Everyone is talking about heat pumps, related rebates, tax credits, and cost savings. Here are several critical facts and questions to explore before you decide if a heat pump is right for your home.
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What is this new-fangled heat pump technology, and why should I consider installing one?
First, this isn’t a new idea. The original heat pump was invented in the 1850s to dry salt from salt marshes. The technology has been used since the 1950s across Europe for interior space heating and cooling. You own two heat pumps right now: your AC and refrigerator. Modern heat pumps don’t burn fuel; instead, they sparingly use electricity to transfer heat from a cooler space to a warmer space, making the cooler space cooler and the warmer space warmer. Yes, depending on the unit’s capabilities, some of today’s Cold Climate Heat Pumps (CCHPs) can effectively heat your home using outside air down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit—and they can produce some heat at temperatures well below that. Plus, they are more efficient than standard AC in warmer months. Homeowners install them to lower utility bills, burn far- less-to-zero fossil fuel, and enjoy superior heating and cooling using one system.
How long are you planning on staying in your home?
If less than two or three years, a heat pump may not be ideal because your initial investment will be higher than a standard fossil fuel replacement. If high fuel bills are an issue, but you plan on moving in that time frame, the most cost-effective heating alternative is a standard (80%) efficiency furnace or boiler replacement.
Explore a 95% efficient gas or propane furnace or a modern, computerized oil boiler if your energy bills are through the roof. That said, if you believe leaving fossil fuel in the ground is better for the planet, a new owner might appreciate
your viewpoint and the potential savings —so, with the addition of a heat pump, your home should be worth more to conservation-minded buyers.
Is this a sure thing? How much can I expect to lower my energy bill using heat pump technology?
Savings are not guaranteed–but it’s a good bet: For example, with a heat pump, one dollar of electricity equals almost five dollars of heating capability. That said, savings depend on your current fuel source, your home’s age, insulation levels, condition and size of your ductwork, if applicable, windows, doors, and weather-stripping. If your home is modern and/or the envelope is buttoned up, changing to a heat pump from delivered fuels like oil and propane gas typically offers the highest payback—savings from 20-50% or higher. Expensive electric baseboard heat is also a good reason to switch. Add solar to the equation, and instead of your monthly payment, your utility might send you a check every month. We know folks who heat and cool their home—and charge their cars—and don’t pay a cent to their electric company.
How do I determine that I might not save money using a heat pump?
If you live in the Hudson Valley and have an older, drafty home with limited or no insulation and old-fashioned single-pane glass (even with storm windows), consider updating those first. If you move ahead with your heat pump purchase anyway, the savings might not be apparent right away. Also, if you currently heat with natural gas and have a state-of-the-art furnace (95% or higher), your heating season savings might be limited or non-existent for now. So far this year, the price of gas continues to rise, and heat pumps could eventually come out on top. Also, some owners no longer want to burn fossil fuels. They might not save money—but they are electing to use clean heat to reduce or eliminate their carbon output.
What do I need to know about the actual installation itself?
If your home currently has ducted warm air heat and AC, you should explore a solution that uses that existing framework. Nevertheless, conduits should be checked to ensure a heat pump will work effectively. Next, you and your clean heat contractor should decide if you can place your new exterior unit in the same location as your existing central AC condenser. Heat pumps have to be raised above the snow line—at least 8-to- 16 inches or higher than the ground depending on your location. In addition, they should not be placed directly under a roof with no gutter protection or any area where snow and ice can easily accumulate.
If you don’t already have it in place, installing ductwork can get pricy. The more cost-effective alternative (in most cases), the ductless heat pump, allows you to select from a variety of ceiling, wall-hung or floor-standing units—without ducts. And you can elect to condition one room or all of them–and in most cases, each room can have its own temperature control.
What State or Federal and utility company rebates or incentives are offered currently?
Most New York utility companies offer clean heat incentives, and new heat pumps are eligible for a range of rebates. This year, with the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can also apply for thousands of dollars in tax credits (far better than a tax deduction) for clean heat installations. Most households are eligible for these incentives, which can, depending on your income, pay for the entire job. Check with your tax professional and clean heat certified contractor, and visit your utility company’s website to learn more about credits and rebates.
Any other heat pump benefits?
Quiet: Most heat pumps operate at low decibel levels. Lower than the sound of a microwave oven, for example. And far lower than older HVAC equipment. Many owners say they don’t even realize their heat pump is running. You can now have
a quiet conversation outside next to the equipment. Condo owners love this benefit.
WiFi-capable: Many heat pumps can be controlled using an optional mobile phone or PC-based App. You left home for a vacation, and you forgot to turn down the heat—no problem.
Better humidity control\cleaner air: When properly sized for both heating and cooling, heat pumps can eliminate summertime humidity and scrub the air because they often run continuously at slow speeds ensuring that moisture-laden air is removed and more particulates are snagged by filtration. No more emptying the dehumidifier. Plus, cleaner air!
Dual-Fuel capable: If you live in the Northern part of the Hudson Valley and have an older home, for example, a heat pump might not be able to produce enough heat on extremely cold winter days—you need Plan B. All ducted heat pumps can be connected via Wi-Fi thermostats to orchestrate a solution that automatically turns on your existing oil or gas-fired boiler or furnace for the coldest days. You don’t have to lift a finger to make this happen; the system is programmed to do this for you. And you will likely still see significant energy savings. That said, if you are set on removing your fossil fuel system, your contractor can also install heating coils in your air handler that will automatically come on during frigid days and take care of the problem without using a fossil fuel backup.
How can I find a qualified contractor to install energy-saving equipment
Contractors who are NYS certified (NYS Clean Heat/ NYSERDA approved) are experienced with ASHP (Air Source Heat Pumps) installations and the best will take care of every detail of the process from the initial consultation, heat load calculations through installation and permit/rebate applications.
Caveat: make sure your energy contractor performs a heating/cooling load calculation to ensure your system is sized properly. Ask for the actual report and make sure the contractor explains how the proposed heat pump or other energy-efficient equipment lines up with the heat load output. No utility rebates are offered without an approved report or for heat pumps not listed as energy-efficient under NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships) guidelines. If you
are interested in obtaining a rebate; also, ask your contractor if your proposed system is NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships) certified.
How much can I expect to invest in a new Heat Pump solution?
Anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a single ductless unit installation for one room to somewhere between $10,000 to $30,000 or more depending on house size and other factors. Don’t forget the rebates, tax credits, and energy savings longer term that can turn this project into a true investment.
This is an important decision. Where can I find more information?
a. NYSERDA website
a. Central Hudson, NYSEG, ConEd, O&R websites
b. NEEP website
c. White House Inflation Reduction Act website
d. Your certified clean heat contractor Mark Bruce, M.A. Project Manager for Royal Class Service, New Windsor, NY. 845-569-1299. markb@royalclassservice.com
