Upgrade your heating and cooling with a heat pump

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The best way to heat your home in the winter and cool your home in the summer is with a heat pump. Heat pumps are more energy efficient than other heating and cooling systems like gas furnaces, oil heat, and central air.

Why do it?

Homes with heat pumps use less energy and save money on their utility bills.

When?

When your current HVAC unit is nearing end of life (usually about 15 years).

Who is this for?

Whole-home heat pump systems for homeowners; portable and window units for renters.

Our Takeaway

Homeowners switching from inefficient HVAC systems that run on fuel oil, propane, or traditional electric resistance (like baseboard heat or electric furnaces) can save around $898 per year.

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Learn more about heat pumps

The pros and cons of heat pumps

Heat pumps are ultra-efficient heating and cooling machines. An all-in-one HVAC system has a higher upfront cost, but with rebates to help you save money, they’re more affordable than you think.

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FAQs

Do heat pumps work in cold climates?

Yes. A heat pump can keep your home warm even when the temperature dips down as low as -20° Fahrenheit. In fact, heat pumps heat roughly half the homes in Norway, Finland, and Sweden, and more than 115,000 heat pumps have been installed in Maine, one of the coldest U.S. states.

Do I need to weatherize my home before installing a heat pump?

It’s a good idea, especially if you live in a cold climate! Working with a contractor to insulate your home before upgrading to a heat pump will ensure that your HVAC system will work more efficiently to maintain a comfortable temperature. Weatherization can also save you hundreds of dollars a year by reducing energy waste.

Does a heat pump require pre-existing ductwork?

No. For homeowners with smaller homes, or for those with a need to heat and cool individual spaces within larger homes, mini-split or ductless heat pumps allow you to regulate the temperatures in individual rooms. Mini-split systems are perfect for retrofitting homes with non-ducted heating systems, like hot water radiators, electric resistance baseboard heaters, or space heaters.