Heat Pump Guide
Learn how heat pumps work, why they're beneficial, and which type is best for your home or business.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps are a clean, renewable, and efficient solution to warm and cool homes and businesses, offering substantial energy savings and environmental benefits.
In the summer, a heat pump moves heat from inside a building to the outside. In the winter, the process is reversed, as heat is extracted from outside to warm an indoor space. Heat pumps are very energy efficient—they transfer more energy than they consume—without fossil fuels or using electricity. Plus, the latest cold-climate model provides increased comfort, even when the temperature outside is extremely cold or hot.
Heat Pump Benefits*
- Energy efficient: Delivers up to 4 times the heat per unit of energy used compared to a gas or oil-fueled system.
- Year-round comfort: Provides both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, eliminating the need for separate systems.
- Improved air quality: Provides air filtration and humidity control.
- Lower carbon footprint:
Uses electricity more efficiently and can be powered by renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based heating. - Safety: Heat pumps don’t use combustion, so there’s no risk of carbon monoxide leaks or indoor air pollution associated with gas or oil furnaces.
- Long Lifespan and Low Maintenance: With proper care, heat pumps can last 20 years or more and generally require less maintenance than fossil fuel-based heating systems.
Plus, rebates and incentives can help you save thousands on upfront installation costs.
Heat Pump Types
Central (Air-Source, Ducted)
A central air-source heat pump is a great option if you have a building with an existing duct system or plan to install ductwork. The heat pump efficiently heats and cools indoor spaces using your building’s duct system.
Mini-Split (Air-Source, Ductless)
Mini-split (ductless) systems warm and cool your home or business without ductwork. These air-source heat pumps are often used for small areas or single rooms but they can also heat and cool entire spaces across multiple indoor units. Mini-splits are an ideal option for areas where it is hard to maintain consistent temperatures.
Geothermal
Geothermal heat pumps warm and cool homes and businesses with a water loop underground. The process transfers heat more efficiently than traditional HVAC systems, as the ground temperature remains fairly steady year-round, usually between 50°F and 59°F in most parts of the United States. That means the ground is often warmer than the air in winter and cooler in summer.** This option is best if you need to heat and cool your entire home or business.
Water Heating Solutions
Using electricity, a heat pump water heater efficiently extracts heat from the surrounding air and releases it —at a higher temperature—into a tank to warm up the water inside. The process requires less energy to run than electric or fossil fuel-powered water heaters, creating savings for your home or business.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)
Consider VRF if you manage a multifamily residence or large commercial building. This multi-unit system provides heating and cooling technology throughout a building while also giving individual occupants personalized temperature control.
**U.S. Department of Energy, Geothermal Heat Pumps