How does a heat pump work?
A heat pump's refrigeration system consists of a compressor and two coils made of copper tubing (one indoors and one outside), which are surrounded by aluminum fins to aid heat transfer. In heating mode, liquid refrigerant in the outside coils extracts heat from the air and evaporates into a gas. The indoor coils release heat from the refrigerant as it condenses back into a liquid. A reversing valve, near the compressor, can change the direction of the refrigerant flow to switch from heating mode to cooling mode.
- In Vermont summers, heat pumps act as air conditioners, transferring warm indoor air to the outdoors, to keep your home nice and cool.
- In the winter, our heat pumps extract heat from the outside air - even when it is very cold - to keep Vermont homes warm and comfortable.
- Heat pumps are not furnaces. They don't produce heat by burning fuel; they use electricity to move heat from one location to another.
Do I need a backup heating system? Does a heat pump work in the cold?
While your heat pump will work throughout the winter here in Vermont, most Vermont homes that install heat pumps will need to maintain a backup heating system. A traditional furnace or boiler is recommended in addition to a heat pump for those extra cold days when the temperatures are in the negative double digits and when the heat pump needs some help.
Will my electricity bill go up if I install a heat pump?
An important point to remember is that heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat - so your electric bills increase whenever your heat pump is running. In some cases, and especially if you heat with propane, heating oil, or kerosene, your higher electric bill is more than offset by the decrease in fuel bills as a result of your heat pump system.
How is a heat pump installed?
Cold-climate heat pumps are quick to install. You don't have to dig up your yard or have major ductwork installed in your home. The connection between indoor and outdoor units requires only a three-inch hole through an exterior wall. The entire installation is normally completed by our certified heat pump technicians in a few hours.
Heat pumps have two components connected by thin copper lines.
- An outdoor compressor mounted to the outside of your home.
- A wall-mounted blower and temperature sensor inside your home.
For added convenience, our heat pumps are operated with an easy-to-use remote control. If you're curious about how many heat pumps your home needs, contact us today for a free quote for a heat pump installation.
How often do I need to clean my heat pump?
Heat pumps are highly resilient and perform well even during Vermont winters. However, regular heat pump cleaning is essential to ensure they operate efficiently and safely. Here are two primary reasons why annual heat pump cleaning is crucial:
Indoor Air Quality: Your heat pump constantly purifies the air in your home by capturing dust and debris. Over time, these particles clog the filters and obstruct the blower, which circulates the air. Regular heat pump maintenance, including cleaning out dust and debris, restores your heat pump to its full cooling and heating capacity.
Health: Mold growth is a common issue inside heat pumps due to their exposure to moisture and high humidity levels. Mold thrives in such conditions and, if it starts to grow in your heat pump, can easily spread throughout your home. Regular heat pump cleaning helps prevent mold growth and ensures a healthy indoor environment.
The Energy Co-op recommends annual heat pump cleaning and maintenance. We offer comprehensive heat pump maintenance and deep cleaning services to ensure your system runs safely and efficiently Click Here to Schedule a Heat Pump Cleaning.
Why do you recommend Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps?
The Energy Co-op is proud to be a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractor.
Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps offer:
- High efficiency heating and cooling (up to 33.1 SEER)
- Provides heat at outdoor temperatures as low as -13°F.
- Super-quiet summer air conditioning
- Minimal maintenance, no ductwork, accessible filters
- Comes with Diamond Contractor 12-year warranty
Our service manager and installation technicians have been factory trained in service, installation and sales for the Mitsubishi M-Series heat pump products. In addition, our technicians attend training classes on a regular basis to stay up-to-date on heat pump technology. Diamond Contractors like the Energy Co-op are the only Mitsubishi installers that can offer an extended 12-year parts warranty and a 12-year limited warranty on compressors.
How much do heat pumps cost?
Our heat pump prices in Vermont compare well with other contractors and start at $4,000 for the equipment and installation (electrical work not included). There are many heat pump rebates and tax incentives available through networks such as Efficiency Vermont.
We will provide a free no-obligation quote for a heat pump installation to your Vermont home. Get your free heat pump quote today!
By Brian Gray
If you do a Google search for "How much does a heat pump cost?" you'll probably get a long list of links from companies you never heard of asking you to fill out a contact form...