Pros and Cons of Air-Source Heat Pumps

Air-source heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to keep your home cozy and comfortable, and they cost less to run than electric or oil heating. But if your winters are a wonderland of snow and ice, this type of heating system may not be able to keep up. Learn more about the pros and cons of air-source heat pumps and how to tell if they’re right for your home.

What Is an Air-Source Heat Pump?

An air-source heat pump is an HVAC system that moves heat from inside your house to the outside and vice versa, depending on the season (aka, it can both heat and cool your home). It uses air as the source of heating and cooling.

Heat pumps are much more effective at heating your home than electric heating sources, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). They’re also more cost-effective, saving people an average of $459 per year in comparison. And when you compare air-source heat pumps to oil heating, you can save $948 per year, on average.

Although these systems have several benefits, they have some drawbacks, too. Let’s go over the pros and cons of air-source heat pumps to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your home. No matter what you choose, make sure you hire a licensed pro to size your system and install it.

Pros of an Air-Source Heat Pump

Here are a few of the advantages of heat pumps.

Energy-Efficient

Air-source heat pumps are a much more energy-efficient way to keep your home comfortable. They generate as much as four times the heat energy that they use in electricity, according to the DOE. They use up to 75% less electricity compared to more traditional electric methods, like baseboard heating.

Adaptable

You can buy air-source heat pumps that integrate with your existing duct system or choose a ductless system if you don’t have ductwork in place already. Heat pumps also let you heat and cool your home with one system instead of relying on separate systems.

Cleaner Indoor Air

Unlike combustible methods of heating, such as oil, air-source heat pumps transfer heat—they don’t burn fuel. That means you won’t have carbon monoxide emissions inside your home.

Cons of an Air-Source Heat Pump

As effective and efficient as air-source heat pumps can be, they’re not always the right choice. Here are some considerations to keep in mind.

Not as Effective in Cold Climates

In colder climates like New England, only 3% of homes use heat pumps. That’s partly because these systems can require a secondary heating system in very cold areas. Winterizing and weather-proofing your home can help, and you’ll need to make sure to clear snow from the outdoor unit frequently in snowy weather.

Higher Up-Front Costs

Installing a heat pump costs $6,000 on average. This is more expensive than the cost to install a new furnace, which averages $4,800. However, the energy savings over time can offset these higher up-front costs.

Costlier Than Gas

Running a system that depends on electricity, like air-source heat pumps do, costs more than running one that relies on natural gas, such as a boiler and radiator system.

Alternatives to Air-Source Heat Pumps

Check out some other ways to heat your home, including other heat pump types.

• Geothermal heat pumps: These are still heat pumps, but they transfer heat from the ground, not the air. Ground-source heat pumps are more expensive up front than air-source heat pumps but are extremely efficient and reliable.

• Dual-fuel systems: Hybrid or dual-fuel systems combine a heat pump with a gas furnace, offering the efficiency of the heat pump in warmer weather while bringing in the gas furnace when temperatures plummet.

• Electric heating: Baseboard heaters and radiant floor heating are two forms of electric heating that can keep your space comfortable. However, although they cost less up front, they’re more expensive to run.

Is an Air-Source Heat Pump Right for You?

Air-source heat pumps can be an excellent choice for keeping your home comfortable, especially if you’re looking for a double-duty solution that can heat and cool. Consider installing a heat pump in these instances:

• You live in a mild climate: These systems are best for people who live in mild climates (unless you choose a more advanced cold-climate heat pump, and even those are only designed for temperatures that don’t fall below 5 degrees Fahrenheit).

• You’re replacing an inefficient system: If you’re replacing an oil heating system or an electric heating system, the lower running cost of an air-source heat pump will be a pleasant surprise.

• Your house is well-insulated: You’ll get the most bang for your buck if your home is already well-insulated. Leaky, drafty homes will see a lot of heat loss, which lowers the efficiency of the heat pump and could wear it out faster.

Still not sure? Talk to a heat pump installer near you. They can help you decide if an air-source heat pump is the right choice for your home.