WHAT TYPE OF HEAT PUMP IS RIGHT FOR MY HOME? EXISTING HOMES
BACKUP HEATING FOR ENTIRE HOME SYSTEMS
Dual-Fuel: Natural Gas
Dual-Fuel: LP or Oil
All Electric
A system with natural gas for backup heating. Like a central air conditioner, in this configuration, the heat pump is attached to the gas furnace. Conveniently, centrally ducted heat pump systems can easily integrate with most newer furnaces, just like a central air conditioner would. In the winter, when the outdoor air cools to a predetermined temperature, the electric heat pump shuts off and the gas furnace takes over— supplying heat as usual. Due to the current relatively low cost of natural gas, the temperature at which to use your furnace will be higher, around 40-50°F.
A system with oil or propane for backup heating. Like a central air conditioner, in this configuration, the heat pump is attached to the gas furnace. Conveniently, centrally ducted heat pump systems can easily integrate with most newer furnaces, just like a central air conditioner would. In the winter, when the outdoor air cools to a predetermined temperature, the electric heat pump shuts off and the gas furnace takes over— supplying heat as usual. Due to the higher cost of LP and oil, the temperature at which you use your furnace may be around 15-20°F.
All-electric ducted heat pumps can have add-on electric resistance coil heaters that easily integrate and operate simultaneously with the heat pump. This allows the heat pump to provide 100% of a home’s heating needs on the coldest days. If your goal is to eliminate gas entirely, this is a good option. An existing gas furnace would be completely replaced with the new heat pump and air handler.
C old climate heat pumps. These heat pumps have more capacity to heat your home at low outdoor temperatures than standard air source heat pumps. Cold climate heat pumps have a variable speed inverter-driven compressor allowing the unit to continue providing efficient heat in freezing temperatures. If you already heat with electricity or want to completely replace your fuel burning furnace and go all electric, a cold climate heat pump is your best option. If you want to keep your fuel-burning furnace as backup, dual-fuel cold climate heat pumps give you the flexibility to offset as little or as much fuel as you’d like. Cold climate models maintain significant heating capacity and can perform efficiently down to -15°F according to manufacturer’s ratings or even -20°F according to research data. If cold-temperature performance is important to you, you can visit the ENERGY STAR® website energystar.gov or ashp.neep.org to verify an air source heat pump is listed as a cold climate model. D o you want to add air conditioning, or do you need to replace an old AC? A heat pump is a great option to introduce highly efficient cooling to your home. A heat pump will allow you to cool your home in the summer and provide some, or most, of your heating needs in the winter. You’ll still be able to keep your current heating system in place to be used as a backup when needed.
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ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP CUSTOMER BUYING AND OPERATION GUIDE FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES
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