With the rising costs of every good, product and service in the US and worldwide, it’s no wonder why homeowners are frequently looking to lower their monthly bills (hey, we have avocado toast we need to afford!) and save money. Heat pumps are a lower cost, eco-friendly and efficient way to heat and cool your home. Read more to learn if heat pumps are the right option for you.
What are heat pumps?
Plainly put, a heat pump is a singular, electric device that performs both functions of heating and cooling. To produce heat in cold weather, a heat pump will pump warm air from the outside into your home and in cool weather, heat pumps will pump hot air from inside of your home out, like a traditional AC unit. Because they rely solely on electricity rather than gas, it is a better choice for the environment. Consider that exchanging heat (which is what heat pumps do) is far easier than generating or creating heat.
Cost
When your HVAC unit needs replacement, it makes sense to replace the system with what was there before. It may seem cheaper too, but in cases like Mike Ritter’s, his heat pump came with a tax rebate, and a seven year interest-free loan. Many states offer programs to incentivize tax payers to make the transition to heat conversion and there is a federal rebate of $2k under the Inflation Reduction Act to help mitigate costs. You are encouraged to do the math, like Mike did. In his case, when considering the rising cost of fossil fuel, in addition to the environmental benefits, along with monthly payments, and rebates, a heat pump was the right choice. While heat pumps are more expensive initially than traditional HVAC systems, thanks to reduced utility bills and associated running costs like fuel, these systems end up being far more budget-friendly.
Climates
You may have heard that heat pumps do not work well in very cold weather, but this appears to be a myth; many heat pumps still operate effectively in temperatures as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit. In climates where the temperature can fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, a hybrid method can be implemented to support efficiency. Moreover, in warmer weather, your heat pump can be set to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (it is not suggested to set your temperature higher); this setting will properly cool your home even on those pesky 100-degree days.
Next Steps
If you are considering getting a heat pump, you should not wait. With the rise in popularity, it can be difficult to acquire a heat pump without some advanced notice. If your furnace is close to its expiration date – start looking into heat pumps now. Note that if your home is not properly insulated, your heat pump cannot – and will not – function. You are cautioned to investigate this in tandem with a heat pump.
Schneider Heating & Air Conditioning is the leader in heating, cooling, ventilation, and air quality products and services in the La Crosse area. We have been serving the Coulee Region for more than 80 years. Our technicians are highly and continually trained utilizing the most sophisticated HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technologies and equipment. All of our service technicians are NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified—the largest non-profit certification organization that is governed, owned, operated, developed, and supported by the HVAC industry. At Schneider Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on amazing customer service. Contact us today.