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Get a Heat Pump

Summary: Mini-Split Heat Pumps Are For You

Description

Heat Pumps are the most energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home. A properly designed and installed heat pump system can provide reliable heating and cooling for your entire home, eliminating your need to burn fuel, making your home more comfortable, and saving you money. 

There are several types of heat pumps and heat pump systems. Each one, or a combination of several, could be a good solution for partial or full replacement of existing heating systems in the right situation. When navigating these decisions, you’ll encounter many questions:

You can begin exploring the answers to these questions in our Deep Dive. Our Energy Navigators can help you with choosing and buying a heat pump, and hiring a contractor to install it.

Deep Dive

Interested in learning more about heat pumps? Join the club! Over 63,000 heat pumps have been installed in Vermont, giving our state the highest per-capita heat pump rate in New England. 

For a brief pitch on the global need for heat pumps, watch this video. 

How do they work? 

Although there are several types of heat pumps, they all have the same basic functions. What makes heat pumps unique is that they don’t actually create heat, instead, they transfer it in and out of the home using a refrigerant. During the winter, the pump pulls heat from the air outside and sends it inside. It does this by compressing the cold outdoor air to extract heat from it. This warm air is then sent inside. Then, the pump takes air from indoors and expands it to make it colder to send back to the exterior pipe, which attracts heat from outdoors. During the summer, the same process is reversed; the pump pulls heat from inside and sends it outside. 

For a 2-minute visual explanation, watch this video. 

To dig a little deeper, watch this 10-minute video. 

How efficient are heat pumps?

The Vermont Department of Public Service conducted a study on heat pumps that investigated the energy consumption and performance of cold-climate heat pumps in Vermont. The study also estimated the increase or decrease in average electricity consumption and fossil fuel use from installation. The average winter efficiency, that is, the ratio of heat output to energy input, of cold climate heat pumps in Vermont was found to be 314%. Maximum efficiency can only be achieved with a correctly sized heat pump and a fully weatherized home. 

Read the full results here. 

Do heat pumps need backup in extreme cold?

Usually no, according to Efficiency Vermont and Efficiency Maine, properly sized and selected new model cold climate heat pumps can heat a home down to -22 °F, regardless of wind chill. However, heat pump performance declines below 0 °F. 

A heat pump system that is designed to be most energy efficient is still likely to need some backup in the coldest weather. A few small electric baseboard or electric panel heaters controlled by a thermostat can provide very low cost backup. Wood stoves can be useful to provide backup if the power goes out. 

Read here about how heat pumps performed in Maine’s cold snap of 2023. 

Which type of heat pump is best for my home?

There are several types of heat pumps, and differentiating between them can seem complicated at first, but luckily they all operate on the same basic principles. When choosing a heat pump, it is important to consult with a professional HVAC technician to ensure that you purchase the correct size and model for your home. However, it can be helpful to review the options beforehand.

Air-source heat pumps are the most common choice. As their name implies, they use ambient air to heat and cool the home. High-efficiency heat pumps can even remove humidity more effectively than standard central air conditioners and new air-source heat pumps are becoming effective options in colder climates. 

Geothermal heat pumps, also known as ground-source or water-source heat pumps use the relatively consistent temperature of the ground to transfer heat between the home and the ground or water. These can be used in more extreme climates than air-source heat pumps. They also have a higher installation cost, but usually have lower operating costs.  

Air to water heat pumps provide an all-in-one solution to heating, cooling, and hot water supply. Like air source heat pumps, air to water heat pumps draw heat from outdoor air, but instead of warming the air inside, they deliver the heat via water piped throughout the home. 

Use the Department of Energy’s guide on all heat pump types.

Which heat pumps are eligible for rebates? 

It’s important to keep in mind that only certain models of heat pumps are eligible for rebates. Rebate-eligible models are  better suited for colder temperatures and are more efficient. 

In order to be eligible for federal tax credits, heat pumps must meet or exceed the highest efficiency tier established by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE). In the Northern United States, heat pumps must be designated as Energy Star Cold Climate with an Energy Efficiency Ratio greater than 10. 

Look here for the CEE’s list of all rebate-approved heat pump models in the Northern United States. (Click Air-Source Heat Pumps (North) on the right side of the page to download the list). Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) is also a great resource for choosing a cold climate heat pump model. 

For more buying guidance, rebate information, and the specs on specific models, use the Energy Star’s 2024 guide to the most efficient heat pumps.

For more information on heat pump financing, check out our (pending) finance guide. 

How much maintenance do heat pumps require? 

Not much. But make sure that you or your contractor choose a heat pump well-suited for your space. A heat pump of the wrong size could risk reducing energy efficiency and increasing maintenance costs. 

A heat pump of the correct size requires minimal maintenance. Your heat pump technician can walk you through basic maintenance steps to optimize efficiency. Follow your heat pump’s manual for specific instructions for your model. 

Will insurance companies insure my home if it is heated exclusively by heat pumps?

Many insurance companies will cover a home heated solely by a heat pump. However, policies may require certain models, and some insurance companies require a backup source of heating. 

Read this summary on heat pump coverage by the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation. 

If heat pumps are so great, why aren’t they more popular? 

A huge limiting factor for widespread heat pump installation is a lack of contractors who are experts in heat pumps. 

To learn more, listen to this 10-minute podcast.   

Wanting to dive deeper?

Check out these peer-reviewed articles proving the benefits of heat pumps:

Sources referenced:

Steps to Take

Installing a heat pump is a multi-step process:

  1. Before installing heat pumps, we strongly recommend that you first have an energy audit and perform weatherization. This will reduce the amount of energy needed  to heat and cool your home, and will allow you to spend less on the heat pumps.
  2. Depending on your electrical service, you may need to make modifications to or upgrade your electric panel.
  3. Talk with a contractor to understand what will work for your residence. Our Energy Navigators can help you locate a contractor, and to evaluate their proposals. (You should probably get more than one bid!)
  4. Explore financing options that can lower the cost of heat pumps, depending on your household income.
  5. Optimize your heat pump’s performance by taking key steps to maximize efficiency. Heat pumps don’t operate the same as traditional furnaces and boilers, so there are tips and tricks that you can employ to make sure your heat pump is working well. 
  6. Share your experience with our community. When other residents of Addison County read about your heat pump, it might motivate them to get their own!

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