Making the Switch to a Heat Pump
Did you know that for the first time in US history, sales of heat pumps passed up gas furnaces? In 2022, more people chose heat pumps over traditional gas (and oil) systems as an environmentally friendly and super-efficient way to heat and cool your home. If you are in the market for a new system, a system upgrade, or just looking to reduce your carbon footprint, a heat pump system may be just the thing for you.
So…what exactly is a heat pump?
In short, it’s a high-efficiency system that uses electricity to do all your heating and cooling. Since it doesn’t burn any fuels like natural gas, nothing is being vented back in to the environment. There’s a bunch of different kinds of heat pumps, but they pretty much all operate the same. The process involves moving heat energy back and forth. During cold months, they pull heat energy from the air outside your home and move it in. During warm months, they swap roles and take heat from the home and put it back outside. It’s all done through the ducts that are already in your house or you can get targeted heating and cooling using mini-splits.
Because a heat pump’s job is basically to move heat around, they operate more efficiently. As an example, with one kilowatt hour of electricity a heat pump can double or triple that energy by converting it to heat. That means they are up to three times more efficient when compared to even a 100% efficient gas furnace.
Are there any other benefits?
Yes…quite a few! Most heat pumps run continuously, at a low setting, to help maintain the temperatures in your house. Compare that to your furnaces which needs to kick on, warm up, produce the heat, and distribute it to your home. It’s a lot of work and only happens in cycles which can mean some less-than-stable temperatures when you consider the one or two degree shift between the desired temperature and the temperature needed to activate the system. Similar benefits apply on the cooling side. On top of that, the heat pump’s air filtration helps create healthier indoor air quality. And, of course, more efficiency means more saving on your utility bills.
Yeah…but heat pumps don’t work where it gets really cold, right?
Actually, no. Improvements to heat pump tech over the past few years means that systems can work pretty efficiently—even in sub-32-degree temps. And, while a lot of the existing heat pumps out there are mini-splits, there are newer systems that can cover larger areas up to, and including, your whole house.
Let’s talk financial incentives.
Most homeowners can get big-time rebates, combined with the federal tax credit of 30 percent (or up to $2,000) for installing a heat pump.
On top of that, you’ll be saving money every single month due to lower operating costs. In Utah, homeowners can expect an average annual savings of over $700 (source: https://resstock.nrel.gov/factsheets/UT).
Ready to make the switch?
We know there’s a lot involved in navigating the ins-and-outs of replacing, upgrading, or installing a new system. On top of that, navigating all of the rebate and credits can be a daunting task as well. You can rest easy knowing that when you choose CTR Heating & Air Conditioning for your HVAC needs, we will help you with all the details, and will ensure that you get the MAXIMUM benefits for your new system.
When you call us at 801-999-4220 or schedule an appointment for your FREE, NO OBLIGATION estimate, we’ll give you all the best options for your specific situation. You’ll get fair and honest up-front pricing (including parts, labor, and no hidden charges…ever) and we’ll walk you through all the potential rebates and tax credits.
