HOMEOWNER RESOURCES
Common heat pump myths and facts
More homeowners are installing heat pumps because they offer highly efficient heating and air conditioning year-round, while also lowering your utility bill. Let’s dispel some common heat pump myths with industry facts.
Myth 1: Heat pumps need backup in the cold
Fact: As long as a heat pump system is properly designed, there should be no need for backup, even in cold climates.
While the heat pumps of even just 10 years ago struggled at the coldest temperatures, today, every major manufacturer offers “extended capacity,” or cold-climate, heat pumps. In fact, cold-climate systems are able to provide at least 85% of their heating “oomph” at temperatures as cold as 5° F., and some work at temperatures as low as negative 15° F.
Moderate climates such as Seattle typically do not require cold-climate heat pumps.
Myth 2: Heat pumps are noisy
Fact 2: Up until the last decade, most large, central heat pumps and air conditioners were indeed loud. Both the outdoor unit (the compressor) and the air moving through the system fan produced noticeable noise.
Recent advances have significantly lowered the noise of the outdoor units with noise levels ranging from a quiet library (40 decibels) to typical home appliances like a refrigerator or dishwasher (60-70 decibels). Furthermore, with variable speed inverter technology, the current generation of heat pumps can operate at nearly inaudible low speeds, far below their rated maximum noise levels.
Myth 3: Heat pumps aren’t efficient in the cold
Fact 3: Though they lose efficiency as the outdoor temperature drops, even at temperatures near zero degrees Fahrenheit, some heat pumps can function at nearly 200% efficiency.
Myth 4: Heat pumps only work in newer, well-insulated homes
Fact 4: Properly sized heat pumps can be used to heat virtually any indoor residential space. Older homes are also converting exclusively to heat pumps.
Myth 5: You have to turn down your heat pump at night to save energy
Fact 5: Heat pumps save the most energy when they’re kept at a consistent temperature. For maximum efficiency from your heat pump, program your thermostat at a regulated temperature.
Myth 6: Heat pumps require too much maintenance
Fact #6: Although a heat pump requires more attention in the beginning, once installed it won’t need frequent maintenance work. Since a heat pump does not run on flammable fuels, it proves safer than a traditional heating system that runs on gas or oil. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to have the heat pump checked by an expert at least once every two years.
Myth 7: Heat pumps are just for heating
Fact 7: While the name lends itself to this misperception, heat pumps provide both heating AND cooling. They are heat pumps because they can effectively move heat INTO your home during the heating season, then reverse the process to move heat (and some humidity) OUT of your home during the cooling season.
Myth 8: Heat pumps are less efficient than furnaces
Fact 8: A heat pump can transfer over 300% more energy than it consumes, while a high-efficiency gas furnace will transfer just 90% of the energy it uses, resulting in some of the lowest running costs in residential heating and cooling.
Myth 9: The lifespan of heat pumps is limited
Fact 9: The rumor is that heat pumps burn out quicker because they run year-round. The reality is that as long as your heat pump is properly maintained, high-quality models will last for 15 years or longer.
HOMEOWNER RESOURCES
EDEN Home Basics
Heat pumps vs. ACs: What's the difference?
If you are considering a system to cool your home, both heat pumps and air conditioners will do the job. However, a heat pump will also provide highly efficient heating during the winter as well.
What is a heat pump and why should I upgrade?
A heat pump provides all-in-one heating and cooling for perfect year-round comfort. Not only that, it operates more than 3x efficiently compared with a standard furnace.
Heat pumps vs. furnaces: What’s the difference?
Heat pumps and furnaces heat your home – but in different ways. The most significant difference between furnaces and heat pumps is that furnaces create their own heat.