At Jay Moody HVAC, we’re proud to be considered Massachusetts’ heat pump specialists, providing efficient, engineer-designed air source heat pump systems for local homeowners and businesses. We believe homeowners should feel well-informed and confident about their HVAC options, and we’re committed to providing educational resources like this article to help guide you through your home improvement projects.
This Ultimate Guide to Air Source Heat Pumps is here to help you understand how they work, the different types available, their pros and cons, available rebates and energy incentives, and why heat pumps are an effective option for Massachusetts homeowners.
What Are Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are devices that transfer heat from one place to another, and they can be used to heat or cool a space, depending on the direction of the heat transfer.
There are two main types of heat pumps: geothermal and air-source. While geothermal heat pumps extract heat from the ground, air-source heat pumps transfer heat between the inside and outside air. Air-source heat pumps are more commonly used, so this article will focus on that type.
How Air Source Heat Pumps Work
Unlike fuel heating systems that create heat energy, heat pumps move heat energy. They use refrigerants to absorb heat from the outside air and then pump it inside using a compressor.
In the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it inside to warm up the building. In the summer, the process is reversed, and the heat pump extracts heat from inside the building and releases it outside to cool down the building.
The efficiency of a heat pump system depends on a number of factors we will discuss shortly. That being said, heat pumps tend to operate more efficiently than fuel systems. This is because heat pumps move heat energy while fuel systems create it.
Types of Air Source Heat Pumps
There are two main types of air source heat pumps: central (ducted) systems and ductless mini-split systems.
Central Heat Pumps
This system uses a heat exchanger to extract heat from the outside air and transfer it to the indoor air. The ductwork then distributes the heated or cooled air throughout the home. The central heat pump system is commonly used in larger homes with multiple rooms and floors and existing ductwork.
Ductless Mini-Splits
This system moves heat to individual zones through a single inside unit. It is a great option for smaller homes or for homeowners who want to have more control over the temperature in different areas of their home. The ductless mini-split system doesn’t require any ductwork, which makes it easier to install and maintain. Additionally, mini-splits can be more energy-efficient than central heat pump systems because they don’t lose heat through ductwork.
Overall, both central heat pump systems and ductless mini-split heat pump systems have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to consider factors such as the size of your home, budget, and heating and cooling needs before choosing which type of system is right for you.
Pros & Cons of Heat Pump Systems
Now that we’ve discussed the different types of heat pumps and how they work, let’s take a closer look at their pros and cons.
Benefits of Heat Pump Systems
A well-designed, professionally installed, heat pump system can offer top-tier home comfort at efficient cost! We’ve outlined a few of the most primary benefits of heat pump systems below.
Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are highly efficient as they don’t generate heat but transfer it from one place to another. This means that they consume less energy and are more environmentally friendly than traditional heating systems.
In fact, air-source heat pumps have found to be 2-3x more efficient than traditional fuel heating systems. What’s more, air-source heat pumps can reduce your electricity use by 50% compared to electric resistance heating! (Read more at Energy.gov)
Versatility
A key benefit of heat pump systems is their versatility. Heat pumps offer efficient heating AND cooling, all in one system! This allows you to take advantage of heat pumps all year-round. They can also be used in conjunction with other heating systems, such as furnaces, to create a hybrid heating system.
Cost Savings
Although heat pumps can be more expensive to install than traditional heating systems, they can save you money in the long run due to their energy efficiency. Because the systems offer dual-heating and cooling, they also require less maintenance. Opposed to having two systems to maintenance (your air conditioning and heating system), you only have one!
Check out Mass Save’s Heating Comparison Calculator to approximate your potential heating savings!
Improved Comfort
Heat pumps provide consistent and even heating and cooling throughout your home, which can help improve your overall comfort. In addition to dual heating and cooling, many heat pump systems also offer advanced air filtration and dehumidification modes.
What’s more, heat pumps also operate quietly, so you won’t be disturbed by loud noises!
Environmental Benefits
As mentioned earlier, heat pumps are more environmentally friendly than traditional heating systems as they use less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases. This means that you’ll be doing your part to help reduce your carbon footprint.
Disadvantages of Heat Pump Systems
While heat there are many advantages to installing a heat pump system, there are possible disadvantages. Heat pump systems may not be the right fit for every home. For this reason, it’s incredibly important to work with a qualified HVAC installer that will outline all your options. Here are a few disadvantages you may come across:
Initial Cost of Installation
An initial disadvantage and common barrier preventing homeowners from upgrading to heat pumps is the often-high cost of installation.
Heat pump systems are generally more expensive to install than traditional heating and cooling systems. This is because they require more specialized equipment and installation practices. On top of this, some homes also require additional ductwork and/or electrical work.
Initial Transition from Fuel Heating to Electric
Heat pumps utilize electricity to operate, whereas fuel heating systems utilize natural gas, propane, or oil. This can be a difficult transition for some homeowners.
The cost of electricity varies by region, but it is generally more expensive than the cost of fuel. While the energy efficiency of heat pump systems means that they can save homeowners money on energy costs in the long run, the initial transition can be difficult for some.
Potential for Poorly Designed System Installation
Unfortunately, as access to heat pump systems has grown, so has the number of unqualified installers. As we’ve discussed, a well-designed and properly installed heat pump system can offer significant improvement in home comfort and efficiency. A poorly designed/installed system, however, can be a costly mistake.
For this reason, it’s crucial that homeowners choose a qualified heat pump installer for their project.
Read about the five questions to ask your heat pump installer, here.
Heat Pump Rebates & Energy Incentives
Heat pump rebates and energy incentives are available in Massachusetts and many other states throughout the United States. These programs are designed to help homeowners and businesses switch to more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, such as heat pumps.
Many Massachusetts towns unable to participate in Mass Save offer their own energy incentives for the installation of heat pump systems. Most of these energy incentives are offered through a similar program called Next Zero.
In addition to state energy incentives, the Inflation Reduction Act offers residents a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 when installing a heat pump system!
To take advantage of these programs, homeowners and businesses typically need to work with a participating contractor who can help with the installation and application process. It’s important to check the specific requirements and guidelines for each program to ensure eligibility and maximize savings.
Overall, heat pump rebates and energy incentives can be a great way to save money while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Heat Pump Effectiveness in Massachusetts
Based in Leominster, Massachusetts, Jay Moody HVAC has installed hundreds of heat pump systems for Massachusetts homeowners. A common question we are asked is “How effective are heat pumps during the winter?”. There is understandable skepticism around the ability of heat pumps to heat your home through cold winters. Let’s start the discussion by answering this common question.
Yes, heat pumps can offer efficient heating to your Massachusetts home, even in the winter!
That being said, heat pumps do become less efficient at extreme temperatures. If it is extremely hot outside or extremely cold, your heat pump system has to work extra hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Massachusetts does not commonly experience extreme temperatures below zero, or above one-hundred degrees. This means that your heat pump system is not likely to experience consistent strain that causes inefficiency. However, to be safe, Jay Moody HVAC chooses to implement back up heat as necessary, to ensure our customers’ homes are supported throughout the winter.
Read more about heat pump efficiency during the winter, here!
Required Heat Pump Maintenance
Heat pump systems, like any HVAC system, should be maintained once a year by a qualified HVAC technician.
In addition to annual maintenance, homeowners with mini splits should clean the air filters every few months. This can be done by you, no tools required!
We hope you find this article helpful as you navigate your home improvement project. For more information related to heat pumps or other HVAC systems, check out our blog!
