Heat pumps used to be a niche option—limited in power compared to gas furnaces or boilers and primarily marketed for warmer climates or commercial use. But things have changed. Thanks to significant technological advancements, heat pumps are now more efficient than ever, while gas and electricity prices continue to rise. As a result, heat pumps are becoming popular, competitive, and often better choice for homeowners.
Do you fit in that category?
In this blog, we’ll explore that question. We’ll discuss how heat pumps work, their potential impact on your heating bills, and whether a heat pump installation in Burlington might be the solution you’re looking for. Spoiler alert: heat pumps are an excellent choice for many of our customers.
How Heat Pumps Work
Believe it or not, there’s heat in the atmosphere even on the coldest days. It might not seem like it, but it’s true!
Even when temperatures are extremely low, there’s still ambient heat outside—it’s just spread out and hard to feel. That’s where heat pumps shine. They use refrigerant and electricity to pull heat from the air through evaporation and condensation. This heat is then transferred indoors, warming your home efficiently. Heat pumps perform best during mild winters but are still effective in colder climates thanks to advancements like variable-speed compressors and cold-climate models. They’re incredibly efficient and environmentally friendly because they move heat instead of generating it.
The Future of Heating Bills
Gas and other fossil fuels are finite resources. While they may be relatively affordable now due to domestic production, rising demand and limited supply mean prices will eventually spike further—something we’re already seeing.
Heat pumps, on the other hand, run on electricity. While electricity costs can also rise, there’s significant potential for efficiency improvements through infrastructure upgrades or renewable energy solutions like solar panels. Transitioning to an electric heating system is a smart, future-focused choice, and heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to make that switch.
Is a Heat Pump a Good Choice for You?
That depends! Here are some key factors to consider:
- Upfront Cost: Heat pumps are typically more expensive to install than traditional furnaces.
- Cold Weather Performance: Modern heat pumps can handle extreme cold, but they may not be as efficient during the most frigid days of the year.
- Long-Term Savings: Heat pumps are exceptionally efficient on milder days, which can lead to significant energy savings over time.
Our team can help you determine if your home is a good fit for a heat pump system.
Consider Going Ductless!
Don’t stop at a centralized heat pump! Ductless heat pumps, or mini-split systems, are ideal for smaller or uniquely designed homes. These systems are even more efficient because they eliminate the need for air ducts, which can lose energy during heat transfer.
Our team of Home Performance Experts has served the I-5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands since 1972 with a mission of Improving Lives™. We look forward to serving you too! Contact Barron Heating today for heat pump installation.