Electric Heat Pumps
Energy Champs!
When it comes to heating and cooling a home, it’s tough to beat an efficient electric heat pump! Heat pumps are proven, reliable workhorses that function in the same way a refrigerator or air conditioner does. They don’t create any heat-they simply move it, or pump it, from one place to another. Because they create no heat, they use very little energy to get the job done. And because they’re electric, you know they’re clean, reliable and safe. No fumes, no tank to fill, no pilot lights, no worries.
How They Work...
Heat pumps aren’t new. Electric heat pumps first appeared in the 1930s, and they’ve improved dramatically. The U.S. Dept. of Energy says: “Recent development in heat pumps marketed today have made them more reliable, and many applications can offer substantial energy and dollar savings.” In other words, if you haven’t seen a heat pump lately, you haven’t seen a heat pump! Heat pumps operate simply: They extract heat from a source at a low temperature and discharge it at a higher temperature. This transfer of heat allows a heat pump to supply more heat than the equivalent energy it uses. That means they’re highly efficient, which translates to lower operating costs.
Even in the coldest weather, there is heat energy in the air. In extreme cold, heat pumps use built-in supplemental heating to ensure comfort in even the coldest climates. In fact, heat pumps are one of the most popular space conditioning technologies in Sweden, which isn’t exactly tropical!
In the summer, heat pumps give reliable, efficient air conditioning and dehumidifying by reversing the process. They really are the best year-round home comfort solution.
Clean Savings...
Another benefit of heat pump efficiency is environmental cleanliness. Studies show that heat pump heating is much more efficient than gas heating in terms of total energy used, and that’s good for the environment. Of course, high efficiency also has a direct, positive impact on your home budget.
Compare the numbers here to see what you can save
Annual Heating and Cooling Costs
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$1972 $ 734 $ 457 |
Comparison based on 1,600 sq. ft. home in northwestern South Dakota. Costs may vary with climate and home size. Calculations based on the following costs: Propane: $2.00/gal. Natural gas: $.08/ therm. Heat Pump: $.04/kWh.
