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Appliance reviewer debunks rampant claim about heat pump HVACs after upgrading: 'Costs us next to nothing'

"My home stays perfect all day and all night."

"My home stays perfect all day and all night."

Photo Credit: iStock

It's a good thing Jonathan Tracey (@Jonathan Tracey) didn't listen to the detractors who said heat pumps cost a fortune to run. 

That's because the U.K.-based YouTuber's home is now much more comfortable and energy efficient, in part thanks to the cutting-edge tech. 

"What if I told you my house is always warm, my hot water, it never runs out, and I spend less money than I did with a gas boiler," he said in a video.

It's all made possible by using a mix of solar panels, battery storage, and a heat pump. The latter heating technology is a linchpin to the savings, disproving needlessly cost-wary critics. Rewiring America estimated that average households will save between $400 and $1,000 annually by upgrading to a heat pump. 

For his part, Tracey is "on a journey to energy independence" with "all things renewable," per his channel. He has had household solar for 14 years, along with batteries to store electricity. In the video, he explained that they have already paid for themselves. By charging the packs during low-cost times at night, he can run the heat pump during the day, and it "costs us next to nothing."

There are several types of heat pumps that can supplement or replace traditional furnaces and air conditioners that burn dirty fuels or consume loads of electricity. 

The U.S. Department of Energy reported that the units can reduce heating-related energy use by up to 75%. Some are even ductless. Pressurized refrigerant is used to absorb and transport warm air in or out of the house, depending on the season, according to Energy Star. 

Tracey's November electricity bill increased by less than $10 after installing his unit. But his gas bill has nearly been eliminated, resulting in substantial overall savings. For reference, the average U.S. home uses about 52% of its energy to provide heat and AC, per government data. 

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Mitsubishi Electric’s efficient heating and cooling HVAC solutions can help you stay comfortable no matter the weather or region. You can even regulate temperatures in each room with individually controlled all-electric heat pump systems.

With an energy-efficient, all-climate system from Mitsubishi, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, receive up to $2,000 in tax credits, and get peace of mind knowing you’re choosing rigorously tested, high-quality products.

Mitsubishi Electric can help you find the right heat pump system for your home and a local pro to install it. They cost between $1,500 and $15,000, depending on the kind you get and the size, according to This Old House. 

Buying one by the end of the year will secure up to $2,000 in tax breaks.

Solar tax credits are expiring, too. EnergySage is a trusted resource that can help you navigate the household installation process to save up to $10,000 on upfront costs. Many states still provide perks for cleaner energy tech, as well.  

Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to buy a heat pump?

Lower energy bills 💰

Better temperature control 🌡️

Helping the planet 🌎

I'd never buy a heat pump 🚫

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Tracey has demonstrated that the upgrades are a worthwhile investment. He has slashed pollution that was being spewed by his old HVAC system and saved money in the process. According to NASA, polluted air is linked to life-threatening, extreme heat and weather events that are setting records, so reducing the fumes is a significant win. 

"My home stays perfect all day and all night. No more cold mornings or waiting for the heat to kick in," he said in the clip. 

If you're ready to update your home's old HVAC system, it's important to find trusted installers. Luckily, Mitsubishi has tons of resources to help make the upgrade simple and convenient. 

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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