As the effects of the changing climate continue to impact our communities, many homeowners have sought to make their homes as energy-efficient as possible. From installing solar panels to replacing inefficient heating systems, there are many ways you can modernize your home.
One homeowner turned to r/Home in an effort to get honest opinions on installing a heat pump in their home.
In the post, the Redditor revealed that their old furnace had broken down and they were seeking options. "I had never heard of a heat pump until today," the original poster wrote. "Are they as good as they seem on paper?"
When compared side by side, heat pumps generally offer greater energy efficiency and lower operating costs than traditional HVAC systems. This is because heat pumps have to do less work inside your home.
💡Save thousands with a heat pump
A heat pump can save you thousands of dollars in heating and cooling costs — but first you have to find the right installer at the right price.
Use EnergySage's free tool today to find local options, compare prices, and see how much you can save.
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According to the Department of Energy, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. Since heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate heat, they are a more energy-efficient alternative to a traditional system.
Thanks to the increased efficiency and available incentives, heat pumps can save you a lot of money in the long run. You can check out EnergySage's heat pump marketplace to see just how affordable they can be.
After weighing their options, the original poster couldn't help but feel like there had to be a catch when it came to installing a heat pump. "The cost difference when including government rebates is substantial — to the point of being 'too good to be true,'" they wrote.
If you're looking into installing a heat pump but aren't sure if it's right for your home, we offer a simple guide to make your decision easier. With the Inflation Reduction Act, you can earn federal income tax credits for making energy-efficient upgrades to your home.
While major changes to the IRA would require an act of Congress, President Donald Trump has said he would like to eliminate the subsidies. So, taking advantage of these offers sooner than later might be your best bet.
"The ROI is there and if your electricity source is lower carbon than the average and getting better, then you'll be helping out with climate change," one commenter noted.
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Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to buy a heat pump? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Lower energy bills 💰 Though many commenters approved of the use of heat pumps, one user encouraged the original poster to consider their climate.
"A heat pump is absolutely the greatest thing ever, so long as it's above freezing," they said.
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