A TikTok clip brought a fresh wave of interest in heat pumps, explaining how their energy efficiency helps lower bills.
In the clip, Bay Area realtor Ellie Ridge (@ellieridgerealtor) explained how heat pumps work and noted that while a modern gas furnace tops out at 90% to 95% efficiency, a heat pump reaches an equivalent efficiency of 400%.
"For every one unit of energy input, it produces four units of heat or conditioned air — it's amazing," Ridge said.
@ellieridgerealtor Why heat pumps are great as an alternative to traditional furnace and AC systems - and what it means when you hear that they're "efficient"
♬ original sound - ellieridgerealtor
Instead of burning fuel, a heat pump transfers heat the way a refrigerator does — using refrigerant and pressure changes to move heat in or out. It can even draw heat from chilly outdoor air to warm indoor spaces during cold months.
Aside from Ridge's video, resources on TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you understand different heating and cooling options, including those that can save you up to 50% on your energy bills.
The Energy Information Administration noted the shift away from gas, with now more than 42% of U.S. households using electricity for heating. That's a positive shift.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gas for home heating produces roughly "117 pounds of carbon dioxide per million BTU, or 0.12 pounds per cubic foot of gas" — that's up to 4.1 tons of planet-warming gases each year.
If you're ready to upgrade your home, you can explore options with no upfront costs and worry-free maintenance through the HVAC Explorer.
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Palmetto, one Explorer partner, makes HVAC upgrades more affordable through its subscription plan with $0 down and low monthly payments. Its 12-year free maintenance service also helps reduce the overall lifetime spend on HVAC systems.
Pairing HVAC systems with solar solutions featured in the Solar Explorer can further increase energy savings. Plus, TCD's Solar Explorer can help you save up to $10,000 on installations.
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Do you think all new homes should use heat pump technology? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Definitely 💯 Palmetto, one Solar Explorer partner, installs solar panels with no upfront costs through its LightReach solar panel leasing program, which can slash utility rates by up to 20%.
Then, there's EnergySage, which makes it easy for you to get incentives and competitive bids from local installers if you're looking to buy.
Ridge's TikTok clip also gives a glimpse of what other homeowners think.
"It blew my mind when I found out heat pumps had efficiency above 100%," one viewer wrote.
Another shared their experience: "I switched my house from an electric furnace to a heat pump, and in the winter months my bill went from $800 to $150, and now I also have AC."
Others pointed out regional cost differences, with one user noting: "In states like CA where electricity is 49 cents, it's more cost-effective to burn natural gas."
Still, millions of Americans can enjoy the efficiency benefits that heat pumps bring by upgrading their homes. Another added perk of upgrading, such as the free Palmetto Home app, can unlock up to $5,000 in rewards and make installing heat pumps even more cost-efficient in the long run.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
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