Move heat. Change direction.
An air-source heat pump uses electricity to move heat between outdoor and indoor air. It brings heat indoors in heating mode and carries heat outside in cooling mode. Transferring heat can use less electricity than electric resistance heating.
Which type fits your home?
Ductless
Indoor units deliver heated or cooled air directly to the spaces they serve. This is an option for homes without air ducts. Ask how air will reach bedrooms and other rooms behind closed doors.
Ducted
A central or compact air handler distributes air through ducts. Ask the installer to evaluate existing ducts, airflow, and available space before assuming they can be reused.
A single-zone system connects one outdoor unit with one indoor unit. A multi-zone system connects an outdoor unit to multiple indoor units. Compare the proposed combination as a complete system, including its winter performance.
Space heating and hot water are different jobs
A heat pump water heater heats domestic water. A heat pump for space heating warms rooms. When comparing products or rebates, make sure the information refers to the equipment you intend to buy.
Start with the whole home
The installer should assess heat loss, room layout, and cold-weather capacity. A cold-climate label alone does not tell you whether a particular system can heat every room in your house. Decide how supplemental heat and power outages will be handled before changing an existing system.
Three things to bring to a first visit
- A list of rooms that are uncomfortable in winter or summer.
- Your recent fuel and electricity bills.
- Questions about indoor-unit locations, sound, controls, and service access.