What is a heat pump and should you be installing one? Explore our expert guide

While you might be aware of all the hype surrounding heat pumps, do you know what they are, how they work, how they are installed and how much they cost? If not, our guide is here to fill you in.

There is actually an awful lot to consider if you are thinking about having a heat pump installed into your home as it's a big investment and impacts a vital function in your home: heating and hot water. To further complicate things, there is not just one type of heat pump out there.

We spoke to the experts to bring you this handy guide which explains all there is to know about heat pumps so you can feel confident that the final decision you make on your new heating system is the right eco heating option for you.

What is a heat pump?

With so many home heating types out there, let's start at the beginning.

'A heat pump is a machine that moves heat energy from one place to another,' explains Larry Lessard, founder and director at Achieve Renewable Energy, LLC. 'Moving heat is much more efficient than creating it by burning fuel.'

'A heat pump is a versatile device that can both heat and cool your home,' continues Yashar Mosaferi, president at klondikeac.com. 'It works by transferring heat rather than generating it. In the summer, it extracts heat from the inside of your home and releases it outside, effectively cooling your living space. In the winter, the process is reversed: the heat pump draws heat from the outside air (even in cold weather) and brings it inside. This efficiency in heat transfer makes heat pumps a popular choice for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.'

It is worth noting not all heat pumps can cool your home so check the spec on the one you're considering.

Are there different types of heat pump?

'There are two types of heat pumps that are commonly used in homes: Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) and Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs),' says Larry Lessard. 'Both types of heat pumps move heat from the ‘source’, which is either outdoor air or the ground, into the house to heat it.'

In the case of GSHPs, pipes are buried in trenches or boreholes so that they can take heat from the ground. With ASHPs, a unit that looks a lot like an external air conditioning unit takes heat from the air and puts it through a heat exchanger. These do make some noise, especially if they are not functioning efficiently because they have been badly installed (or too close to walls and fences.

You might also hear of geothermal heat pumps. These are a little like GSHPs but tend to be buried deeper in the ground, taking their energy from the core of the earth. GSHPs use energy generated by the heat from the sun, stored in the earth, so can be buried at shallower depths.

Water source heat pumps take heat from water such as a lake, but these are less commonly used domestically.

"The heat pump can also move heat in the reverse direction from the house to the outside air or ground to air condition the house,' says Larry Lessard. 'Heat pumps are reliable technology that have been in use for many years. In fact, your refrigerator/freezer is a heat pump. It is smaller capacity than the ones used to heat or cool a house but it operates the same way.'

Some heat pumps are designed to be ductless. These bring the air into the room through freestanding units mounted on the wall or ceiling.

Larry Lessard

Larry Lessard is the Founder and Director of Achieve Renewable Energy, LLC. based in Salem, Massachusetts. He is a respected authority in the field of geothermal energy, GeoExchange, heat pumps and environmental consulting with extensive experience designing and installing commercial, residential, and district geothermal systems and utilizing various ground heat exchangers.

As Director, he has over 35 years of experience communicating the benefits of ground source heat pump design and installations from the technical and complex to the economic, environmental, and legal implications. Mr. Lessard is an accredited installer, a licensed construction supervisor, a Certified Geothermal Inspector, and a Certified GeoExchange Designer, one of two practicing in the state.

How much do heat pumps cost?

You will no doubt be keen to know how much a heat pump is going to set you back. There are many factors that will affect how much you pay. You should also look into which type of heating is the cheapest to run long term.

'The cost of installing a heat pump varies depending on the type, size and complexity of the system,' says Charlie Hadlow, president and COO of EnergySage. 'They generally range from $3,000 to $10,000, including installation. Government rebates and incentives can significantly reduce the initial cost, making heat pumps an attractive option for many homeowners.'

It is important to be aware that quotes will vary though.

'The cost of installing a heat pump typically ranges from $6,500 to $10,000, including both the system and installation,' says Asif Bux, owner and service manager at Comfort Union. 'The Gree FLEXX system offers a range of sizes, generally from 1.5 tons to 4 tons, which allows for flexible installation in compact spaces such as attics or closets. Its design ensures it can fit into various home layouts, including both new constructions and retrofits.'

'The upfront cost for installing a geothermal system ranges between $20,000 and $50,000 depending on where you live. There are 30% federal tax credits, along with state and local utility incentives to significantly reduce this cost,' advises Bill Buschur, CEO at Waterless Geothermal. 'In fact, after these incentives, many homeowners find the systems to be pretty affordable. For example, some of our customers report paying as little as $21 per month to heat and cool their homes.'

'The cost of a heat pump varies depending on the type, with your location and installation process also playing a factor,' says Richie Drew, vice president of operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. 'However, regional and federal rebate programs can lower upfront costs by thousands of dollars. It is best to call an HVAC professional when installing a heat pump to avoid a dangerous scenario that leads to even higher costs.'

How much does a heat pump cost to run?

Once you have the installation costs covered, how much does it cost to run a heat pump?

