Are They Right For Your Home?

In the state of Vermont especially, energy efficiency is a hot topic. Many people are becoming aware of the savings they stand to gain and are taking advantage of solutions. Heat pumps are one of the best options in the world of energy efficiency, particularly for the cold New England winters.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?
The most basic explanation of a heat pump is that it moves warm air from one place to another. In the winter the refrigerant in the system absorbs heat from the cold air outside and transfers it inside your home. It may seem counter-intuitive to use cold air as a heat source, but heat energy is present even at very cold temperatures. In the summer the process is reversed and the pump will act as an air conditioner, absorbing the heat from within your home and transferring it outside.

Will a Heat Pump Work in Vermont?
One of the most common misconceptions about heat pumps is that they won’t function cost effectively in places like Vermont with cold weather extremes. Thanks to advancements in technology you can now install Cold Climate Heat Pump (CCHP) that function at temperatures as low as -17 degree Fahrenheit. You’re still going to want to hold onto your main source of heating for winter storms and those very cold nights but you can expect to see a substantial decrease in primary heating usage.

Will It Take a Long Time to Install?
No! A heat pump can be installed in less than a day.

How Much Money Will I Save?
According to VPIRG.org, the “typical” vermont household heating with fuel oil or propane spends around $3000 a year. With a heat pump homeowners can expect to see anywhere from $1000-$1500 in savings. Some estimates are slightly more conservative suggesting a more modest 30% decrease in heating expenses for homeowners using propane (“How Does a Heat Pump Work in Vermont” co-opheatpumps.net).   If you heat with cord wood or wood pellets you can expect to see slight savings. Homeowners with newer natural gas systems will see very little, if any savings. Something worth considering is that is oil and propane prices can fluctuate significantly while electricity prices stay relatively stable. A heat pump will insulate you from future price increases in the energy market.

Are There Other Benefits?
Yes!  Heat pumps are two times more efficient than the average air conditioning unit and are much quieter as well. Many units have smart controls, making it easy to keep temperatures in your home stable and comfortable. Heat pumps will also filter and dehumidify the air inside your home year-round.

Alright I Want One, How Expensive Are They?
The cost of installation will, on average, fall within the $3000-$8000 range. Not a small amount of money to be sure, however, with financing you could see savings in the first year!