Heat pumps do more than cool your home in summer—they warm it up in winter too. They use a reversing valve to change the direction of refrigerant flow, extracting thermal energy from the air outside your house and transferring it indoors. In a typical home, the system can cut your heating bills by up to 40 percent while significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Unlike traditional gas furnaces that generate their own heat, modern heat pumps can extract two to three times more thermal energy from the air than they consume in electricity to power them. That makes them much more efficient than traditional electric furnaces, and even more so when paired with renewable energy like solar or wind https://architects.zone/what-are-heat-pumps-how-they-work-and-why-you-need-one/ power. UC Davis researchers suggest that switching to a heat pump could reduce household carbon emissions by 75 percent compared to a conventional air-source system using fossil fuels.

Because of their efficiency, many homeowners who switch to heat pumps save money by leaving their thermostats at a constant temperature overnight instead of lowering it and raising it throughout the day. But this can also make it harder for the heat pump to keep up with demand. This is why it’s important to find a contractor who’s familiar with heat pumps and will help you set your thermostat for maximum comfort while keeping your energy costs down.

As you browse contractors, look for one that has an established reputation in your community. Ask friends and neighbors about their experiences, or check online reviews of local heating and cooling companies. A reputable company should be in business for years and have a solid track record of customer satisfaction.

Once you’ve found a contractor with a good reputation, check whether they have a certification from the manufacturer of the heat pump you’re considering. Carrier, Daikin, LG HVAC, Mitsubishi / Trane, and other major heat pump manufacturers offer programs that give preferred partnerships to contractors who meet certain quality standards. These contractors will have access to technical support and training, as well as discounts on parts and labor for your heat pump.

In mild climates, heat pumps work very efficiently, and they can often replace your existing air conditioning system. In colder climates, they are best used in combination with a gas furnace as backup for the few days per year when outdoor temperatures dip below freezing.