7 Benefits of Switching to a Heat Pump

Heat pumps have become popular alternatives to traditional HVAC systems in recent years. People are in search of more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to heat and cool their homes. In 2022, for the first time ever, heat pumps outsold gas furnaces in the United States. The International Energy Agency (IEA) even predicts that heat pump sales will need to nearly quadruple by 2030 to meet global climate goals. This growing popularity isn’t just a mere trend. Rather, it’s a sign that these systems are becoming a key player in the future of home heating and cooling.

1. Heat Pumps Are More Environmentally Friendly

Heat pumps have long been touted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to other heating and cooling systems. Air-source heat pumps are the most common models available, and they can lower a household’s carbon emissions by approximately 40%. Even if you don’t opt for an air-source model, having any heat pump instead of another heating and cooling system should lower your family’s carbon footprint. They require less energy to heat or cool a home than other HVAC systems, especially if your home relies on cleaner sources of energy such as solar power. That alone can make a heat pump worth the investment for many homeowners in Asheville and the surrounding areas.

2. A Heat Pump Both Heats and Cools Your Home

Most traditional HVAC systems require you to install a furnace for cold weather and an air conditioner for warm weather. This isn’t the case with a heat pump. A heat pump can be used throughout the year to either heat or cool your home. To heat your home, an outdoor condenser unit draws heat energy from the air and transfers it to an inside unit that distributes warm air throughout your space. The process is reversed when you need to cool your home. This results in a much more efficient heating and cooling system that requires fewer units that need to be installed and serviced.

3. Heat Pumps Work in Any Environment

While it has been rumored that heat pumps only work in mild climates, this isn’t the case. Modern heat pumps can be used in either warm or cold climates, making them ideal, no matter what the weather is like in the area. If you have a multi-zone heat pump system, you can vary the temperature from room to room, giving you even greater control over the climate in your home.

4. Heat Pumps Are Easy to Install

A heat pump can be installed in practically any home. It can certainly be hooked up to existing ductwork, but you can also choose a ductless mini-split heat pump if you have a smaller home without ductwork. There is no need to renovate your entire home to add new ducts and vents, nor do you have to worry about how you’re going to heat or cool a space that can’t accommodate ductwork.

5. You May Receive Financial Incentives for Installing a Heat Pump

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 provides energy bill relief to homeowners who switch to heat pumps. Furthermore, you may be able to claim 30% of your installation costs through the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit. There may be other tax credits available to you, so do some research to find out how you can save money on your heat pump installation and operation.

6. Heat Pumps Are Incredibly Quiet

If noise has always been a factor with your HVAC system, you’ll be happy to hear that heat pumps are practically silent when they operate. You might hear a little noise when they turn on, but they are ultra-quiet once they are running.

7. Heat Pumps Cost Less to Operate Than Conventional HVAC Systems

While the initial price tag for a heat pump can be higher than that of other heating and cooling systems, they often cost less to run once they are installed. This is especially the case for modern electric heat pumps. In some cases, electric models have been known to save homeowners thousands of dollars in heating costs every year.

Call 1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air to Learn More

If you’re interested in heat pumps or any other heating services or cooling solutions, 1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air will be happy to assist you. We are a locally owned and operated HVAC and electrical company serving Asheville, NC and the surrounding areas. We offer services for generators, electrical panels and EV chargers in addition to installing thermostats and providing indoor air quality solutions.

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