalone solutions generally aren’t viable. Some systems have integrated auxiliary heating, such as electric resistive heating strips. The aux heat helps keep the home comfortable while letting the ASHP cycle normally.
High-Efficiency Air-Source Heat Pumps
The HVAC industry has continued to innovate on ASHP technologies. There are now ASHPs that can function at much lower temperatures. The industry differentiates these as high-efficiency models, and they often offer higher SEER2 and HSPF2 efficiency ratings as well. The downside to high-efficiency models is that they can be expensive compared to the standard models. There are tax credits and rebates, potentially, that can help offset the additional initial cost. Over time, these models can cover that premium and then some through lower operating costs.
Ductless Heat Pumps
The heat pumps discussed so far are central systems, which means they blow heated and cooled air through ductwork. There are also mini-split heat pumps. These ductless setups have an outdoor condenser unit just like any other heat pump. The difference is that they have a dedicated air handler, evaporator coil, and drainage system for each zone in the home. Most mini-splits on the market are ASHPs. While less common, ductless geothermal systems are available. With ductless ASHPs, it’s very common to have heating strips for aux heat.
Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps
Dual-fuel heat pumps, also called hybrid heating, are a solution aimed at the average household. These systems generally pair a mid-efficiency ASHP with a mid-efficiency furnace. The heat pump provides air conditioning. It also supplies affordable heating down to its cold-weather threshold. When the ambient temperature reaches that point, the system switches over from the heat pump to the furnace.
This approach costs more initially than just buying a heat pump or furnace. That said, it’s typically more affordable than the high-efficiency solutions. It also pays for itself over time due to the lower heating costs.
Install a Heat Pump in Nesbit
RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned business with over 25 years of experience installing heat pumps in Nesbit, MS and the surrounding areas. Our NATE-certified technicians also install, maintain, and repair furnaces, air conditioners, and ductless ACs. We install, repair, and clean ducts. Our indoor air quality team specializes in HVAC filters, air purifiers, and germicidal lamps.
Our plumbers perform video inspections and are available 24/7 for emergencies. We install and service kitchen and bathroom fixtures and tank and tankless water heaters. Our licensed electricians perform inspections, installations, repairs, and maintenance. That includes electrical panels, surge protection, indoor lighting, standby generators, and much more. Call today or contact us online to learn more about the services and products we offer.
