A heat pump is an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another to heat or cool a building, using up to 66% less energy than traditional systems. Heat Pumps can be used in all climates, providing cooling and dehumidification all while being virtually silent.
Often we wait until our furnace or HVAC breaks down before we start getting quotes for a replacement. That might work fine in a world where you need a like-for-like replacement. But it’s almost impossible to research and understand new technologies when your household is in crisis without working equipment. You could miss out on opportunities to install a system that is 300-400% more efficient than what you have now and could be eligible for subsidies.
There are many configurations to consider when purchasing a heat pump. You’ll need to consider whether your home already has a furnace and ductwork, or if you’ll need a cold-climate heat pump with more versatility to heat your home in regions with lower outdoor temperatures. For whatever needs your home is facing, it’s worth taking the time to identify and talk with a contractor who is experienced with heat pumps to identify the best options.
There are tax credits and rebates available for heat pumps and the electrical work to accommodate them. There are rebates at the utility level and federal level, and in some municipalities, there are local level rebates as well. Efficiency ratings are often used to determine incentives, and most rebates specify minimum efficiency levels, so make sure to verify with your contractor what efficiency levels are needed to qualify for an incentive. While these units may be more expensive upfront, the more efficient units can save money over the long term with rebates and energy cost savings. How much they will impact your costs depends on your home, the quality of installation and how well sealed it is, the efficiency and age of your existing heating and cooling systems, and your current source of fuel. If your home is heated with electric resistance, you can expect savings of 50% or more in energy costs.
Heat pumps consume energy and operate almost constantly, so they will require periodic servicing, maintenance and repair to guarantee they are working up to standard. A well-maintained heat pump should last 15-20 years. If you insulate and seal your home to a higher standard before installation, this insulation will require no maintenance and should last as long as one hundred years. If feasible, it’s a good investment to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home and seal the envelope prior to upgrading its mechanical systems. With proper maintenance and pre-installation insulation improvements, a heat pump can provide reliable, cost-effective climate control for years to come.
This Heat Pump Guide will provide more information. This comprehensive article provides helpful information about heat pumps for our Chicagoland climate. Click here for a handful of short videos as a primer to the heatpump technology (videos 1 and 2). The Citizens Utility Board has updated information on Illinois rebates.
Written by Audrey Cole, Intern, Run on Climate with additional information from Go Green Northbrook
