Heat pumps, unlike other heating systems, consume no fuel. They’re all electric and rely on heat energy in the outdoor air to keep homes warm. When most homeowners hear that, they immediately assume that heat pumps are a warm-weather technology. After all, how can you heat a home using the heat from freezing winter air? Here’s what you need to know about today’s heat pumps and whether they can handle the Illinois winter.
Where Heat Pumps Get Their Heat
To understand heat pumps, it helps to think of the concepts of heat and cold like a scientist would. That begins with realizing humans start to feel cold once the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you probably don’t switch on your home’s heat until the outdoor temperature reaches the low 50s. Even at that temperature, though, a scientist would never say it was cold outside. They measure temperature using the Kelvin scale. On that scale, a 50-degree Fahrenheit day is still 283.15 degrees Kelvin.
On the Kelvin scale, 0 degrees is called absolute zero. That’s the point where no latent heat energy remains. In Fahrenheit, that’s -459.67 degrees. If you look at things that way, you’ll see that there’s still plenty of heat in the air, even on the coldest winter day. All you need to collect some of it is a refrigerant that’s colder than the outdoor temperature. That’s where older heat pumps once struggled, leading to their reputation for poor winter performance. Their refrigerants didn’t get cold enough to collect sufficient heat at temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Rise of Cold-Climate Heat Pumps
The good news is that modern refrigerants make cold-weather heat pump operation possible. More than that, they make it quite efficient. Today’s standard heat pumps retain 100% of their heating efficiency and capacity down to about 20 degrees. Cold weather models retain full capacity and efficiency down to 5 degrees or less. Most cold weather models can supply enough heat for the average home at temperatures as low as -15 degrees. For proof, look no further than the country of Norway.
More than two-thirds of households in Norway rely on a heat pump for year-round comfort. That country makes a helpful comparison because its average winter temperatures are similar to ours. The difference is that their winters last longer and feature more sub-freezing days. In other words, they use heat pumps in more punishing conditions than your home would.
Is a Heat Pump Right for You?
In truth, there’s no question that today’s heat pumps work well in the East Peoria, IL area. The real question is whether installing one is the right choice for you. To make that decision, you’ll need to consider a few things. The first is what kind of heating system you have now. Switching to a heat pump is a good idea if you currently rely on fuel oil for heat. Heat pumps are cleaner, safer, and cheaper to operate than oil boilers. If you have a gas furnace, your choice won’t be as clear-cut. While a heat pump may save you some money on heating costs, it will have higher upfront costs. Plus, if we get an especially cold winter, you may not even achieve much energy savings with a heat pump.
However, as you weigh your options, there is one important thing to know. It’s that heat pumps qualify for generous federal tax credits that help reduce their cost. Right now, a qualifying heat pump unlocks a tax credit worth up to 30% of its cost to a maximum of $2,000. In some cases, that can make a new heat pump cost comparable to a gas furnace. Also, a point-of-sale rebate program will soon begin, offering up to $8,000 on heat pumps. Your heat pump installation can become nearly free if you qualify for the maximum.
Your Trusted Heat Pump Experts
Since 1983, Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has specialized in efficient heating systems for East Peoria homes. We provide HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services. That includes both air-source heat pumps and geothermal HVAC systems. We also offer indoor air quality solutions. We’re a proud Lennox Premier Dealer, and our HVAC technicians have specialized factory training. Our list of positive customer reviews will tell you everything else you need to know about our work. If you’re interested in a new heat pump for your East Peoria home, call Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today!
