Furnaces
Debunking Common Heat Pump Myths
By Tom Moor•December 19, 2024
Heat pumps have become an increasingly popular choice for heating and cooling homes, thanks to their energy efficiency and environmental benefits. In addition to reducing energy consumption, they offer the added advantage of providing year-round comfort by both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.
However, despite their growth in popularity, there are still misconceptions about how heat pumps work and their overall effectiveness. HVAC.com explores and debunks some of the most common heat pump myths to help you make a more informed decision if you’re considering installing one in your home.
Myth 1: Heat Pumps Are Only Good for Heating, Not Cooling
With the word “heat” in its name, it’s no wonder that some homeowners mistakenly believe heat pumps are only used for heating and cannot cool their homes during the summer months. However, heat pumps are, in fact, dual-purpose systems that function as both a heater and cooling system.
Heat pumps get their name from their ability to transfer heat in and out of a home. In the winter, heat pumps extract heat from the outside air and transfer it indoors to warm your home. In the summer, the process is reversed: heat is extracted from your indoor air and transferred outside, effectively cooling your home. Heat pumps operate similarly to central air conditioners during the summer months.
Myth 2: Heat Pumps Don’t Work Well in Colder Climates
Another common myth about heat pumps is that they don’t work well in colder climates (especially in the North) due to the fact they become less efficient once the temperature dips below a certain point.
It’s true that traditional air-source heat pumps typically lose efficiency when temperatures drop below freezing, often requiring a supplemental heating source such as electrical resistance heating or a gas furnace. However, newer models, such as cold-climate heat pumps, are specifically designed to perform well in colder weather. These units use enhanced features, such as variable-speed compressors, to maintain effective heating performance even in temperatures below freezing. Some models can even perform efficiently in below-zero weather.
Myth 3: Heat Pumps Are Too Expensive to Install
Another common misconception is that heat pumps are expensive to install compared to other types of HVAC systems. While the upfront cost of a heat pump system can be higher than traditional heating systems such as a gas furnace or boiler, the long-term savings on energy bills often outweigh the initial investment, especially in regions with cheaper electricity rates.
Myth 4: Heat Pumps Are Noisy
Some people shy away from heat pumps because they assume they are noisy and disruptive. While older heat pump models might have been louder, today’s systems feature advanced sound-dampening technology that makes them comparable to the noise levels of central air conditioners – sometimes even quieter. Heat pumps typically produce noise levels between 40 and 60 decibels, with some high-end units even quieter.
Myth 5: Heat Pumps Require a Lot of Maintenance
Many homeowners believe that heat pumps require constant maintenance, but this isn’t the case. While they do need some attention to keep them running smoothly, heat pump maintenance is generally not as time-consuming or complex as some might think.
One task that homeowners can easily handle is regularly replacing the air filter to ensure proper airflow and efficiency. However, there are other maintenance tasks that are best left to a professional technician. These include cleaning the outdoor unit, checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, and inspecting the system for any issues. A professional should perform these tasks twice a year – once before the cooling season and again before the heating season – to keep your heat pump in top shape.
Myth 6: Heat Pumps Take Up Too Much Space
Some homeowners believe heat pumps are much larger than other HVAC systems, therefore tending to take up excess space. In reality, heat pumps and air conditioners are generally the same size. Like a traditional AC unit, heat pumps sit on a pad next to your home.
Myth 7: Heat Pumps Aren’t as Energy Efficient as Other Systems
Perhaps the most persistent myth is that heat pumps are not as energy efficient as other heating or cooling systems. However, this is simply not true. Heat pumps are incredibly efficient because they move heat rather than generate it, which allows them to deliver more heating or cooling than the electricity they consume.
In fact, heat pumps are often more efficient than traditional furnaces, especially when compared to electric resistance heating or oil-based systems. By transferring heat rather than creating it, heat pumps can achieve efficiency ratings of up to 400%, meaning for every unit of electricity consumed, they can produce up to four units of heating or cooling.
Additionally, there are often tax incentives and utility rebates available to help reduce the upfront cost. Currently, homeowners are eligible for a federal tax credit that covers 30% of the cost of buying and installing a heat pump, up to $2,000.
Myth 8: All Heat Pumps Require Retrofitting and Electrical Upgrades
Heat pumps typically require some electrical upgrades or retrofitting such as upgrading the circuit breaker or the electrical panel, especially if the home’s electrical system is outdated or not designed to handle the power demands of the heat pump. However, for many modern homes with updated electrical systems, no major retrofitting is necessary, making the upgrade process relatively straightforward.