You may have been hearing a lot about heat pumps lately and might be wondering what they are. In simplest terms, a heat pump is an air conditioner that also provides heating. If you’ve lived in warmer climates or have traveled to different countries, you’ve probably seen them before. There are many different types of heat pumps, and the technology has been used for many decades already. With improvements to technology, we are now seeing them become extremely popular in colder climates like Utah. The most beneficial heat pumps for Utah are Dual-Fuel Hybrid Heat Pumps and Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps.
What Is A Heat Pump?
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What is a Heat Pump?
Different Types of Heat Pumps
- Air-Source Heat Pumps
- Ground-Source Heat Pumps
- Water-Source Heat Pumps
Let’s focus on Air-Source Heat Pumps which include both Dual-Fuel Hybrid and Ductless Systems, as these are the most cost-efficient for our Utah climate. When comparing the energy consumption of these options to your existing air conditioner, they can be 2-3x more efficient (use 2-3x less electricity). When these heat pumps are providing heat, they can be 4x more efficient than your gas furnace.
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How Does a Dual-Fuel Hybrid Heat Pump Work?
When we cool our houses down with a regular central air conditioner, we are transferring heat from inside the home to the outside. The motor on your furnace blows the warm air from inside the home through an evaporator coil which has refrigerant running through it. As the heat passes through, the refrigerant sucks up the heat like a sponge and takes it through the refrigerant lines to the outside condenser where the refrigerant is compressed, and the heat is released. This cycle continues until the desired temperature is satisfied at the thermostat. If you replace the central air conditioner with a heat pump, it will look and act like a central air conditioner, but in the wintertime, it will reverse its function. Soaking up heat from outside and releasing it at the furnace, providing heat without using gas. Even when it feels cold to us outside, the new refrigerants we us can still provide full heating for the home.
However, just like a hybrid vehicle, there are times when it’s more efficient to provide heating with gas and times when it’s more efficient with refrigerant. These systems are usually installed with an outside temperature set point of 35-40 degrees F. It will provide heating with refrigerant when above this set point, and it will switch to gas heating from the furnace when below this set point. Depending on the winter, this can save up to 30%+ on your furnace’s gas usage.
How Does a Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Work?
It works exactly the same as the hybrid heat pump, providing cooling and heating, except it does not need to attach to a furnace or any ductwork. It can provide full heating, even if it’s -15 degrees or colder outside. These systems are the most efficient way to heat and cool a space or an entire home. They are also the quietest when running. Installing these includes an outside condensing unit, 1 or many indoor zones (most common is the rectangular indoor head but there are many styles), and refrigerant lines connecting the heads to the outside unit. These are perfect for additions, sunrooms, hot/cold spots in the home, older homes where you can’t get ductwork to a converted attic space, homes with radiant heat, new construction, cabins, etc.
A heat pump collects heat from outside and transfers it inside the home. And when your home needs cooling, everything works in reverse.
When Should I Get a Heat Pump?
If your current HVAC system is older than 10-15 years, showing signs of failure, costing too much to run, or if you just need supplemental heating and cooling for a space or a new space you’re building, it has never been a better time. We have the best rebates and tax credits we have ever seen right now on heat pumps. Efficient heat pumps can be customized to your needs, making them an excellent choice for upgrading your HVAC system.
Are There Benefits Besides Energy Savings?
Yes! Heat pumps not only contribute to better indoor comfort and air quality, but they also greatly reduce the pollution of a standard furnace and help contribute to better air quality in Salt Lake City!
What Rebates and Tax Credits are Available Now?
With the help of Wattsmart (Rocky Mountain Power), Thermwise (Enbridge/Dominion Energy), and the 2024 Energy Star Tax Credits from the IRS, we can now offer these great incentives on select systems:
Wattsmart (must be a customer of Rocky Mountain Power)
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Up to $1450 rebate on a dual-fuel hybrid heat pump
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Up to $600 rebate on ductless supplemental
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Up to $75 rebate on a smart thermostat
Thermwise (must be a customer of Enbridge/Dominion Energy)
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Up to $1000 rebate on a dual-fuel hybrid heat pump
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Up to $350 rebate on high-efficient gas furnace
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Up to $75 rebate on a smart thermostat
Tax Credits
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Up to $2000 on a dual-fuel heat pump
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Up to $2000 on a ductless heat pump
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Up to $600 rebate on a high-efficient gas furnace
These are just a few of the available incentives for heat pump systems. There are thousands of different combinations and every home is different. Call Home Performance Pros for a free estimate and we will let you know exactly what your system qualifies for. We are one of the only companies that offer instant rebates from Wattsmart. We give it to you upfront in most cases, and they will reimburse us later for the rebate. We will help you with all paperwork for rebates and provide full documentation and certificates for any eligible tax credits.
Schedule a free estimate from HPP today! Take advantage of these amazing incentives before they’re gone!