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Air Source Heat Pumps

An efficient, all-electric solution for heating and cooling your home. Heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate it, providing 2-4 units of heating or cooling for every unit of electricity consumed.

Quick Stats

Average System Cost

Installed, ducted system

$8,000-$20,000

Payback Period

Depending on replaced system

4-8 years

Efficiency (HSPF)

Heating Season Performance Factor

9-13

System Lifespan

With proper maintenance

15-20 years

Annual Savings

vs gas/oil/propane heating

$400-$1,200

How Heat Pumps Work

Moving heat instead of creating it for exceptional efficiency

Heating Mode

Extracts heat from outdoor air and moves it inside

  1. 1Outdoor coil absorbs heat from outside air (even cold air contains heat)
  2. 2Refrigerant evaporates, absorbing energy
  3. 3Compressor increases refrigerant pressure and temperature
  4. 4Hot refrigerant releases heat to indoor air
  5. 5Warm air distributed throughout home
Cooling Mode

Removes heat from indoor air and releases it outside

  1. 1Indoor coil absorbs heat from home air
  2. 2Refrigerant evaporates, cooling indoor air
  3. 3Compressor moves refrigerant outside
  4. 4Outdoor coil releases absorbed heat
  5. 5Cool air distributed throughout home

Why It's Efficient: Heat pumps move existing heat rather than generating it through combustion or resistance. This allows them to deliver 2-4 units of heating for every 1 unit of electricity consumed – far more efficient than any combustion heating system.

Why Choose Heat Pumps?

The smart choice for modern home comfort

Lower Upfront Cost

Installation costs $8,000-$20,000, significantly less than geothermal while still offering excellent efficiency.

High Efficiency

200-400% efficient in moderate climates. Modern cold-climate models work down to -15°F or lower.

Quick Installation

Most installations complete in 1-3 days with minimal disruption. No ground excavation required.

Heating & Cooling

One system provides both heating and cooling, replacing furnace and air conditioner with a single efficient unit.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Cut heating emissions by 40-50% compared to gas furnaces. All-electric operation enables renewable energy use.

Federal Incentives

Up to $2,000 federal tax credit available. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates and incentives.

Heat Pump System Types

Choose the configuration that fits your home and needs

Ducted Heat Pump

Whole-home heating and cooling

Central system using existing or new ductwork to distribute air throughout home

Advantages

  • Heats and cools entire home
  • Uses existing ductwork
  • Single thermostat control
  • Most cost-effective for whole home

Considerations

  • Requires ductwork (added cost if none exists)
  • Less efficient if ducts are leaky
  • All-or-nothing operation

Typical Cost

$8,000-$15,000

Ductless Mini-Split

Room additions, zones, or homes without ducts

Individual indoor units for each room or zone, no ductwork needed

Advantages

  • No ductwork required
  • Individual room temperature control
  • Very efficient (no duct losses)
  • Ideal for additions or renovations

Considerations

  • Indoor units visible on walls
  • Multiple indoor units needed for whole home
  • Higher cost for multiple zones

Typical Cost

$3,000-$5,000 per zone

Hybrid Heat Pump

Very cold climates or backup heating

Combines heat pump with gas furnace for optimal efficiency across all temperatures

Advantages

  • Most efficient for very cold climates
  • Automatic switching between systems
  • Lower operating costs
  • Reliable backup heating

Considerations

  • Higher upfront cost (two systems)
  • Requires gas line
  • More complex installation

Typical Cost

$10,000-$18,000

System Components

What makes up a heat pump system

Outdoor Unit

Extracts or rejects heat from outdoor air

  • Contains compressor, outdoor coil, and fan
  • Modern units have variable-speed compressors
  • Cold-climate models work in sub-zero temperatures
  • Requires proper placement for airflow and drainage

Indoor Air Handler

Distributes conditioned air throughout home

  • Contains indoor coil and blower fan
  • Often includes backup electric resistance heat
  • Can be ducted or ductless (mini-split)
  • Variable-speed operation for comfort and efficiency

Refrigerant Lines

Connects indoor and outdoor units

  • Insulated copper lines carry refrigerant
  • Must be properly sized and charged
  • Shorter line runs improve efficiency
  • Professional installation critical for performance

Thermostat/Controls

Manages system operation and temperature

  • Smart thermostats optimize efficiency
  • Can integrate with home automation
  • Learns usage patterns for comfort
  • Remote control via smartphone app

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about heat pumps

How do heat pumps work in cold weather?

Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to work efficiently in temperatures as low as -15°F to -25°F. They use advanced compressor technology and enhanced heat exchangers to extract heat from cold air. Below their rated temperature, supplemental electric resistance heat kicks in. In very cold climates (below -10°F regularly), a hybrid system with gas backup may be more economical.

Will a heat pump save me money?

Yes, especially if you currently heat with propane, oil, or electric resistance. Homes replacing natural gas see savings of 20-40% on heating costs. Replacing propane or oil can cut heating costs in half. Exact savings depend on local electricity vs. fuel costs, climate, and current system efficiency. Our calculator provides personalized estimates.

Can I use my existing ductwork?

Usually yes, but it should be inspected first. Heat pumps move more air than traditional furnaces, so ducts may need modifications for optimal performance. Leaky or undersized ducts reduce efficiency significantly. A professional load calculation ensures proper sizing. If your home has no ducts, ductless mini-splits are an excellent alternative.

How much maintenance do heat pumps need?

Similar to conventional HVAC: change filters monthly during heavy use, annual professional tune-ups ($100-$200), and keep outdoor unit clear of debris, snow, and ice. Many utilities offer maintenance plans. Properly maintained heat pumps last 15-20 years. The outdoor coil should be cleaned annually for peak efficiency.

What about air conditioning?

Heat pumps provide excellent air conditioning – it is essentially what they do in reverse. In cooling mode, they are just as efficient as dedicated AC units, often more so with modern inverter technology. You get year-round comfort from a single system, which is more cost-effective than separate heating and cooling equipment.

Is a Heat Pump Right for You?

Heat pumps work well for most homes

✓ Excellent Candidates

  • Currently heat with propane, oil, or electric resistance
  • Need to replace aging furnace or AC
  • Want both heating and cooling in one system
  • Have existing ductwork in good condition
  • Live in moderate to cold climate
  • Want to reduce carbon footprint
  • Eligible for local rebates and incentives

⚠ May Want Alternatives

  • Existing efficient gas furnace less than 5 years old
  • Very low natural gas prices in your area
  • Extreme climate (regularly below -15°F)
  • No space for outdoor unit
  • HOA restrictions on outdoor equipment
  • Very limited budget (<$8,000)
  • Rent and cannot modify HVAC

Professional Sizing is Critical: Heat pumps must be properly sized for your home. Oversized units cycle frequently and reduce comfort. Undersized units struggle in extreme weather. A Manual J load calculation by a qualified HVAC professional ensures optimal performance and efficiency.

Ready to Switch to a Heat Pump?

Compare air source vs ground source or get quotes from local installers