How Heat Pump Technology is Revolutionizing Home Efficiency

Your water heater and heating and cooling systems make up the biggest energy users in your home. Not only are they your biggest energy users, but they’re also essential for your comfort. However, having old and inefficient technology can cost you more in energy use, and also increase your likelihood of breakdowns and emergency maintenance.

As such, the best time to think about upgrading these systems is before your water heater, heating, and cooling systems need replacing. The most efficient water heaters and heating and cooling systems use heat pump technology, which moves heat rather than creating it. Heat pump technology is not only 2-3 times more efficient than traditional electric and gas water and space heaters, but it can also help you transition away from fossil fuels and into the clean energy future.

Clean Heating and Cooling with Heat Pump Technology
For the average American household, almost half of the annual energy bill goes to heating and cooling. But with an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump, you can drastically reduce your energy usage while keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer – making this investment usable year-round. Other benefits of an ENERGY STAR certified air source heat pump, include:

• It can heat your home for approximately 1/3 the cost of traditional electric baseboard heating, and approximately 1/2 the cost of oil heat. Heat pump heating is so efficient it can deliver up to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes.
• A heat pump can also reduce cooling costs compared to conventional room air conditioners.
• A central heat pump uses existing ductwork in your home and can provide heating and cooling through one integrated system.
• A heat pump is better for the environment. An ENERGY STAR certified model can avoid more than 4,500lbs of greenhouse gas emissions, on average, over its lifespan compared to standard heating and cooling systems.

Heat Pump (Electric) Water Heaters
A water heater uses about 20% of a home’s energy—more than your refrigerator, clothes washer, dishwasher, and dryer combined. However, an ENERGY STAR certified electric water heater that uses heat pump technology can operate efficiently and heat your home’s water using significantly less energy than a standard water heater. Additionally, ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters:

• Are up to four times more efficient than conventional water heaters.
• Can save a family of four approximately $470 in annual energy savings and more than $4,500 over the product’s lifetime.
• Come with a minimum 6-year warranty and last a long time.
• Feature user controls for comfort and convenience.

Visit energystar.gov/homeupgrade to learn more about these two high-impact improvements that incorporate heat pump technology, as well as how to choose the right products, ways to save money on a purchase, tips for selecting a contractor for installation, and ongoing maintenance.