'The cost of running your heat pump, like the cost of purchasing and installing one, depends on the type and size you own,' says Richie Drew. 'Generally, the cost to cool your home with a central heat pump is comparable with that of a central air conditioner. That being said, when it comes to heating your home, a heat pump is much more efficient and therefore less expensive to operate than an electric resistance furnace.

'The cost of heating your home with a central heat pump are competitive with operating costs of natural gas, propane, or oil furnaces,' continues Richie. 'The exact costs and savings depend on local energy prices, the climate in your location and the efficiency of your fuel fired furnace.

'There are also 'dual fuel' options available that use both a heat pump and a fuel fired furnace to heat and cool your home, which would give you the best of both worlds,' continues Richie. 'These use the fuel fired furnace to provide heat in the extreme winter months and the heat pump to heat in the milder fall and spring months, while also using the heat pump to cool your home whenever the demand calls for cooling. An HVAC professional should be able to compare and contrast the different types of systems available to you in your area and help you choose the most economical and comfortable option for your specific market and your home.'

'Ground source heat pumps are usually more than twice as efficient as air source heat pumps,' points out Larry Lessard. 'GSHPs are recognized by the US Department of Energy as the most efficient heating and cooling solution for buildings. In New England, where we work, GSHPs can have total heating and cooling operating cost for houses with fuel oil, propane, or electric resistance heating that is as much as 70% lower than the traditional options.'

Can heat pumps be retrofitted?

What puts some people off heat pumps is the belief that having one fitted into an older or existing home will be difficult or disruptive and while it is definitely easier to have one fitted when building a house from scratch, it is still possible to retrofit, perfect for anyone looking to make some eco home improvements.

'Heat pumps can be retrofitted to existing properties and currently there is Government funding to support this in the form of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme,' says Lizzie Wilkinson, domestic product director at Ideal Heating. 'The ease of retrofitting a heat pump depends on the house; many houses can easily accommodate a heat pump with some minor adjustments to the existing heating system, whilst some houses might need more work. Factors such as the age of the house, size of current radiators and pipework, space for a hot water cylinder and a suitable outside location for the heat pump are all factors that will impact a retrofit. This is why it’s important to work with an installer who will come and survey your home to explain the steps needed to retrofit a heat pump.

'A typical heat pump system that provides heating and hot water will consist of three main parts: the outdoor unit housing a fan which sits outside the house, and a hot water cylinder and control system inside the house,' continues Lizzie Wilkinson. 'The different components are linked together by pipework and wiring. There may also be some other components, that usually sit in the cupboard with the cylinder such as pumps, a filter and an expansion vessel which is very similar to a traditional heating system.'

Retrofitting a heat pump system, especially ductless mini-split units, is relatively straightforward and less invasive compared to installing traditional ducted systems. Glenn Wiseman, sales manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services says. 'Since they do not require duct-work, the installation process is simpler and quicker, which makes them a viable option for older homes or those looking to upgrade their current heating and cooling systems with minimal hassle.'

'Retrofits for a heat pump in an older home are relatively easy, especially if duct work has already been installed,' adds Yashar Mosaferi. 'For ductless situations, ductless mini-split systems offer flexibility and the least hassle in terms of installation. Primary considerations would be available outdoor space for the unit and assurance that the existing electrical system can handle the new equipment.'

Is a heat pump a good idea?

So, now you know what they are, how much they cost and how they work, is a heat pump right for you? There are certainly many advantages to having one installed compared to other forms of heating and air conditioning types.

'Heat pumps are the most efficient and comfortable way to heat and cool your home,' says Paul Lambert, founder and CEO at Quilt. 'Since they’re all-electric and don’t require fossil fuels, you’ll save money and reduce the climate impact of your home. The best part is that ductless mini split heat pumps offer room-by-room control so each room can be set to the perfect temperature. With the added intelligence and occupancy awareness of smart systems like Quilt, you’ll never be heating or cooling empty rooms; the system will automatically switch to 'Eco Mode' to save you even more.'

'Heat pumps can be a great idea for your home if you are looking for a low carbon solution,' agrees Lizzie Wilkinson. 'There are Government grants that can help to fund a heat pump installation and many energy providers are now offering heat pump tariffs for electricity. All homes are unique to the people living in them, to understand how a heat pump might fit into your home it’s best to consult a specialist installer who will be able to advise on the best option for your home.'

FAQs

Can geothermal heat pumps be retrofitted?

We've talked about GSHPs being fitted into existing homes, but what about geothermal heat pumps?

'Retrofitting a home with a geothermal heat pump can be an option but depends on compatibility with existing systems,' says Bill Buschur. 'At Waterless Geothermal, our systems utilize copper in our loop installations, which is essential for retrofitting with certain brands. Geothermal heat pumps are able to work with current duct systems inside the home. Traditional air source heat pumps may be easier to retrofit.'

While you are upgrading your house, or even if you are building your own home from scratch, do think into other features house buyers want so that, should you come to move on in the future, your home will be an attractive prospect.