Should you invest in a heat pump for your home? There’s no doubt you’ve heard friends, neighbors, and colleagues boasting about their heat pumps. Heat pumps have gained popularity due to their energy-efficient performance. In addition to being a more eco-friendly option than other heating systems, heat pumps also provide cash-efficient benefits. The promise that you can keep your home warm and cozy for less money makes upgrading to a heat pump a tempting option. However, you may be on the fence when it comes to actually moving forward. Let’s dig into the details behind a heat pump’s value as a cost-efficient investment.

What Is a Heat Pump?

Amid skyrocketing energy costs, more people are converting to heat pumps. Should you be concerned that this is just a fad? The data is clear that heat pumps reduce energy usage without causing homeowners to sacrifice comfort.

“Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners for all climates,” according to the United States Department of Energy. The way they work can be compared to the way other common appliances in your home work. In fact, the mechanism behind a heat pump is very similar to the way a refrigerator works. Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from cool spaces to warm spaces. A heat pump’s ability to transfer heat instead of generating it is what makes it so efficient. The benefits of a heat pump include:

• Big annual savings on heating and cooling.
• Low maintenance requirements. Once a heat pump is installed, homeowners generally only need to have their heat pumps checked every three to five years.
• Added safety to your home. Unlike combustion-based heating methods, heat pumps don’t rely on fuel burning to change the temperature in your home. As a result, your risks for fire, explosions, and shortages are reduced.
• Environmentally friendly energy. Due to the fact that heat pumps have a highly efficient heat-to-energy conversion rate, they emit much less carbon compared to traditional furnaces and HVAC systems.
• Longevity. Many homeowners are pleased to learn that heat pump systems can easily be expected to last 14 to 15 years. However, some people may see their systems lasting 20, 30, 40, or 50 years with pristine maintenance.

A heat pump provides homeowners with peace of mind on many levels. If you’ve ever had health and safety concerns over your current heating system, you’ll appreciate the low-risk aspect of switching to a heat pump. As stated earlier, heat pumps do not use combustion-based heating that burns fuel to create heat. Heat pumps instead run on electricity. As a result, there’s no need to worry about the risks of fuel leakage or ignition. Homeowners also don’t have to worry about any smoke, local emissions, or explosions. In fact, this is essentially the only option for heating your home that does not pose any risks for carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s a night-and-day comparison for someone who has become accustomed to constantly worrying about all of the risks associated with gas and oil furnaces in their home.

Are There Any Downsides to a Heat Pump?

It’s hard to find a downside to something that will help you to increase efficiency, reduce risks for fires and leaks, and spend less on monthly heating and cooling costs at your home. However, homeowners always have to prepare to balance the pros and cons whenever they’re switching to any kind of new heating system. A heat pump is no exception. The major downside of a heat pump is the initial cost. In order to begin enjoying monthly cost savings, homeowners must pay to have the pump system installed. Due to the complexity of getting one of these systems installed and set up, it’s recommended to leave the job to heating and cooling experts.

How Much Can You Really Save by Installing a Heat Pump?

The amount you’ll save per month on energy costs after your heat pump is installed is based on a number of factors. Everything from your home’s layout to its geographical location can determine how deep the savings will go. However, most homeowners who install heat pumps can easily expect to see their annual heating and cooling bills reduced by 20% to 70%.

Are All Heat Pumps the Same?

The term “heat pump” refers to several different types of systems that all operate using the same principles. When determining which style of heat pump system is ideal for your property, it’s helpful to talk with local heating and cooling professionals. Here’s a brief rundown of the different types of systems available:

• Air-source heat pumps: Also known as air-to-air heat pumps, these systems exchange heat between the house and the outside air. This is the most common type of heat pump used in residential settings. In fact, “air-source heat pump” is generally considered to be synonymous with “heat pump” when discussing heating and cooling systems.
• Ductless air-source heat pumps: Also known as mini-split heat pumps, these systems are ideal for homes that don’t have ducts.
• Geothermal heat pumps: Also known as ground-source and water-source heat pumps, these systems transfer heat between a home and the outdoors using either a ground or water source. This is considered the most expensive option due to the extra complexity involved with the installation.

Most homes can generally accommodate an upgrade to a heat pump from whatever kind of system is currently being used for heating and cooling. However, decisions about the type of heat pump to use, the specific heat pump to purchase, and the best way to install a heat pump all deserve careful consideration. This is where working with a trusted local heating and cooling company becomes important.

Can Installing a Heat Pump Increase My Home’s Value?

This is one of the most common questions homeowners have when making the decision to install a heat pump. It turns out that installing a heat pump can significantly increase the value of your home. They are incredibly powerful for elevating resale value because buyers are increasingly seeking out homes with heat pumps. Based on a 2020 study done at the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, home prices increased up to 7% after homeowners had heat pumps installed. This is an important detail to consider when looking at the initial installation price of a heat pump. While homeowners may already know that they will reap the benefits of reduced energy costs every month, they stand to be very pleasantly surprised after discovering that a heat pump can essentially put thousands of dollars of equity in their homes! It’s no wonder why heat pumps are often touted as being systems that “pay for themselves.”

Ask About Getting a Heat Pump Installed in Newark, Delaware

Delaware Heating and Air Conditioning is a leading installer of residential heat pumps for home heating and cooling throughout New Castle County. Based in Newark, we serve clients throughout the state. Our experienced team of licensed heating and cooling professionals can provide you with a detailed estimate for a new heat pump at your home. In addition, our team can help you to visualize where your new pump will fit into your home’s current configuration. We offer top-notch service backed by the best heating and cooling products available. Once your new heat pump is installed, you can count on the Delaware Heating and Air Conditioning team to help you keep your system running as efficiently as possible with our reliable maintenance. Are you looking for the best way to save on your energy bills in Delaware? Slash heating and cooling costs this year by exploring the possibility of having a new heat pump installed by Delaware Heating and Air Conditioning. Contact us today to book your consultation!