Heat Pump FAQs

Rather than generating heat, a heat pump works by extracting heat from the air and transferring it somewhere else. During the winter, even in very cold temperatures, a heat pump will extract heat energy from the outside and transfer it into your home. When it’s on cooling mode, it will do the opposite by removing heat energy from your indoor air and releasing it outside.

HSPF is the heating seasonal performance factor. It is used to measure the efficiency of air source heat pumps when on heating mode. In technical terms, it’s the heating output during a typical season, measured in Btu (British thermal units) divided by the total electrical energy input in watt-hours during the same time.

SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency rating.” It’s used to measure the efficiency of your heat pump when it’s in cooling mode. The SEER is measured much like the HSPF, except it is a measurement of the cooling output during a typical season in Btu (British thermal units) divided by the total electrical input in watt-hours during the same period.

Absolutely! Heat pumps can extract heat energy from the air even as the temperature drops into the twenties! Many heat pumps also come with supplemental electric heat to enhance the heating from the heat pump when the temperature drops lower than this.

Changing your heat pump to cool mode is as easy as changing the settings on your thermostat. All you need to do is switch from HEAT to COOL. However, every time you switch from heating to cooling, it’s important that you replace your air filters and have your unit inspected.

There are a number of factors that could affect your heat pump size, including your home’s insulation, size, layout, occupancy, location, number of windows, etc. To get an accurate assessment, it’s best to consult an HVAC professional for a recommendation.

Typically, heat pumps last about 10-15 years. After that, they may start having decreased efficiency and requiring more and more costly repairs.

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There are many benefits of installing a heat pump in your home:

• Increased energy efficiency
• Decrease monthly utility bills
• No environmental pollution due to combustion
• Electric heat pumps do not require a humidifier during the winter
• Much quieter than other heating systems

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Air conditioners and heat pumps work in much the same way—they both utilize a heat absorbing refrigerant to move heat from one place to another. However, unlike air conditioners, heat pumps can provide both cooling and heating to your home, making them incredibly efficient.

Some of the common indicators that it’s time to replace your heat pump include:

• Older than 10-15 years
• Decreased home comfort
• Inconsistent temperatures in your home
• Requiring frequent, costly repairs
• Increased utility bills

Learn more about our heat pump replacement services »