A heat pump is a system that heats and cools your home by moving heat instead of creating it. It pulls heat from the air or ground and transfers it indoors or outdoors depending on the season.
An air source heat pump pulls heat from the outside air and moves it into your home in winter. In summer, it reverses the process and removes heat from your home to cool it.
A geothermal heat pump uses heat from the ground instead of the air to heat and cool your home. Underground temperatures stay steady, so these systems are very efficient year round.
In the winter, a heat pump pulls heat from the outdoor air and transfers it inside your home. Even cold air contains heat, so the system can still provide warmth in low temperatures.
Most modern heat pumps work efficiently down to around 5°F to 0°F, depending on the model. They do not stop working in cold weather, but they may need backup heat in extreme temperatures.
A heat pump can work with a furnace in a dual fuel system. The heat pump handles mild weather, and the furnace turns on when temperatures drop too low for the heat pump to run efficiently.
Emergency heat should be used when the heat pump is not working properly or during very cold weather when it cannot keep up. It relies on backup electric or gas heat and uses more energy.
A heat pump uses electricity to move heat, but it is usually more efficient than traditional electric heating. The exact usage depends on your home size, insulation, and local climate.
Heat pumps are worth it for many homeowners because they are energy efficient and can lower heating and cooling costs. They also provide both heating and cooling in one system, which can reduce equipment needs.
Most heat pumps last about 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. Geothermal heat pumps often last longer, sometimes 20 to 25 years or more.