CL-August 2024 - 21

ENERGY SENSE
Air-source heat pumps can reduce heating use
by about 65% compared to an electric furnace.
Geothermal heat pumps can reduce
home energy use by 70% to 80%.
A Heated Conversation
Air conditioning is a benefit of heat pump technology
by Miranda Boutelle, Contributing Columnist
Q:
T
My heating system is 10-plus years old, and
I want to switch to a heat pump. Can you help
me choose the best option for my home?
he term " heat pump " does not
highlight the benefit of air
conditioning that comes with
the technology. Heat pumps are highly
efficient because they don't use energy
to create heat. Instead, they use energy
to move heat - into the home in the
winter and out of it in the summer.
They typically produce about three
times more energy than they use.
The most common types of heat
pumps are air source and ground source.
Air-source heat pumps transfer
heat from the outside air, even if it
isn't particularly warm outside.
Ground-source, or geothermal heat
pumps, transfer heat between your
home and the ground. With a lower
upfront price tag, air-source heat
pumps are much more common.
According to the U.S. Department
of Energy, air-source heat pumps
can reduce heating use by about
65% compared to an electric furnace.
They come in a variety of styles and
configurations to fit different homes.
Air source heat pump technology has
co-opliving.com
A:
Heat pumps have been around for decades,
and in that time, the technology has come a long
way. In my opinion, they could use a rebrand.
been popular in warmer climates for
decades. There are now cold climate
versions available as well.
Here's an explanation of how each
type operates:
* Ducted air source heat pumps
are ideal for homes with existing
ductwork or homes where ductwork
can be feasibly added. Replacing
an aging central air conditioning
system with a heat pump can
significantly reduce heating costs.
* Ductless heat pumps, or mini-split
heat pumps, also draw heat from
the outside air. They are a great
solution for homes that do not
have existing ductwork.
* Ductless heat pumps can be a great
option for homes with wood stoves.
This can help home air quality, heat
the home without gathering wood
and provide air conditioning in
warmer months.
* Geothermal heat pumps transfer
heat from the ground to your home.
They are even more efficient than
air source heat pumps, reducing
energy use by 70% to 80%,
according to the U.S. Department
of Energy. They can also heat water
for use in the home, which saves
on water heating costs.
From a user experience perspective,
heat pumps are a little different because
the heat from the register doesn't feel
quite as warm as oil, electric, natural
gas or propane heat. That can take a
little getting used to, but the efficiency
gains and energy savings make the
investment worthwhile.
Before buying a heat pump,
compare equipment ratings. The
higher the rating, the more efficient
the equipment. If it is time to replace
your heating system, I recommend
making the switch to a heat pump
to conserve energy and potentially
save on your electric bills.
*
Miranda Boutelle writes on energyefficiency
topics for the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association.
August 2024 * Cooperative Living * 19
PHOTO COURTESY BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
PHOTO COURTESY WATERFURNACE INTERNATIONAL
http://www.co-opliving.com
CL-August 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CL-August 2024
