Do Heat Pumps Work Well in Massachusetts?
Many homeowners in Massachusetts have been interested in replacing or installing a new heat pump system in their home. With the recent rebate incentives of up to $10,000 in savings, as well as lower carbon emissions, and higher energy efficiency, the demand for heat pumps has risen sharply.
Advantages of a Heat Pump System
There are various types of heat pumps. This creates more options to choose from and makes them feasible for all different kinds of homes and homeowner needs. The types of heat pumps available include: ducted air source heat pumps, ductless heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, and absorption heat pumps.
Heat pumps are versatile. Most heat pump systems provide heating and cooling. One installation and you are comfortable all year long. In the summer months, heat pumps remove heat from your home and use refrigerant to cool the air and push it back into the home. During the winter, the flow of refrigerant is reversed and the heat pump pulls heat from the outdoor air and uses it to heat your home.
Rebates: According to MassSave, for customers who install heat pumps as their sole source of heating and cooling, they can save up to $10,000 with a potential of a $500 bonus rebate for sufficient weatherization.
Heat pumps have better energy efficiency. According to energy.gov, heat pumps can reduce your electricity use for heating by about 50% compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces and baseboard heaters.
Heat pumps are considered safer than gas or oil furnaces because there is no danger from oil, propane or natural gas byproducts.
Other Factors to Consider
1. Insulation: Insulation is important for every home, no matter what type of heating or cooling system you use, but proper insulation is especially important in homes that use heat pumps. Ensuring you have proper insulation will not only make your home more comfortable but makes it more energy efficient as well. According to MassSave, properly insulating your home can cut your heating and cooling costs by an average of 20%.
2. Proper sizing: The size heat pump that you need depends on various factors, including: the size and layout of your home, the insulation in your home, and your energy needs. It is important to have a professional help you with this to avoid installing an under or oversized system.
3. Higher upfront costs: While you will most likely save money in the long-run (especially with the previously mentioned rebates), the upfront cost of a heat pump installation can be higher compared with other heating and cooling systems.
4. Specific units can be challenging to install: depending on your home’s set-up and current layout (ductwork, insulation, etc.) some systems can be more challenging to plan and install.
For more information on heat pumps, contact our trusted and certified team of HVAC professionals at Total Temperature Control.
Whether you need 24-7 emergency service or a solution to improve your indoor comfort—at home and work—call us at 781-224-2400 or submit a convenient contact form.
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